Defold vs GDevelop: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Defold and GDevelop comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Defold
Free cross-platform game engine
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need free cross-platform game engine
- • You want a completely free tool
GDevelop
Open-source no-code game engine
Best for you if:
- • You need open-source no-code game engine
- • You want to start free and upgrade later
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Developer Tools | Developer Tools |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Defold | GDevelop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 49 | 111 |
| Categories | Developer ToolsGaming & Game Dev | Developer ToolsGaming & Game Dev |
Understanding the Differences
Both Defold and GDevelop solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Defold positions itself as "free cross-platform game engine" while GDevelopfocuses on "open-source no-code game engine". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Defold
Defold makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution.
When to Choose GDevelop
GDevelop is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Defold lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Defold
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. GDevelop is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: GDevelop
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Defold
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Defold is completely free.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Defold higher (/100). But the community has upvoted GDevelop more (111 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Defold Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider GDevelop If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Defold. But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Defold scores higher in our analysis, but GDevelop might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defold or GDevelop better?
Based on our analysis, Defold scores higher with high/100. Defold isfree while GDevelop is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Defold to GDevelop easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Defold and GDevelop offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Defold is completely free.GDevelop is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.