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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

Babylon.js vs Unity

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

AR/VR & Metaverse

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Unity logo

Unity

Game Development

Create beautiful interactive content with the world's leading real-time engine

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; Unity unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Unity covers Visual editor.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and Unity differ
AttributeBabylon.jsUnity
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseGame Development
Founded19752004

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 Unity

  • Visual editor
  • Physics engine (PhysX)
  • Animation system
  • Particle system
  • Built-in audio engine
  • Scripting with C#
  • Asset Store
  • Version control integration

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

Unity

  • Building 2D and 3D games for desktop, mobile, web, AR and VRnot Babylon.js
  • Shipping console titles under a Pro or Enterprise licencenot Babylon.js
  • Real time 3D for manufacturing, automotive and retail visualisationnot Babylon.js
  • Live operations and in-app purchase management for mobile 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

Unity

  • Unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • Unity Pro costs $210.00 per month or $2,310.00 per year per seat
  • Businesses with more than $25M in annual revenue are required to be on Unity Enterprise, which is custom priced and requires contacting sales
  • Deploying to game consoles and to Apple Vision Pro requires Unity Pro or above
  • Splash screen customization is not available on Unity Personal
  • Unity Personal is licensed for gaming and entertainment applications only
  • Read-only engine source code access is an Enterprise feature and carries an additional cost
  • Asset Manager storage on Personal is capped at 10 GB per organization
  • Unity AI tools are free for a 14 day trial on Personal, after which a paid subscription is required
  • Enterprise terms note that minimum subscription or spending commitments may apply

Pricing, plan by plan

Babylon.js

Free

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

Unity

Free
  • PersonalFree
    • Full engine access
    • Asset Store access
    • Community support
  • Professional$399/month
    • All Personal features
    • Priority support
    • Advanced analytics

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 Unity if

  • You need visual editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl.
  • You also want physics engine (physx).
Unity review

Questions people ask

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