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Buildbox vs Defold

Buildbox logo

Buildbox

Software

Game creation platform for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Buildbox buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026); Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buildbox and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where Buildbox and Defold differ
AttributeBuildboxDefold
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsIos, Android, Windows, MacosWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20152005

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 Buildbox

  • Visual game builder
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Animation system
  • Monetization SDK
  • Analytics integration
  • Cloud compilation
  • Template library
  • AdMob

Only in Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Visual Studio Code

Both cover

  • Physics engine
  • Mobile deployment
  • Ios support
  • Android support
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Buildbox

  • Mobile game creationnot Defold
  • Casual gamesnot Defold
  • Monetized gamesnot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Buildbox
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Buildbox
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Buildbox

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Buildbox

  • Buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
  • Buildbox Classic Plus is $57.99 USD per year and Buildbox Classic Pro is $137.99 USD per year; Buildbox 3 Plus is $97.99 USD per year and Buildbox 3 Pro is $297.99 USD per year, with a companion audio tool Soundbox sold separately at $49.99 USD per year (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
  • The only bundle combining Buildbox 3 Pro, Buildbox Classic Pro, and Soundbox is a separate $447.99 USD per year Ultimate Bundle rather than a natural upgrade path (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Buildbox

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic game creation
    • Mobile export
    • Community support
  • Premium$19.99/month
    • Advanced features
    • Monetization tools
    • Custom integrations

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Which should you pick?

Choose Buildbox if

  • You need visual game builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Buildbox review

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want sprite system.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is Buildbox or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. Buildbox starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Buildbox or Defold?
Buildbox starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does Buildbox or Defold run on more platforms?
Buildbox runs on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Buildbox for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Buildbox best used for?
Buildbox is most often used for mobile game creation, casual games, monetized games. Of those, mobile game creation and casual games are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can Buildbox do that Defold cannot?
Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Drag-and-drop interface, Animation system, Monetization SDK. Defold covers Lua scripting, Sprite system, Particle effects, Sound management. Both handle Physics engine, Mobile deployment, Ios support, Android support.
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