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Game Development · head to head

Raylib vs Stencyl

Raylib logo

Raylib

Game Development

A simple and easy-to-use library for game development

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stencyl logo

Stencyl

Game Development

Create games with visual programming

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Raylib raylib is entirely free and open source with no commercial support offered. Donations are encouraged but completely optional.; Stencyl the free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • They diverge on capability: Raylib covers Graphics rendering, Stencyl covers Visual block programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Raylib and Stencyl actually diverge.

Attributes where Raylib and Stencyl differ
AttributeRaylibStencyl
Pricing modelfreesubscription
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash
Founded20132011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Game Development).

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 Raylib

  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio system
  • Input handling
  • Shapes drawing
  • Sprite management
  • Collision detection
  • Font rendering
  • Text input

Only in Stencyl

  • Visual block programming
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite animation
  • Sound and music
  • Tilemap editor
  • Actor system
  • Haxe support

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Raylib

  • Simple 2D gamesnot Stencyl
  • Game prototypingnot Stencyl
  • Educational gamesnot Stencyl
  • Learning game developmentnot Stencyl

Stencyl

  • Game development for independent creatorsnot Raylib
  • Cross-platform game publishing (iOS, Android, Web, Desktop)not Raylib
  • Indie game studio platformnot Raylib

Where each one falls short

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

Raylib

  • Raylib is entirely free and open source with no commercial support offered. Donations are encouraged but completely optional.

Stencyl

  • The free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • Desktop publishing requires the Indie plan at $99 a year
  • iOS and Android publishing require the Studio plan at $199 a year
  • Licences are annual, so continuing to publish means continuing to pay

Pricing, plan by plan

Raylib

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • C/C++ support
    • Graphics rendering

Stencyl

Free
  • Starter (Free)Free
    • Publish to Web only
    • Includes Stencyl branding splash screen
  • Indie$99/year
    • Publish to Web and Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding
  • Studio (Most Popular)$199/year
    • Publish to iOS, Android, Web and Desktop
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding

Which should you pick?

Choose Raylib if

  • You need graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web.
  • You also want audio system.
Raylib review

Choose Stencyl if

  • You need visual block programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Stencyl review

Questions people ask

Is Raylib or Stencyl better?
Neither clearly leads. Raylib starts at Free and Stencyl at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Raylib or Stencyl?
Raylib starts at Free and Stencyl at Free.
Does Raylib or Stencyl run on more platforms?
Raylib runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web. Stencyl runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
Can I use Raylib for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Raylib best used for?
Raylib is most often used for simple 2d games, game prototyping, educational games, learning game development. Of those, simple 2d games and game prototyping are not what Stencyl is typically brought in for.
What can Raylib do that Stencyl cannot?
Raylib covers Graphics rendering, Audio system, Input handling, Shapes drawing. Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation. Both handle Local deployment, Web deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Raylib: Is Raylib free?

Yes. Raylib is completely free and open source. The project is licensed under a permissive license with no fees or costs to download, use, or modify.

Source
Stencyl: How much does Stencyl cost?

Stencyl offers a free Starter plan, Indie at $99/year, and Studio at $199/year. All platforms include annual subscriptions with no royalties or per-game fees.

Source
Raylib: Does Raylib require a paid license?

No. Raylib requires no paid license. Users can freely use it for personal, educational, and commercial projects without any licensing fees.

Source
Stencyl: What platforms can I publish to with each Stencyl plan?

Starter publishes to Web only. Indie adds Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux). Studio includes all Indie platforms plus iOS and Android mobile.

Source
Raylib: Does Raylib accept donations?

Yes. Raylib accepts voluntary donations through GitHub Sponsors, Patreon, Ko-fi, PayPal, and other platforms to support ongoing development. Donations are entirely optional.

Source
Stencyl: Does Stencyl offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, both Indie and Studio plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase, provided you have not published any games.

Source
Stencyl: Can I use Stencyl after my subscription expires?

Yes, your games will continue to work after your subscription expires. However, you cannot publish new games or updates without an active subscription.

Source
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