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Game Development · head to head

Phaser vs SolveSpace

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Phaser

Game Development

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

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; SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • They diverge on capability: Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Phaser and SolveSpace actually diverge.

Attributes where Phaser and SolveSpace differ
AttributePhaserSolveSpace
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryGame DevelopmentCAD
Founded2013Unknown

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 Phaser

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

Only in SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

What people use each for

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

Phaser

  • Game development with JavaScriptnot SolveSpace
  • Interactive creative tools for developersnot SolveSpace
  • Professional game engine for studiosnot SolveSpace

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot Phaser
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot Phaser
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot Phaser
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot 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

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Pricing, plan by plan

Phaser

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 25+ creative & coding tools
    • AI tools require credit purchases
  • Phaser Editor$12/month
    • professional development tools
    • requires active subscription

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

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 SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Questions people ask

Is Phaser or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. Phaser starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Phaser or SolveSpace?
Phaser starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free.
Does Phaser or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
Phaser runs on Web, Ios, Android. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 game development with javascript, interactive creative tools for developers, professional game engine for studios. Of those, game development with javascript and interactive creative tools for developers are not what SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can Phaser do that SolveSpace cannot?
Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering, Physics engine (Arcade), Input handling, Animation system. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Phaser: How much does Phaser Editor cost?

$12 per month. Users must have an active subscription to use the editor.

Source
SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

Phaser: Is there a free trial for Phaser Editor?

No, Phaser does not provide a free trial. Access begins immediately upon subscription.

Source
SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

Phaser: Can I cancel my subscription and get a refund?

Subscriptions can be cancelled anytime. Access continues until the end of the billing period, but no pro-rata refunds are issued.

Source
SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

Phaser: Can I transfer my Phaser license to someone else?

Yes, users can transfer an active license or subscription to another registered Phaser user completely free.

Source
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