Game Development · head to head
DragonBones vs Defold
The short version
- Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); 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: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Defold covers Lua scripting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DragonBones and Defold actually diverge.
| Attribute | DragonBones | Defold |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | free |
| Platforms | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2014 | 2005 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Game Development).
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 Defold
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
- Sprite system
- Particle effects
- Sound management
- Collection editor
- Mobile optimization
- Lightweight
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 Defold
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Defold
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Defold
Defold
- Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot DragonBones
- Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot DragonBones
- Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on 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)
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
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Defold
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
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 Defold if
- You need lua scripting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want physics engine.
Questions people ask
- Is DragonBones or Defold better?
- Neither clearly leads. DragonBones 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, DragonBones or Defold?
- DragonBones starts at Free and Defold at Free.
- Does DragonBones or Defold run on more platforms?
- DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- 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 Defold is typically brought in for.
- What can DragonBones do that Defold cannot?
- DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.