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Buildbox vs Quixel Mixer

Buildbox logo

Buildbox

Software

Game creation platform for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Quixel Mixer logo

Quixel Mixer

Software

Free 3D texturing and material creation

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); Quixel Mixer discontinued as of February 19, 2026 with no future updates or support
  • They diverge on capability: Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Quixel Mixer covers Material blending.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buildbox and Quixel Mixer actually diverge.

Attributes where Buildbox and Quixel Mixer differ
AttributeBuildboxQuixel Mixer
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsIos, Android, Windows, MacosWindows, macOS
Founded20152011

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
  • Physics engine
  • Animation system
  • Monetization SDK
  • Analytics integration
  • Cloud compilation
  • Template library

Only in Quixel Mixer

  • Material blending
  • Megascans integration
  • Smart materials
  • Procedural tools
  • 3D painting
  • UDIM support
  • Real-time preview
  • Export presets

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Buildbox

  • Mobile game creationnot Quixel Mixer
  • Casual gamesnot Quixel Mixer
  • Monetized gamesnot Quixel Mixer

Quixel Mixer

  • Game texturesnot Buildbox
  • Environment artnot Buildbox
  • Photorealistic materialsnot Buildbox
  • Film VFXnot 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)

Quixel Mixer

  • Discontinued as of February 19, 2026 with no future updates or support
  • No built-in baker functionality unlike Substance 3D Painter
  • Limited customization compared to industry-standard Substance Painter
  • Megascans asset library now requires paid subscription instead of free access

Pricing, plan by plan

Buildbox

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

Quixel Mixer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full feature set
    • Megascans integration
    • Commercial use

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 Quixel Mixer if

  • You need material blending.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want megascans integration.
Quixel Mixer review

Questions people ask

Is Buildbox or Quixel Mixer better?
Neither clearly leads. Buildbox starts at Free and Quixel Mixer at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Buildbox or Quixel Mixer?
Buildbox starts at Free and Quixel Mixer at Free.
Does Buildbox or Quixel Mixer run on more platforms?
Buildbox runs on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos. Quixel Mixer runs on Windows, macOS.
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 Quixel Mixer is typically brought in for.
What can Buildbox do that Quixel Mixer cannot?
Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Animation system. Quixel Mixer covers Material blending, Megascans integration, Smart materials, Procedural tools. Both handle Windows support, Macos support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Quixel Mixer: Is Quixel Mixer still available?

Quixel Mixer was discontinued on February 19, 2026. The final version 2023.1 is available for free download from the Epic Games launcher. It runs offline indefinitely but will receive no future updates or support.

Source
Quixel Mixer: Can Quixel Mixer work offline?

Yes, version 2023.1 enables Quixel Mixer to run completely offline. Users can download and use the software offline indefinitely, though without future updates.

Source
Quixel Mixer: What is the current status of Megascans free access?

Quixel Megascans is no longer free for Unreal Engine users. Starting in 2025, Megascans assets are sold individually or included in Fab subscription tiers. The free-for-Unreal era ended at the close of 2024.

Source
Quixel Mixer: How does Quixel Mixer compare to Substance Painter?

Quixel Mixer excels for simplicity, photorealism, and Unreal Engine integration, but lacks a built-in baker unlike Substance 3D Painter. Substance Painter offers more customization and is an industry standard, while Mixer focused on streamlined PBR material creation.

Source
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