Defold vs LOVE2D: 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 LOVE2D side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a 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 completely free
LOVE2D
Create 2D games with ease using Lua, a free and open-source framework.
Best for you if:
- • You want completely free to use, even for commercial projects
| At a Glance | Defold | LOVE2D |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Developer Tools | Developer Tools Gaming & Game Dev |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 62 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Defold or LOVE2D?
Choose Defold if
- You want completely free
- You want tiny builds
Choose LOVE2D if
- You want completely free to use, even for commercial projects
- You want open-source with source code available on GitHub
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
LOVE2D
Create 2D games with ease using Lua, a free and open-source framework.
LÖVE2D's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely free to use, even for commercial projects
- Pro: Open-source with source code available on GitHub
- Pro: Supports multiple operating systems and mobile platforms
- Pro: Easy to get started with clear code examples
- Pro: Active community for support and project sharing
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires knowledge of Lua programming language
- Con: Primarily focused on 2D games, not suitable for 3D
- Con: May require more manual setup compared to integrated game engines
Key features
Plans and prices: Defold vs LOVE2D
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Defold |
| defold.com read Nov 1, 2026 |
| LOVE2D |
| love2d.org read Oct 8, 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 LOVE2D pricing.
Key Takeaways
Defold
- Choose if you want free cross-platform game engine
LOVE2D
- Choose if you want create 2D games with ease using Lua, a free and open-source framework
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only Defold has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 62 reviews); LOVE2D has none we can show.
- 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 LOVE2D compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only Defold has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 62 reviews); LOVE2D has none we can show. Both have a free plan.
What are Defold and LOVE2D used for?
Defold: Free cross-platform game engine. LOVE2D: Create 2D games with ease using Lua, a free and open-source framework.
What does Defold cost vs LOVE2D?
Defold is free. LOVE2D is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Defold and LOVE2D?
Defold's main strength: completely free. LOVE2D's main strength: completely free to use, even for commercial projects.