AR VR · head to head
Three.js vs Varjo
The short version
- Only Three.js has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support; Varjo high cost enterprise XR solutions
- They diverge on capability: Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Varjo covers Human-eye resolution.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Three.js and Varjo actually diverge.
Identical on both: 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 Three.js
- WebGL rendering
- Scene graph
- Materials system
- Animation system
- WebXR
- Post-processing
- Physics
- Loaders
Only in Varjo
- Human-eye resolution
- Mixed reality
- Eye tracking
- Hand tracking
- Unity
- Unreal
- OpenXR
- SteamVR
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Three.js
- VR Gamingnot Varjo
- AR Marketingnot Varjo
- Virtual Trainingnot Varjo
- 3D Visualizationnot Varjo
- Immersive Experiencesnot Varjo
Varjo
- Military flight simulation and pilot trainingnot Three.js
- Vehicle operation and weapons trainingnot Three.js
- Maritime navigation trainingnot Three.js
- High-fidelity professional VR simulationnot 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
Varjo
- High cost enterprise XR solutions
- Specialized for military and simulation training use cases only
Pricing, plan by plan
Three.js
Free- FreeFree
- Full library
- WebXR module
- Examples
Varjo
$2495/one-time- Varjo XR-4$3990/one-time
- Human-eye resolution
- Mixed reality
- Eye tracking
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 Varjo if
- You need human-eye resolution.
- You work on XR headsets, Windows.
- You also want mixed reality.
Questions people ask
- Is Three.js or Varjo better?
- Neither clearly leads. Three.js starts at Free and Varjo at $2495/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Three.js or Varjo?
- Three.js has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Three.js and $2495/one-time for Varjo.
- Does Three.js or Varjo run on more platforms?
- Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. Varjo runs on XR headsets, Windows.
- Can I use Three.js for free?
- Yes. Three.js has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Varjo starts at $2495/one-time.
- 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 Varjo is typically brought in for.
- What can Three.js do that Varjo cannot?
- Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system. Varjo covers Human-eye resolution, Mixed reality, Eye tracking, Hand tracking.
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.
SourceVarjo: Does Varjo publish pricing information on their website?
No. Varjo does not publish specific pricing on their website and directs interested customers to contact their sales team or book a demo.
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.
SourceVarjo: How can I get pricing information from Varjo?
Varjo requires direct contact with their sales team. Customers can either request a demo or fill out a contact form to discuss pricing with a representative.
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.
SourceRelated pages
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- Varjo vs Instagram AR Effects
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