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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Babylon.js vs Defold

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR/VR & Metaverse

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

AR/VR & Metaverse

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Babylon.js and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where Babylon.js and Defold differ
AttributeBabylon.jsDefold
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseUnknown
Founded19752005

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Babylon.js

  • WebGL/WebGPU rendering
  • Physics engines
  • GUI system
  • Node material editor
  • WebXR
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Azure

Only in Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Babylon.js

  • Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot Defold
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Babylon.js
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Babylon.js
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Babylon.js

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Babylon.js

  • JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Which should you pick?

Choose Babylon.js if

  • You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
  • You also want physics engines.
Babylon.js review

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is Babylon.js or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or Defold?
Babylon.js starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does Babylon.js or Defold run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Babylon.js for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Babylon.js best used for?
Babylon.js is most often used for web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences, cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support. Of those, web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences and cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that Defold cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects.
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