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ShapesXR vs WebXR Device API

ShapesXR logo

ShapesXR

AR VR

Collaborative XR prototyping platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
WebXR Device API logo

WebXR Device API

AR VR

W3C standard for VR and AR on the web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: ShapesXR the free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint; WebXR Device API safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • They diverge on capability: ShapesXR covers XR prototyping, WebXR Device API covers VR sessions.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which ShapesXR and WebXR Device API actually diverge.

Attributes where ShapesXR and WebXR Device API differ
AttributeShapesXRWebXR Device API
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsVr, Ar, Quest, WebWeb, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet
Founded20191994

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

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 ShapesXR

  • XR prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Interactions
  • Asset library
  • Figma
  • Sketch
  • Adobe XD
  • Quest support

Only in WebXR Device API

  • VR sessions
  • AR sessions
  • Input handling
  • Reference spaces
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Edge
  • Quest Browser

Both cover

  • Vr support
  • Ar support
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

ShapesXR

  • Designing and prototyping spatial and XR interfaces in a headsetnot WebXR Device API
  • Reviewing 3D product designs in context with a distributed teamnot WebXR Device API
  • Bringing Figma designs into VR for spatial layoutnot WebXR Device API

WebXR Device API

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

Where each one falls short

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

ShapesXR

  • The free Starter plan allows only 1 editable Space, 10 Frames per Space and 1 Viewpoint
  • The free Starter plan caps imports at 20MB and the canvas at 100 square metres
  • The Figma plugin, playable Figma prototypes and 200MB imports require a paid plan
  • Roles, permissions, presentation tools and a shared team asset library require the Business plan
  • Single sign on, multi-factor authentication and premium support are Enterprise only
  • No prices are published for the Professional, Business or Enterprise plans; each is Get a quote
  • The Business trial is 14 days

WebXR Device API

  • Safari on iOS does not support WebXR natively, limiting reach for iPhone and iPad users
  • Requires compatible VR/AR hardware which limits adoption to users with VR headsets or AR-capable mobile devices
  • Browser support still emerging with some features being experimental or not widely implemented across all browsers

Pricing, plan by plan

ShapesXR

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 projects
    • Collaboration
    • Basic export

WebXR Device API

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Open standard
    • Browser support
    • Specification

Which should you pick?

Choose ShapesXR if

  • You need xr prototyping.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
ShapesXR review

Choose WebXR Device API if

  • You need vr sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
  • You also want ar sessions.
WebXR Device API review

Questions people ask

Is ShapesXR or WebXR Device API better?
Neither clearly leads. ShapesXR starts at Free and WebXR Device API at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, ShapesXR or WebXR Device API?
ShapesXR starts at Free and WebXR Device API at Free.
Does ShapesXR or WebXR Device API run on more platforms?
ShapesXR runs on Vr, Ar, Quest, Web. WebXR Device API runs on Web, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Samsung Internet.
Can I use ShapesXR for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is ShapesXR best used for?
ShapesXR is most often used for designing and prototyping spatial and xr interfaces in a headset, reviewing 3d product designs in context with a distributed team, bringing figma designs into vr for spatial layout. Of those, designing and prototyping spatial and xr interfaces in a headset and reviewing 3d product designs in context with a distributed team are not what WebXR Device API is typically brought in for.
What can ShapesXR do that WebXR Device API cannot?
ShapesXR covers XR prototyping, Real-time collaboration, Interactions, Asset library. WebXR Device API covers VR sessions, AR sessions, Input handling, Reference spaces. Both handle Vr support, Ar support, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

ShapesXR: How much does ShapesXR cost?

ShapesXR offers a free Starter tier and paid Professional, Business, and Enterprise tiers. Specific pricing for paid tiers is not published and requires requesting a quote from ShapesXR's sales team.

Source
WebXR Device API: What is WebXR Device API?

WebXR Device API is a W3C web standard that enables developers to build immersive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality experiences directly within web browsers without requiring native app installation.

Source
ShapesXR: What is included in ShapesXR's free Starter plan?

The free Starter tier includes 1 editable space, 10 frames per space, 20 MB imports, and access to all creation tools. This allows discovery of ShapesXR's core capabilities at no cost.

Source
WebXR Device API: Which browsers support WebXR?

WebXR is supported in Chrome (desktop and mobile), Microsoft Edge (desktop), Firefox (desktop and mobile), and Safari on mobile. Safari on iOS does not implement WebXR natively but third-party apps like 8th Wall provide workarounds.

Source
ShapesXR: Is there a free trial for ShapesXR's paid plans?

Yes, Business plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing evaluation of team collaboration and permissions features before purchasing.

Source
WebXR Device API: Is WebXR hardware-dependent?

Yes, WebXR requires compatible VR/AR hardware such as Meta Quest headsets, HTC Vive, Microsoft HoloLens, or mobile AR-capable devices, but the same code can run on different hardware through the unified API.

Source
ShapesXR: What are the differences between ShapesXR's paid tiers?

Professional offers unlimited creation with higher import limits (50 MB). Business adds unlimited spaces/frames (200 MB imports) with team collaboration. Enterprise includes all Business features plus SSO, MFA, advanced security, premium support, and a dedicated consultant.

Source
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