Software · head to head
Flax Engine vs FMOD
The short version
- They diverge on capability: Flax Engine covers 3D graphics rendering, FMOD covers FMOD Studio.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Flax Engine and FMOD actually diverge.
| Attribute | Flax Engine | FMOD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles |
| Founded | 2017 | 2002 |
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 Flax Engine
- 3D graphics rendering
- Visual editor
- C# scripting
- Physics engine
- Audio system
- Particle effects
- Skeletal animation
- Material system
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
- Linux support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Flax Engine
- Building 3D games in C# and C++ with full engine source accessnot FMOD
- Multi-platform deployment from one editornot FMOD
- Prototyping with the bundled Flax Samples projectsnot FMOD
FMOD
- Game audionot Flax Engine
- Adaptive musicnot Flax Engine
- Sound effectsnot Flax Engine
- VR audionot Flax Engine
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Flax Engine
- Flax charges a 4% royalty on game earnings above $250,000, assessed per calendar quarter
- Free use is granted for non-commercial or educational usage; commercial releases fall under the royalty
- Users must accept the Flax Engine End-User License Agreement before using the engine or its tools, so it is not an OSI open source licence despite the source being on GitHub
- Non-game uses such as in-house tools or SaaS products need a custom licence negotiated with the vendor, and no rate card is published for per-seat or flat-fee options
FMOD
Nothing recorded yet. See the FMOD review.
Pricing, plan by plan
Flax Engine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Visual editor
- C# scripting
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 Flax Engine if
- You need 3d graphics rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox.
- You also want visual editor.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is Flax Engine or FMOD better?
- Neither clearly leads. Flax Engine 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, Flax Engine or FMOD?
- Flax Engine starts at Free and FMOD at Free.
- Does Flax Engine or FMOD run on more platforms?
- Flax Engine runs on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox. FMOD runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles.
- Can I use Flax Engine for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Flax Engine best used for?
- Flax Engine is most often used for building 3d games in c# and c++ with full engine source access, multi-platform deployment from one editor, prototyping with the bundled flax samples projects. Of those, building 3d games in c# and c++ with full engine source access and multi-platform deployment from one editor are not what FMOD is typically brought in for.
- What can Flax Engine do that FMOD cannot?
- Flax Engine covers 3D graphics rendering, Visual editor, C# scripting, Physics engine. FMOD covers FMOD Studio, Real-time mixing, Adaptive music, 3D audio. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Linux support.