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MonoGame vs Unity

MonoGame logo

MonoGame

Software

Create games using C# and MonoGame

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Unity logo

Unity

Software

Create beautiful interactive content with the world's leading real-time engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available; Unity unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • They diverge on capability: MonoGame covers C# language support, Unity covers Visual editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MonoGame and Unity actually diverge.

Attributes where MonoGame and Unity differ
AttributeMonoGameUnity
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, XboxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl
Founded20092004

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 MonoGame

  • C# language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Physics integration
  • Content pipeline
  • Input handling
  • Sprite system
  • 2D and 3D support

Only in Unity

  • Visual editor
  • Physics engine (PhysX)
  • Animation system
  • Particle system
  • Built-in audio engine
  • Scripting with C#
  • Asset Store
  • Version control integration

Both cover

  • Local deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MonoGame

  • Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot Unity
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot Unity
  • Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot Unity
  • Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot Unity

Unity

  • Building 2D and 3D games for desktop, mobile, web, AR and VRnot MonoGame
  • Shipping console titles under a Pro or Enterprise licencenot MonoGame
  • Real time 3D for manufacturing, automotive and retail visualisationnot MonoGame
  • Live operations and in-app purchase management for mobile gamesnot MonoGame

Where each one falls short

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

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

Unity

  • Unity Personal is free only for businesses with under $200,000 in funding or annual revenue; above that a Pro subscription is required
  • Unity Pro costs $210.00 per month or $2,310.00 per year per seat
  • Businesses with more than $25M in annual revenue are required to be on Unity Enterprise, which is custom priced and requires contacting sales
  • Deploying to game consoles and to Apple Vision Pro requires Unity Pro or above
  • Splash screen customization is not available on Unity Personal
  • Unity Personal is licensed for gaming and entertainment applications only
  • Read-only engine source code access is an Enterprise feature and carries an additional cost
  • Asset Manager storage on Personal is capped at 10 GB per organization
  • Unity AI tools are free for a 14 day trial on Personal, after which a paid subscription is required
  • Enterprise terms note that minimum subscription or spending commitments may apply

Pricing, plan by plan

MonoGame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • C# support
    • Cross-platform

Unity

Free
  • PersonalFree
    • Full engine access
    • Asset Store access
    • Community support
  • Professional$399/month
    • All Personal features
    • Priority support
    • Advanced analytics

Which should you pick?

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 graphics rendering.
MonoGame review

Choose Unity if

  • You need visual editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl.
  • You also want physics engine (physx).
Unity review

Questions people ask

Is MonoGame or Unity better?
Neither clearly leads. MonoGame starts at Free and Unity at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MonoGame or Unity?
MonoGame starts at Free and Unity at Free.
Does MonoGame or Unity run on more platforms?
MonoGame runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox. Unity runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Webgl.
Can I use MonoGame for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is MonoGame best used for?
MonoGame is most often used for cross-platform game development in c# and .net, shipping to windows, macos and linux from one codebase, mobile releases on android, ios and ipados, commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime fee. Of those, cross-platform game development in c# and .net and shipping to windows, macos and linux from one codebase are not what Unity is typically brought in for.
What can MonoGame do that Unity cannot?
MonoGame covers C# language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Physics integration. Unity covers Visual editor, Physics engine (PhysX), Animation system, Particle system. Both handle Local deployment.
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