Defold vs GameMaker: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Defold and GameMaker side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Defold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Defold
Free cross-platform game engine
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (GameMaker requires payment)
GameMaker
Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
Best for you if:
- • You want low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
| At a Glance | Defold | GameMaker |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan, one-time packs from $99.99 |
Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools Game Engines |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 62 reviews | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.1 · Trustpilot 1.0 129 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Defold or GameMaker?
Choose Defold if
- You want a fully free tool (GameMaker requires payment)
- You want completely free
- You want tiny builds
Choose GameMaker if
- You want low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
- You want free tier includes all core features with no watermark or splash screen
In-Depth Analysis
Defold
Free cross-platform game engine
Defold's pricing is exceptionally generous, being entirely free with no hidden costs or royalties.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free
- Pro: Tiny builds
- Pro: Good for mobile
Weaknesses
- Con: Smaller community
- Con: Lua learning curve
Key features
GameMaker
Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
GameMaker's pricing is quite generous, especially with the robust Free tier offering desktop, web, and mobile exports without a watermark.
Strengths
- Pro: Low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
- Pro: Free tier includes all core features with no watermark or splash screen
- Pro: One-time $99.99 Professional license, no recurring subscription
- Pro: Proven track record with major indie hits like Undertale and Chicory
Weaknesses
- Con: Focused exclusively on 2D, not suitable for 3D game development
- Con: Console export requires the Enterprise subscription tier
- Con: GML is proprietary and skills do not transfer to other engines
Key features
Plans and prices: Defold vs GameMaker
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Defold |
| defold.com read Nov 1, 2026 |
| GameMaker |
| gamemaker.io/en/get read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Defold pricing and GameMaker pricing.
Key Takeaways
Defold
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.0/5
GameMaker
- Choose if you want create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
What the data shows
On the data below, Defold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Defold has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 62 reviews for Defold, 4.0/5 from 129 reviews for GameMaker).
- GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Defold and GameMaker compare in 2026?
On the data below, Defold leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Defold has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 62 reviews for Defold, 4.0/5 from 129 reviews for GameMaker). GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). Both have a free plan.
What are Defold and GameMaker used for?
Defold: Free cross-platform game engine. GameMaker: Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere.
What does Defold cost vs GameMaker?
Defold is free. GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Defold and GameMaker?
Defold's main strength: completely free. GameMaker's main strength: low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML.