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Phaser vs Defold

Phaser logo

Phaser

Software

Fast, free, and fun open source framework for Canvas and WebGL

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Phaser the Phaser framework is open source but Phaser Editor is a commercial product at $12 per month; 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: Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Phaser and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where Phaser and Defold differ
AttributePhaserDefold
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20132005

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 Phaser

  • Canvas and WebGL rendering
  • Physics engine (Arcade)
  • Input handling
  • Animation system
  • Audio support
  • Tilemaps
  • Event system
  • JavaScript frameworks

Only in Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Visual Studio Code

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Phaser

  • Building 2D HTML5 games that run in the browsernot Defold
  • Rapid browser game prototyping with a code editor, tilemap and atlas toolsnot Defold
  • Publishing web games with one click hostingnot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Phaser
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Phaser
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Phaser

Where each one falls short

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

Phaser

  • The Phaser framework is open source but Phaser Editor is a commercial product at $12 per month
  • Phaser Editor stops working when the licence expires
  • No free trial of Phaser Editor is offered
  • AI tools in the free Phaser suite require purchasing credits
  • SSO through Google Workspace, private support and Editor source code availability are Enterprise only, which is custom priced and requires contacting sales
  • No educational discounts are offered
  • Subscription cancellations are not refunded pro rata

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

Phaser

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full source code
    • Community support
    • Game examples

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Which should you pick?

Choose Phaser if

  • You need canvas and webgl rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (arcade).
Phaser review

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.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is Phaser or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. Phaser 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, Phaser or Defold?
Phaser starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does Phaser or Defold run on more platforms?
Phaser runs on Web, Ios, Android. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Phaser for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Phaser best used for?
Phaser is most often used for building 2d html5 games that run in the browser, rapid browser game prototyping with a code editor, tilemap and atlas tools, publishing web games with one click hosting. Of those, building 2d html5 games that run in the browser and rapid browser game prototyping with a code editor, tilemap and atlas tools are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can Phaser do that Defold cannot?
Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering, Physics engine (Arcade), Input handling, Animation system. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. Both handle Particle effects, Web deployment, Mobile deployment, Ios support.
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