Side by side
GameMaker vs HBuilderX
Both stand on mobile development ides. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
GameMaker offers visual and code-based scripting alongside a broad list of export targets. Check the plan terms carefully: Professional is listed with a monthly price but a one-time billing note, while Enterprise includes console exports and source code access.
Visit GameMaker Free plan LinuxMacWindows
HBuilderX brings Vue and uni-app editing, extensions and mobile debugging together in a free Standard edition. Check the separate App development plugin and packaging limits if those are central to your workflow.
Visit HBuilderXThe facts
| GameMaker | HBuilderX | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Enterprise: $79.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | GameMaker | Not published |
| Website | gamemaker.io | dcloud.io |
| On mobile development ides | #9 of 41 | #13 of 41 |
GameMaker: what it does well
- Offers GML Code and GML Visual.
- Includes visual scripting and multiplayer tools.
- Lists desktop, web, mobile, and console targets.
- Free plan is available for non-commercial use.
What to know first
- Free plan does not include console exports.
- Free plan is restricted to non-commercial use.
- Professional billing is described as a one-time purchase.
HBuilderX: what it does well
- Available on Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Includes Markdown, JSON and multi-cursor editing.
- uni-app targets mobile, web and mini-app platforms.
- AI Chat integrates with several CLI tools.
- Can run projects on connected devices or simulators.
What to know first
- Standard edition excludes the App development plugin.
- Free packaging has undisclosed daily and monthly limits.
- Paid packaging costs 2 yuan per build after quota exhaustion.
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