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Game Development · head to head

Raylib vs Three.js

Raylib logo

Raylib

Game Development

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Three.js logo

Three.js

AR VR

JavaScript 3D library for WebGL and WebXR

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.; Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • They diverge on capability: Raylib covers Graphics rendering, Three.js covers WebGL rendering.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Raylib and Three.js actually diverge.

Attributes where Raylib and Three.js differ
AttributeRaylibThree.js
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Android, WebWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
CategoryGame DevelopmentAR VR
Founded20132010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Raylib

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

Only in Three.js

  • WebGL rendering
  • Scene graph
  • Materials system
  • Animation system
  • WebXR
  • Post-processing
  • Physics
  • Loaders

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

Raylib

  • Simple 2D gamesnot Three.js
  • Game prototypingnot Three.js
  • Educational gamesnot Three.js
  • Learning game developmentnot Three.js

Three.js

  • VR Gamingnot Raylib
  • AR Marketingnot Raylib
  • Virtual Trainingnot Raylib
  • 3D Visualizationnot Raylib
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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.

Three.js

  • Forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • No built-in collision detection or spatial indexing, requiring external physics libraries
  • WebGL dependency means no support for non-WebGL environments

Pricing, plan by plan

Raylib

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

Three.js

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • WebXR module
    • Examples

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 Three.js if

  • You need webgl rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want scene graph.
Three.js review

Questions people ask

Is Raylib or Three.js better?
Neither clearly leads. Raylib starts at Free and Three.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Raylib or Three.js?
Raylib starts at Free and Three.js at Free.
Does Raylib or Three.js run on more platforms?
Raylib runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web. Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
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 Three.js is typically brought in for.
What can Raylib do that Three.js cannot?
Raylib covers Graphics rendering, Audio system, Input handling, Shapes drawing. Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system. Both handle Web 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
Three.js: Is Three.js free to use?

Yes. Three.js is released under the MIT license, an open-source license that permits unlimited commercial and personal use with no licensing 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
Three.js: Does Three.js include physics simulation?

No. Three.js is a rendering library only. Physics, collision detection, and spatial indexing must be implemented with external libraries like Rapier, Ammo, or JoltPhysics.

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
Three.js: Can I use Three.js for offline development?

Yes. Local development requires a local web server for CORS compliance. You can use npm with a build tool like Vite, or run a local Python server for development.

Source
Three.js: Does Three.js support WebXR for VR/AR?

Yes. Three.js documentation includes WebXR APIs for building VR and AR experiences in web browsers.

Source
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