Side by side
Babylon.js vs MonoGame
Both stand on game engine software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Babylon.js offers a free, open-source engine with a broad set of rendering features and developer tools. Production users should account for the documentation's CDN guidance.
Visit Babylon.js Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
Choose MonoGame if you want a free, open-source framework for building games with .NET languages across documented desktop and mobile targets. Console support is available to authorized developers, while Android and iOS builds require their respective development tools and workloads.
Visit MonoGameThe facts
| Babylon.js | MonoGame | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | MonoGame |
| Website | babylonjs.com | monogame.net |
| On game engine software | #20 of 92 | #16 of 92 |
Babylon.js: what it does well
- Open-source code is licensed under Apache 2.0 unless noted.
- Supports JavaScript and TypeScript applications.
- Includes visual scripting and mobile export.
- Documentation covers Vue 2 and Vue 3.
- Links to multiple visual development tools.
What to know first
- The CDN is intended for learning and small experiments.
- Production applications are advised to serve packages from their own CDN.
- Code may have licensing exceptions noted elsewhere.
MonoGame: what it does well
- Free to use with no subscription, royalties, licensing costs, or runtime fees.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and iPadOS.
- Console targets include Xbox, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch.
- Content builder automates asset processing and supports custom rules.
- Code is available on GitHub under the Microsoft Public License, with exceptions.
What to know first
- Console support requires vendor approval and an NDA.
- DesktopGL currently does not include VideoPlayer.
- Android builds require specified .NET, Java, and Android SDK components.
- iOS builds require the .NET iOS workload and latest Xcode.
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