Three.js vs Babylon.js: Which Engine Should You Choose?

Developed by Ricardo Cabello and hosted on Github, Three.js is a JavaScript library creating 3D computer graphics in a web browser using WebGL with no need for browser plugins. Its main draw is the GPU-accelerated 3D animations facilitated by high-level libraries.

On the other hand, Babylon.js is a real-time 3D engine by David Catuhe and Microsoft, it also renders 3D graphics in the browser but leverages HTML5 alongside WebGL. It incorporates physically-based rendering for photorealistic images and supports plug-in physics engines.

Key Differences between Three.js and Babylon.js

• Three.js is a JavaScript library, while Babylon.js is a 3D engine.
• Three.js creates 3D graphics via WebGL, and Babylon.js uses HTML5 and WebGL.
• Three.js focuses on 3D animations, Babylon.js emphasizes photorealistic images.
• Babylon.js offers extensive use of physics engines, not highlighted in Three.js.

What is Three.js and who’s it for?

Three.js is a cross-browser JavaScript library and API that creates and displays animated 3D computer graphics in a web browser. Founded by Ricardo Cabello in 2010, Three.js operates by using WebGL, allowing GPU-accelerated 3D animations without the need for browser plugins. It’s ideal for those seeking to implement complex 3D animations, as it simplifies these sophisticated processes via high-level libraries such as GLGE, Scene.js, and others.

Pros of Three.js

• Supports GPU-accelerated 3D animations
• High-level libraries ease creation of complex 3D animations
• Supports Virtual and Augmented Reality via WebXR

Cons of Three.js

• Requires solid understanding of JavaScript
• Primarily run on WebGL and may not work effectively on non-WebGL browsers

What is Babylon.js and who’s it for?

Babylon.js is a real-time 3D engine that displays 3D graphics in web browsers via HTML5. Originating in 2013 by David Catuhe and currently developed by Microsoft and other contributors, Babylon.js is applicable in a wide range of fields including education, military training, and product design. It enables user code interpretation by HTML5 and WebGL supporting browsers, making it suitable for those interested in 3D modeling and animation processes.

Pros of Babylon.js

• Real-time 3D engine
• Wide-ranging use cases, from virtual worlds to product design
• Physically based rendering and post-processing for photo-realistic images

Cons of Babylon.js

• Requires a browser that supports HTML5 and WebGL
• High level of difficulty in managing the software due to complexity

Three.js vs Babylon.js: Pricing

Both technologies are open-source and free to use as they are distributed under the MIT and Apache License 2.0, respectively.

Three.js

Three.js is a JavaScript library available for free under the MIT License. This allows all users, from developers to companies, to utilize the technology in their projects without any associated costs.

Babylon.js

Babylon.js is also distributed freely and is open-source, falling under the Apache License 2.0. This entails no financial obligation for users willing to incorporate it into their developments.

Code Snippets for Three.js and Babylon.js

Three.js

This example demonstrates the basic setup for creating a 3D scene using Three.js.

// Set up the scene
const scene = new THREE.Scene();

// Set up the camera
const camera = new THREE.PerspectiveCamera(75, window.innerWidth / window.innerHeight, 0.1, 1000);
camera.position.z = 5;

// Set up the renderer
const renderer = new THREE.WebGLRenderer();
renderer.setSize(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
document.body.appendChild(renderer.domElement);

// Create a geometry
const geometry = new THREE.BoxGeometry(1, 1, 1);

// Create a material
const material = new THREE.MeshBasicMaterial({ color: 0x00ff00 });

// Create a mesh using the geometry and material
const cube = new THREE.Mesh(geometry, material);
scene.add(cube);

// Game loop
function animate() {
    requestAnimationFrame(animate);

    // Rotate the cube
    cube.rotation.x += 0.01;
    cube.rotation.y += 0.01;

    // Render the scene with the camera
    renderer.render(scene, camera);
}

// Start the animation loop
animate();

class Sphere {
    constructor(radius, color) {
        this.radius = radius;
        this.color = color;
        this.createMesh();
    }

    createMesh() {
        const scene = new BABYLON.Scene(engine);

        const camera = new BABYLON.ArcRotateCamera("camera", 0, 0, 0, new BABYLON.Vector3(0, 0, 0), scene);

        const light = new BABYLON.HemisphericLight("light", new BABYLON.Vector3(1, 1, 0), scene);

        const sphere = BABYLON.MeshBuilder.CreateSphere("sphere", { diameter: this.radius * 2 }, scene);
        sphere.material = new BABYLON.StandardMaterial("material", scene);
        sphere.material.diffuseColor = BABYLON.Color3.FromHexString(this.color);
        
        engine.runRenderLoop(() => scene.render());
    }
}

const mySphere = new Sphere(1.5, "#ff0000");

Which Should You Choose: Three.js or Babylon.js?

When diving into the world of 3D web development, the choice between using Three.js and Babylon.js is a critical decision you must make.

Aspiring 3D Web Developers and Coders

Three.js is an excellent starting point for new developers. The JavaScript library is versatile and designed for simplifying complex 3D animations, requiring only minimal knowledge of WebGL. However, Babylon.js offers a more assimilative experience for seasoned programmers with a preference for TypeScript or JavaScript. Babylon.js also offers integration with physics engines like Cannon.js and Oimo, creating a more dynamic and interactive experience.

AR/VR Creators

In the domain of AR/VR content creation, Three.js holds an edge due to its support for Virtual and Augmented Reality via WebXR. Babylon.js, while possessing a robust tool chain, is not as historically associated with VR/AR.

Game Developers

For game developers, Babylon.js could be of interest as it has complete game development tools integrated right into the engine. These include collision detection, physics simulations and even character animation functionality. Three.js, while robust, leaves some of this additional features to be implemented by developers.

In conclusion, Three.js and Babylon.js both offer compelling features for 3D web development. Ultimately the decision should be guided by your project requirements, your proficiency with JavaScript/TypeScript and importantly, your personal preference.