Is Unity better than Defold?

Unity ranks higher in our list of game engines (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 89.5). Defold is best for: small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms. Unity is best for: cross-platform teams that can accept a subscription.

Which is cheaper, Defold or Unity?

Defold: Free forever with no runtime fees; source available under the Defold License. Unity: Personal is free under $200K in revenue or funding; Pro and Enterprise are subscriptions.

Do Defold and Unity run on the same platforms?

Defold supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Unity supports Windows, macOS, Linux.

Defold vs Unity: Which Is Better? (2026)

89.5
Editorial score
92.5
3
Platforms
3
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Unity if you want

Cross-platform teams that can accept a subscription.

Widest platform reach and a free Personal plan under the revenue threshold. Larger businesses pay a subscription, and the pricing page lists no per-game royalty.

The main differences

Defold is free; Unity is free plan, paid upgrades.

Side by side

	Defold	Unity
Score	89.5	92.5
Rank in list	#4 of 12	#2 of 12
Price	FreeFree forever with no runtime fees; source available under the Defold License	Free plan, paid upgradesPersonal is free under $200K in revenue or funding; Pro and Enterprise are subscriptions
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux	WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made by	Defold Foundation	Unity Technologies
Scripting language	Lua	C#
3D support	Yes	Yes
Workflow	Editor and code	Editor and code
Best for	Small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms	Cross-platform teams that can accept a subscription
Strengths	Free forever with no runtime fees Small engine footprint with Live Update support Publishes to consoles, Steam and web from one project	Free Personal plan under the revenue threshold Targets PC, console, mobile, web and XR builds Free learning material through Unity Learn
Limits	Game logic uses Lua, which limits the choice of languages Modified editor or engine builds cannot be sold	Pro subscription required above the revenue threshold Subscriptions carry no refund once committed
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Defold vs Unity

Is Unity better than Defold?: Unity ranks higher in our list of game engines (#2 against #4, score 92.5 against 89.5). Defold is best for: small Lua-based games that ship to many platforms. Unity is best for: cross-platform teams that can accept a subscription.
Which is cheaper, Defold or Unity?: Defold: Free forever with no runtime fees; source available under the Defold License. Unity: Personal is free under $200K in revenue or funding; Pro and Enterprise are subscriptions.
Do Defold and Unity run on the same platforms?: Defold supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Unity supports Windows, macOS, Linux.