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AR VR · head to head

Three.js vs Tiled

Three.js logo

Three.js

AR VR

JavaScript 3D library for WebGL and WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tiled logo

Tiled

Game Development

Flexible level editor for 2D games

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support; Tiled no official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • They diverge on capability: Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Tiled covers Tile layers.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Three.js and Tiled differ
AttributeThree.jsTiled
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryAR VRGame Development
Founded20102008

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 Three.js

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

Only in Tiled

  • Tile layers
  • Object layers
  • Terrain tool
  • Auto-mapping
  • Wang tiles
  • Custom properties
  • Scripting (JavaScript)
  • Multiple export formats

What people use each for

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

Three.js

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

Tiled

  • Tile-based maps for RPGs, platformers, and Breakout-style gamesnot Three.js
  • Orthogonal, isometric, and hexagonal map layoutsnot Three.js
  • Object layers (rectangles, ellipses, polygons, points) for collision boxes, spawn points, and triggersnot Three.js
  • Large 'infinite' maps and multi-map world projectsnot Three.js
  • Export to game engines via built-in/scripted exporters using the open TMX formatnot 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

Tiled

  • No official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • No official browser-based version of the editor itself, despite exporting to many engine formats
  • Building from source requires a Qt 6.2+ / C++ / Qbs toolchain
  • Multi-license codebase (GPL 2.0 application plus Apache 2.0 and BSD components), so redistributors must track which license applies per file

Pricing, plan by plan

Three.js

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • WebXR module
    • Examples

Tiled

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Free and open source level editor
    • GNU license free software
    • Download from itch.io or GitHub

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.
Three.js review

Choose Tiled if

  • You need tile layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want object layers.
Tiled review

Questions people ask

Is Three.js or Tiled better?
Neither clearly leads. Three.js starts at Free and Tiled at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Three.js or Tiled?
Three.js starts at Free and Tiled at Free.
Does Three.js or Tiled run on more platforms?
Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. Tiled runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 Tiled is typically brought in for.
What can Three.js do that Tiled cannot?
Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system. Tiled covers Tile layers, Object layers, Terrain tool, Auto-mapping.

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.

Source
Tiled: How much does Tiled cost?

Tiled is completely free. It is a free and open source level editor licensed under GNU free software principles.

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
Tiled: Where can I download Tiled?

Tiled can be downloaded at no cost from itch.io or from the project's GitHub repository. There is no cost barrier to downloading, installing, or using Tiled.

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
Tiled: How is Tiled funded?

Tiled is funded through sponsorships from over 200 sponsors who donate approximately 3,600 USD per month. This currently funds the lead developer for 2 days per week of work.

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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