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Babylon.js vs Horizon Worlds

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

Software

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Horizon Worlds logo

Horizon Worlds

Software

Meta's social metaverse platform

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; Horizon Worlds free to download but its full multiplayer VR experience requires Meta Quest headset hardware; the iOS/mobile app is a companion rather than a substitute for the headset
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Horizon Worlds covers World building.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Babylon.js and Horizon Worlds actually diverge.

Attributes where Babylon.js and Horizon Worlds differ
AttributeBabylon.jsHorizon Worlds
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeVr, Quest
Founded19752004

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

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 Horizon Worlds

  • World building
  • Social spaces
  • Games
  • Events
  • Meta accounts
  • Quest integration
  • Creator tools
  • Vr support

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 Horizon Worlds
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot Horizon Worlds

Horizon Worlds

  • VR Gamingnot Babylon.js
  • AR Marketingnot Babylon.js
  • Virtual Trainingnot Babylon.js
  • 3D Visualizationnot Babylon.js
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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

Horizon Worlds

  • Free to download but its full multiplayer VR experience requires Meta Quest headset hardware; the iOS/mobile app is a companion rather than a substitute for the headset
  • Mobile app requires iOS 15.1 or later, per the App Store listing

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

Horizon Worlds

Free
  • FreeFree
    • World creation
    • Social features
    • Events

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 Horizon Worlds if

  • You need world building.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Quest.
  • You also want social spaces.
Horizon Worlds review

Questions people ask

Is Babylon.js or Horizon Worlds better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and Horizon Worlds at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or Horizon Worlds?
Babylon.js starts at Free and Horizon Worlds at Free.
Does Babylon.js or Horizon Worlds run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. Horizon Worlds runs on Vr, Quest.
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 Horizon Worlds is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that Horizon Worlds cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. Horizon Worlds covers World building, Social spaces, Games, Events.
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