AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head
Three.js vs Babylon.js
Babylon.js
AR/VR & Metaverse
Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support; Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain
- They diverge on capability: Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Three.js and Babylon.js actually diverge.
| Attribute | Three.js | Babylon.js |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | Unknown |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native |
| Founded | 2010 | 1975 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (AR/VR & Metaverse).
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 Three.js
- WebGL rendering
- Scene graph
- Materials system
- Animation system
- Post-processing
- Physics
- Loaders
Only in Babylon.js
- WebGL/WebGPU rendering
- Physics engines
- GUI system
- Node material editor
- glTF
- Havok physics
- Azure
Both cover
- WebXR
- Webgl support
- Webxr support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Three.js
- VR Gamingnot Babylon.js
- AR Marketingnot Babylon.js
- Virtual Trainingnot Babylon.js
- 3D Visualizationnot Babylon.js
- Immersive Experiencesnot Babylon.js
Babylon.js
- Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot Three.js
- Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot Three.js
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Babylon.js
- JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain
Pricing, plan by plan
Three.js
Free- FreeFree
- Full library
- WebXR module
- Examples
Babylon.js
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Babylon.js if
- You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
- You also want physics engines.
Questions people ask
- Is Three.js or Babylon.js better?
- Neither clearly leads. Three.js starts at Free and Babylon.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Three.js or Babylon.js?
- Three.js starts at Free and Babylon.js at Free.
- Does Three.js or Babylon.js run on more platforms?
- Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
- Can I use Three.js for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Three.js best used for?
- Three.js is most often used for vr gaming, ar marketing, virtual training, 3d visualization. Of those, vr gaming and ar marketing are not what Babylon.js is typically brought in for.
- What can Three.js do that Babylon.js cannot?
- Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system. Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. Both handle WebXR, Webgl support, Webxr support, Web support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
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.
SourceThree.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.
SourceThree.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.
SourceThree.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