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Babylon.js vs Three.js

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

Software

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Three.js logo

Three.js

Software

JavaScript 3D library for WebGL and WebXR

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; Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Three.js covers WebGL rendering.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and Three.js differ
AttributeBabylon.jsThree.js
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Founded19752010

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
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Azure

Only in Three.js

  • WebGL rendering
  • Scene graph
  • Materials system
  • Animation system
  • Post-processing
  • Physics
  • Loaders

Both cover

  • WebXR
  • Webgl support
  • Webxr support
  • 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 Three.js
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot Three.js

Three.js

  • 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

Three.js

  • Forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • No built-in collision detection or spatial indexing, requiring external physics libraries
  • WebGL dependency means no support for non-WebGL environments

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

Three.js

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • WebXR module
    • Examples

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 Three.js if

  • You need webgl rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want scene graph.
Three.js review

Questions people ask

Is Babylon.js or Three.js better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js starts at Free and Three.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Babylon.js or Three.js?
Babylon.js starts at Free and Three.js at Free.
Does Babylon.js or Three.js run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
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 Three.js is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that Three.js cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system. Both handle WebXR, Webgl support, Webxr support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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

Yes. Three.js is released under the MIT license, an open-source license that permits unlimited commercial and personal use with no licensing fees.

Source
Three.js: Does Three.js include physics simulation?

No. Three.js is a rendering library only. Physics, collision detection, and spatial indexing must be implemented with external libraries like Rapier, Ammo, or JoltPhysics.

Source
Three.js: Can I use Three.js for offline development?

Yes. Local development requires a local web server for CORS compliance. You can use npm with a build tool like Vite, or run a local Python server for development.

Source
Three.js: Does Three.js support WebXR for VR/AR?

Yes. Three.js documentation includes WebXR APIs for building VR and AR experiences in web browsers.

Source
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