Comparison · Game engines
Cocos Creator vs Defold: which is better in 2026?
Defold ranks higher in our list of game engines (#4 against #6, score 89.5 against 86.5).
- 86.5Editorial score89.5
- 2Platforms3
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Cocos Creator if you want
2D and 3D games for WeChat and web platforms.
MIT-licensed engine with a wide target list, including WeChat and HarmonyOS. Editor downloads are listed for Windows and macOS only, and professional support costs extra.
Choose Defold if you want
Small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms.
Free forever with no runtime fees and a small footprint, but the source-available license bars selling modified editor or engine builds. Game logic is written in Lua, which narrows the choice.
The main differences
- Only Defold runs on Linux.
- Cocos Creator is open source; Defold is not.
Side by side
 Cocos Creator | Defold | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 89.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 12 | #4 of 12 |
| Price | Free and open sourceEngine is MIT licensed; professional support is sold separately | FreeFree forever with no runtime fees; source available under the Defold License |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Xiamen Yaji Software Co., Ltd. | Defold Foundation |
| Scripting language | TypeScript and JavaScript | Lua |
| 3D support | Yes | Yes |
| Workflow | Editor and code | Editor and code |
| Best for | 2D and 3D games for WeChat and web platforms | Small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Cocos Creator vs Defold
- Is Defold better than Cocos Creator?
- Defold ranks higher in our list of game engines (#4 against #6, score 89.5 against 86.5). Cocos Creator is best for: 2D and 3D games for WeChat and web platforms. Defold is best for: small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms.
- Which is cheaper, Cocos Creator or Defold?
- Cocos Creator: Engine is MIT licensed; professional support is sold separately. Defold: Free forever with no runtime fees; source available under the Defold License.
- Do Cocos Creator and Defold run on the same platforms?
- Cocos Creator supports Windows, macOS. Defold supports Windows, macOS, Linux.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
