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AR VR · head to head

Babylon.js vs PlayCanvas

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR VR

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PlayCanvas logo

PlayCanvas

Game Development

Cloud-based WebGL game development 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; PlayCanvas private projects require a paid plan; the Free plan only allows public projects
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, PlayCanvas covers Cloud-based editor.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and PlayCanvas differ
AttributeBabylon.jsPlayCanvas
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWeb, Mobile
CategoryAR VRGame Development
Founded19752013

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 PlayCanvas

  • Cloud-based editor
  • Real-time collaboration
  • WebGL rendering
  • Physics engine
  • Visual scripting
  • Asset library
  • Version control
  • Instant deployment

Both cover

  • Web 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 PlayCanvas
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot PlayCanvas

PlayCanvas

  • Building WebGL games and interactive 3D that run in a browsernot Babylon.js
  • Browser based collaborative 3D editing across a teamnot Babylon.js
  • Web AR and VR experiences, product configurators and playable adsnot 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

PlayCanvas

  • Private projects require a paid plan; the Free plan only allows public projects
  • The Free plan is capped at 1GB of storage, Personal at 10GB and Organization at 50GB
  • Personal costs $15 per month and Organization costs $50 per seat per month
  • Team management is only available on the Organization plan
  • Private projects become locked and inaccessible if the subscription is cancelled, unless they are made public
  • There is no formal educational discount
  • There is no self serve trial of the Personal or Organization plan; an upgrade code must be requested from sales

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

PlayCanvas

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Unlimited public projects
    • Free app hosting
  • Personal$15/month
    • 10GB storage
    • Unlimited private projects
    • REST API access
  • Organization$50/per seat/month
    • 50GB storage
    • Team management
    • Full feature access

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 PlayCanvas if

  • You need cloud-based editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
PlayCanvas review

Questions people ask

Is Babylon.js or PlayCanvas better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and PlayCanvas at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or PlayCanvas?
Babylon.js starts at Free and PlayCanvas at Free.
Does Babylon.js or PlayCanvas run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. PlayCanvas runs on Web, Mobile.
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 PlayCanvas is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that PlayCanvas cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. PlayCanvas covers Cloud-based editor, Real-time collaboration, WebGL rendering, Physics engine. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Babylon.js: Is Babylon.js free to use?

Yes, Babylon.js is completely free. It is an open-source web rendering engine licensed under the Apache 2.0 license, which is permissive and does not restrict usage.

Source
PlayCanvas: How much does PlayCanvas cost?

PlayCanvas is free to start with 1GB storage and unlimited public projects. Personal plans cost $15/month with 10GB storage and unlimited private projects. Organization plans are $50 per seat/month with 50GB storage and team management features.

Source
Babylon.js: Can I use Babylon.js for commercial purposes?

Yes, the Apache 2.0 license permits free use for commercial purposes. You can use, modify, and distribute Babylon.js in commercial applications as long as you include a copy of the license and provide notice of significant changes.

Source
PlayCanvas: Does PlayCanvas have a free version?

Yes, PlayCanvas offers a free plan with 1GB storage, unlimited public projects, and free app hosting. Private projects and additional storage require a paid subscription.

Source
Babylon.js: Is there any paid support or commercial version of Babylon.js?

Babylon.js is open source with no paid tiers or commercial version. Community support is available through GitHub and documentation, but there are no official paid support contracts offered.

Source
PlayCanvas: What happens to my projects if I cancel my PlayCanvas subscription?

Private projects become locked upon subscription cancellation unless you switch them to public. Public projects remain accessible and editable.

Source
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