Software · head to head
libGDX vs MonoGame
The short version
- Each has a real cost: libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain; MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
- They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, MonoGame covers C# language support.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and MonoGame actually diverge.
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 libGDX
- Java language support
- Physics integration (Box2D)
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Java
- Maven
- Gradle
Only in MonoGame
- C# language support
- Physics integration
- Content pipeline
- Sprite system
- 2D and 3D support
- Visual Studio
- C#
- .NET
Both cover
- Graphics rendering
- Audio engine
- Input handling
- Open-source
- Local deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
- Ios support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
libGDX
- Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot MonoGame
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not MonoGame
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot MonoGame
MonoGame
- Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot libGDX
- Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot libGDX
- Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot libGDX
- Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot libGDX
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
libGDX
- libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
- Publishing targets are limited to Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS and HTML5
- libGDX is a community-maintained Apache 2.0 project with no vendor and no paid support tier
- libGDX ships as a framework rather than an editor, so there is no visual scene editor included
MonoGame
- Console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
- A code-first framework in C# with no bundled editor or visual scene tooling
Pricing, plan by plan
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
MonoGame
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- C# support
- Cross-platform
Which should you pick?
Choose libGDX if
- You need java language support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want physics integration (box2d).
Choose MonoGame if
- You need c# language support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
- You also want physics integration.
Questions people ask
- Is libGDX or MonoGame better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and MonoGame at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, libGDX or MonoGame?
- libGDX starts at Free and MonoGame at Free.
- Does libGDX or MonoGame run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. MonoGame runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
- Can I use libGDX for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is libGDX best used for?
- libGDX is most often used for writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase, publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5, rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwanted. Of those, writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase and publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5 are not what MonoGame is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that MonoGame cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Physics integration (Box2D), Particle effects, Animation system. MonoGame covers C# language support, Physics integration, Content pipeline, Sprite system. Both handle Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling, Open-source.