Softwr

Software · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs FMOD

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Software

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FMOD logo

FMOD

Software

Professional audio middleware for games

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, FMOD covers FMOD Studio.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and FMOD actually diverge.

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and FMOD differ
AttributeCocos2d-xFMOD
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles
Founded20102002

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 Cocos2d-x

  • 2D rendering
  • Physics engine (Chipmunk)
  • Particle effects
  • Animation system
  • Audio engine
  • Touch input handling
  • Tilemap support
  • Sprite batching

Only in FMOD

  • FMOD Studio
  • Real-time mixing
  • Adaptive music
  • 3D audio
  • Occlusion
  • DSP effects
  • Live update
  • Profiling tools

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Mobile game developmentnot FMOD
  • 2D gamesnot FMOD
  • Lightweight gamesnot FMOD
  • Cross-platform gamesnot FMOD

FMOD

  • Game audionot Cocos2d-x
  • Adaptive musicnot Cocos2d-x
  • Sound effectsnot Cocos2d-x
  • VR audionot Cocos2d-x

Where each one falls short

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.

FMOD

Nothing recorded yet. See the FMOD review.

Pricing, plan by plan

Cocos2d-x

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine source
    • MIT License
    • Community support

FMOD

Free
  • IndieFree
    • Full feature set
    • Up to $200K budget
    • All platforms
  • Commercial$6000/project
    • Full feature set
    • Unlimited budget
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose Cocos2d-x if

  • You need 2d rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Cocos2d-x review

Choose FMOD if

  • You need fmod studio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles.
  • You also want real-time mixing.
FMOD review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or FMOD better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x starts at Free and FMOD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cocos2d-x or FMOD?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and FMOD at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or FMOD run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. FMOD runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles.
Can I use Cocos2d-x for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Cocos2d-x best used for?
Cocos2d-x is most often used for mobile game development, 2d games, lightweight games, cross-platform games. Of those, mobile game development and 2d games are not what FMOD is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that FMOD cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. FMOD covers FMOD Studio, Real-time mixing, Adaptive music, 3D audio. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Cocos2d-x

More on FMOD

Keep looking

Other head to heads