Software · head to head
DragonBones vs Cocos2d-x
The short version
- Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); 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.
- They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DragonBones and Cocos2d-x actually diverge.
| Attribute | DragonBones | Cocos2d-x |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | free |
| Platforms | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2014 | 2010 |
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 DragonBones
- Skeletal animation
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Animation blending
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
Only in Cocos2d-x
- 2D rendering
- Physics engine (Chipmunk)
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- Audio engine
- Touch input handling
- Tilemap support
- Sprite batching
Both cover
- Local deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Cocos2d-x
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Cocos2d-x
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Cocos2d-x
Cocos2d-x
- Mobile game developmentnot DragonBones
- 2D gamesnot DragonBones
- Lightweight gamesnot DragonBones
- Cross-platform gamesnot DragonBones
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
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.
Pricing, plan by plan
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Cocos2d-x
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine source
- MIT License
- Community support
Which should you pick?
Choose DragonBones if
- You need skeletal animation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want mesh deformation.
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).
Questions people ask
- Is DragonBones or Cocos2d-x better?
- Neither clearly leads. DragonBones starts at Free and Cocos2d-x at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DragonBones or Cocos2d-x?
- DragonBones starts at Free and Cocos2d-x at Free.
- Does DragonBones or Cocos2d-x run on more platforms?
- DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
- Can I use DragonBones for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is DragonBones best used for?
- DragonBones is most often used for 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines, cross-engine animation library for indie game development, animation creation with loongbones editor. Of those, 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines and cross-engine animation library for indie game development are not what Cocos2d-x is typically brought in for.
- What can DragonBones do that Cocos2d-x cannot?
- DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.