Software · head to head
Mixamo vs DragonBones
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Mixamo only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types; DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
- They diverge on capability: Mixamo covers Auto-rigging, DragonBones covers Skeletal animation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Mixamo and DragonBones actually diverge.
| Attribute | Mixamo | DragonBones |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | open-source |
| Platforms | Web | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator |
| Founded | 1982 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (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 Mixamo
- Auto-rigging
- Animation library
- Motion capture data
- FBX export
- Character customization
- Retargeting
- Web-based
- Unreal Engine
Only in DragonBones
- Skeletal animation
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
- Cocos2d-x
Both cover
- Animation blending
- Unity
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Mixamo
- Character animationnot DragonBones
- Rapid prototypingnot DragonBones
- Game developmentnot DragonBones
- Film productionnot DragonBones
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Mixamo
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Mixamo
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Mixamo
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Mixamo
- Only supports bipedal humanoid characters, excluding animals, creatures, and non-standard character types
- Auto-rigger requires T-pose or A-pose input, limiting flexibility in character modeling
- Only last used character is stored; no cloud storage for multiple character projects
- Not available for Enterprise and Federated Adobe IDs or users from China
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
Pricing, plan by plan
Mixamo
Free- FreeFree
- Unlimited characters
- Unlimited animations
- Auto-rigging
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Mixamo if
- You need auto-rigging.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want animation library.
Choose DragonBones if
- You need skeletal animation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want mesh deformation.
Questions people ask
- Is Mixamo or DragonBones better?
- Neither clearly leads. Mixamo starts at Free and DragonBones at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Mixamo or DragonBones?
- Mixamo starts at Free and DragonBones at Free.
- Does Mixamo or DragonBones run on more platforms?
- Mixamo runs on Web. DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- Can I use Mixamo for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Mixamo best used for?
- Mixamo is most often used for character animation, rapid prototyping, game development, film production. Of those, character animation and rapid prototyping are not what DragonBones is typically brought in for.
- What can Mixamo do that DragonBones cannot?
- Mixamo covers Auto-rigging, Animation library, Motion capture data, FBX export. DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Both handle Animation blending, Unity.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Mixamo: Is Mixamo free to use?
Yes. Mixamo is completely free for anyone with an Adobe ID. The auto-rigger, animation libraries, and all core features are free. Animations and characters can be used royalty-free for personal, commercial, and non-profit projects without requiring a Creative Cloud subscription.
SourceMixamo: What character types does Mixamo support?
Mixamo's auto-rigger and animation libraries are for bipedal humanoids only. The auto-rigger requires characters in roughly T-pose or A-pose stance with clear head, body, arms, and legs. Animals, quadrupeds, creatures, multi-leg characters, and characters with oversized wings or tails are not supported.
SourceMixamo: Can I export animations for use in game engines?
Yes. Mixamo exports animations in FBX and DAE formats compatible with Unreal Engine, Unity, and other major game engines. For web games, you can convert FBX exports to GLB format using Blender or other tools.
SourceMixamo: Do I need to install software to use Mixamo?
No. Mixamo operates entirely in a web browser, eliminating the need for software installation or compatibility checks. Users access the service directly through their web browser with just an Adobe ID.
Source