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Game Development · head to head

Defold vs jMonkeyEngine

Defold logo

Defold

Game Development

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
jMonkeyEngine logo

jMonkeyEngine

Game Development

Java-based 3D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and jMonkeyEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and jMonkeyEngine differ
AttributeDefoldjMonkeyEngine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Android
Founded20052003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Visual Studio Code

Only in jMonkeyEngine

  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Scene editor
  • Material system
  • Lighting and shadows
  • Skeletal animation
  • Java

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • 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.

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot jMonkeyEngine
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot jMonkeyEngine

jMonkeyEngine

  • Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Defold
  • Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Defold
  • Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot Defold

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

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

Pricing, plan by plan

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

jMonkeyEngine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Java support
    • 3D graphics

Which should you pick?

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.
Defold review

Choose jMonkeyEngine if

  • You need 3d graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (bullet).
jMonkeyEngine review

Questions people ask

Is Defold or jMonkeyEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Defold or jMonkeyEngine?
Defold starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free.
Does Defold or jMonkeyEngine run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
Can I use Defold for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what jMonkeyEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that jMonkeyEngine cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Defold: How much does Defold cost?

Defold is completely free with no up-front cost, no licensing cost, no royalties, and no runtime fees. The game engine is free forever, supported by the Defold Foundation with source code available under a developer-friendly license.

Source
jMonkeyEngine: How much does jMonkeyEngine cost?

jMonkeyEngine is completely free to download and use. The engine is released under the BSD-3 Permissive license with no account requirements, splash screens, or licensing fees. Setup takes minutes with no costs or subscriptions.

Source
Defold: Is Defold free to use commercially?

Yes, Defold is free forever with no royalties or revenue sharing required. Developers can create and monetize commercial games without any fees to Defold.

Source
jMonkeyEngine: Can you donate to jMonkeyEngine?

Yes, jMonkeyEngine accepts voluntary donations to support ongoing development. The project also operates a merchandise store where all proceeds are donated to the main project fund, but donations are entirely optional.

Source
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