Software · head to head
jMonkeyEngine vs Armory3D
The short version
- Each has a real cost: jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor; Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
- They diverge on capability: jMonkeyEngine covers Scene editor, Armory3D covers Blender integration.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which jMonkeyEngine and Armory3D actually diverge.
| Attribute | jMonkeyEngine | Armory3D |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android |
| Founded | 2003 | 2016 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 jMonkeyEngine
- Scene editor
- Lighting and shadows
- Java
- Bullet Physics
- Maven
- Java language support
Only in Armory3D
- Blender integration
- Haxe scripting
- Blender
- Haxe
- Git
- Web deployment
- Html5 support
Both cover
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Material system
- Skeletal animation
- Particle effects
- Open-source
- Local deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
jMonkeyEngine
- Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Armory3D
- Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Armory3D
- Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot Armory3D
Armory3D
- 3D game developmentnot jMonkeyEngine
- Blender-based gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
- Web gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
jMonkeyEngine
- jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
- The optional jMonkeyEngine SDK is a NetBeans-based tool maintained separately from the engine, so it lags the engine release cycle
- Projects must be written in Java and wired up through Gradle, Maven or a hand-rolled build
- Choosing the DIY route means providing your own build, source layout, editor, runtime packaging and workflow
- Support runs through community Discussions and Discord rather than a vendor channel
Armory3D
- Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
Pricing, plan by plan
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
Armory3D
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics
Which should you pick?
Choose jMonkeyEngine if
- You need scene editor.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
- You also want lighting and shadows.
Choose Armory3D if
- You need blender integration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
- You also want haxe scripting.
Questions people ask
- Is jMonkeyEngine or Armory3D better?
- Neither clearly leads. jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Armory3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, jMonkeyEngine or Armory3D?
- jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Armory3D at Free.
- Does jMonkeyEngine or Armory3D run on more platforms?
- jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android. Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
- Can I use jMonkeyEngine for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is jMonkeyEngine best used for?
- jMonkeyEngine is most often used for writing 3d games in java against a bsd-licensed open source engine, using the engine as a plain java library inside an existing gradle or maven build, building desktop 3d applications with lwjgl rendering. Of those, writing 3d games in java against a bsd-licensed open source engine and using the engine as a plain java library inside an existing gradle or maven build are not what Armory3D is typically brought in for.
- What can jMonkeyEngine do that Armory3D cannot?
- jMonkeyEngine covers Scene editor, Lighting and shadows, Java, Bullet Physics. Armory3D covers Blender integration, Haxe scripting, Blender, Haxe. Both handle 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Material system.