Software · head to head
DragonBones vs Mixamo
The short version
- Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); Mixamo only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types
- They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mixamo covers Auto-rigging.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DragonBones and Mixamo actually diverge.
| Attribute | DragonBones | Mixamo |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | free |
| Platforms | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator | Web |
| Founded | 2014 | 1982 |
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
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
- Cocos2d-x
Only in Mixamo
- Auto-rigging
- Animation library
- Motion capture data
- FBX export
- Character customization
- Retargeting
- Web-based
- Unreal Engine
Both cover
- Animation blending
- Unity
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 Mixamo
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Mixamo
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Mixamo
Mixamo
- Character animationnot DragonBones
- Rapid prototypingnot DragonBones
- Game developmentnot DragonBones
- Film productionnot 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)
Mixamo
- Only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types
- Auto-rigger requires T-pose or A-pose input, limiting flexibility in character modeling
- Only last used character is stored; no cloud storage for multiple character projects
- Not available for Enterprise and Federated Adobe IDs or users from China
Pricing, plan by plan
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Mixamo
Free- FreeFree
- Unlimited characters
- Unlimited animations
- Auto-rigging
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 Mixamo if
- You need auto-rigging.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want animation library.
Questions people ask
- Is DragonBones or Mixamo better?
- Neither clearly leads. DragonBones starts at Free and Mixamo at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DragonBones or Mixamo?
- DragonBones starts at Free and Mixamo at Free.
- Does DragonBones or Mixamo run on more platforms?
- DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. Mixamo runs on 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 Mixamo is typically brought in for.
- What can DragonBones do that Mixamo cannot?
- DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Mixamo covers Auto-rigging, Animation library, Motion capture data, FBX export. Both handle Animation blending, Unity.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Mixamo: Is Mixamo free to use?
Yes. Mixamo is completely free for anyone with an Adobe ID. The auto-rigger, animation libraries, and all core features are free. Animations and characters can be used royalty-free for personal, commercial, and non-profit projects without requiring a Creative Cloud subscription.
SourceMixamo: What character types does Mixamo support?
Mixamo's auto-rigger and animation libraries are for bipedal humanoids only. The auto-rigger requires characters in roughly T-pose or A-pose stance with clear head, body, arms, and legs. Animals, quadrupeds, creatures, multi-leg characters, and characters with oversized wings or tails are not supported.
SourceMixamo: Can I export animations for use in game engines?
Yes. Mixamo exports animations in FBX and DAE formats compatible with Unreal Engine, Unity, and other major game engines. For web games, you can convert FBX exports to GLB format using Blender or other tools.
SourceMixamo: Do I need to install software to use Mixamo?
No. Mixamo operates entirely in a web browser, eliminating the need for software installation or compatibility checks. Users access the service directly through their web browser with just an Adobe ID.
Source