Software · head to head
jMonkeyEngine vs Defold
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; 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: jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Defold covers Lua scripting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which jMonkeyEngine and Defold actually diverge.
| Attribute | jMonkeyEngine | Defold |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2003 | 2005 |
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
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Scene editor
- Material system
- Lighting and shadows
- Skeletal animation
- Java
Only in Defold
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
- Sprite system
- Sound management
- Collection editor
- Mobile optimization
- Lightweight
- Visual Studio Code
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.
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
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
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
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
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
Defold
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
Which should you pick?
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).
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 jMonkeyEngine or Defold better?
- Neither clearly leads. jMonkeyEngine 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, jMonkeyEngine or Defold?
- jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Defold at Free.
- Does jMonkeyEngine or Defold run on more platforms?
- jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- 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 Defold is typically brought in for.
- What can jMonkeyEngine do that Defold cannot?
- jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.