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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Babylon.js vs ShapesXR

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR/VR & Metaverse

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ShapesXR logo

ShapesXR

AR/VR & Metaverse

Collaborative XR prototyping 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; ShapesXR the free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, ShapesXR covers XR prototyping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and ShapesXR differ
AttributeBabylon.jsShapesXR
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeVr, Ar, Quest, Web
Founded19752019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).

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 ShapesXR

  • XR prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Interactions
  • Asset library
  • Figma
  • Sketch
  • Adobe XD
  • Vr support

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

ShapesXR

  • Designing and prototyping spatial and XR interfaces in a headsetnot Babylon.js
  • Reviewing 3D product designs in context with a distributed teamnot Babylon.js
  • Bringing Figma designs into VR for spatial layoutnot 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

ShapesXR

  • The free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • The free Starter plan caps imports at 20MB and the canvas at 100 square metres
  • The Figma plugin, playable Figma prototypes and 200MB imports require a paid plan
  • Roles, permissions, presentation tools and a shared team asset library require the Business plan
  • Single sign on, multi-factor authentication and premium support are Enterprise only
  • No prices are published for the Professional, Business or Enterprise plans; each is Get a quote
  • The Business trial is 14 days

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

ShapesXR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 projects
    • Collaboration
    • Basic export

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 ShapesXR if

  • You need xr prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
ShapesXR review

Questions people ask

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