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jMonkeyEngine vs Mozilla Hubs

jMonkeyEngine logo

jMonkeyEngine

Game Development

Java-based 3D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Mozilla Hubs logo

Mozilla Hubs

AR VR

Open-source social VR platform for the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Mozilla Hubs the Internet Archive's capture of Mozilla Hubs' homepage on 31 December 2022 priced the Early Access Hub at $20 USD/month for unlimited spaces, 25 online guest capacity, and 2GB asset storage; the product's own support URL now redirects to a page titled 'end-support-mozilla-hubs', indicating the service has since been discontinued.
  • They diverge on capability: jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Mozilla Hubs covers Browser-based VR.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which jMonkeyEngine and Mozilla Hubs actually diverge.

Attributes where jMonkeyEngine and Mozilla Hubs differ
AttributejMonkeyEngineMozilla Hubs
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, AndroidWebvr, Web, Vr, Mobile
CategoryGame DevelopmentAR VR
Founded20031998

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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
  • Particle effects

Only in Mozilla Hubs

  • Browser-based VR
  • Room creation
  • Avatar system
  • Spatial audio
  • Spoke editor
  • Custom assets
  • Webhooks
  • Webvr 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 Mozilla Hubs
  • Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Mozilla Hubs
  • Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot Mozilla Hubs

Mozilla Hubs

  • VR Gamingnot jMonkeyEngine
  • AR Marketingnot jMonkeyEngine
  • Virtual Trainingnot jMonkeyEngine
  • 3D Visualizationnot jMonkeyEngine
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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

Mozilla Hubs

  • The Internet Archive's capture of Mozilla Hubs' homepage on 31 December 2022 priced the Early Access Hub at $20 USD/month for unlimited spaces, 25 online guest capacity, and 2GB asset storage; the product's own support URL now redirects to a page titled 'end-support-mozilla-hubs', indicating the service has since been discontinued.

Pricing, plan by plan

jMonkeyEngine

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

Mozilla Hubs

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Public rooms
    • Avatar customization
    • Screen sharing

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).
jMonkeyEngine review

Choose Mozilla Hubs if

  • You need browser-based vr.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Webvr, Web, Vr, Mobile.
  • You also want room creation.
Mozilla Hubs review

Questions people ask

Is jMonkeyEngine or Mozilla Hubs better?
Neither clearly leads. jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Mozilla Hubs at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, jMonkeyEngine or Mozilla Hubs?
jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Mozilla Hubs at Free.
Does jMonkeyEngine or Mozilla Hubs run on more platforms?
jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android. Mozilla Hubs runs on Webvr, Web, Vr, Mobile.
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 Mozilla Hubs is typically brought in for.
What can jMonkeyEngine do that Mozilla Hubs cannot?
jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Mozilla Hubs covers Browser-based VR, Room creation, Avatar system, Spatial audio.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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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