Softwr

Software · head to head

Defold vs Buildbox

Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Buildbox logo

Buildbox

Software

Game creation platform for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; 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)
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, Buildbox covers Visual game builder.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and Buildbox actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and Buildbox differ
AttributeDefoldBuildbox
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebIos, Android, Windows, Macos
Founded20052015

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 Defold

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

Only in Buildbox

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

Both cover

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

What people use each for

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

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

Buildbox

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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)

Pricing, plan by plan

Defold

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

Buildbox

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

Which should you pick?

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

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

Questions people ask

Is Defold or Buildbox better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold starts at Free and Buildbox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Defold or Buildbox?
Defold starts at Free and Buildbox at Free.
Does Defold or Buildbox run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Buildbox runs on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
Can I use Defold for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what Buildbox is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that Buildbox cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Sprite system, Particle effects, Sound management. Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Drag-and-drop interface, Animation system, Monetization SDK. Both handle Physics engine, Mobile deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Defold

More on Buildbox

Keep looking

Other head to heads