PlayFab vs Liveblocks: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PlayFab and Liveblocks 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PlayFab
Full-stack LiveOps and real-time control for building and operating live games.
Best for you if:
- • You need multiplayer backend features specifically
- • Provides a full suite of backend services for live game operations.
- • Offers multiplayer features, LiveOps tools, and data analytics.
Liveblocks
Real-time collaboration infrastructure
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • Liveblocks is a toolkit for building real-time collaborative features
- • It provides presence, cursors, and synchronized state for multiplayer apps
| At a Glance |  PlayFab |  Liveblocks |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Multiplayer Backend | API Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | PlayFab | Liveblocks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Multiplayer BackendGame Analytics | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How PlayFab and Liveblocks Compare
PlayFab
Full-stack LiveOps and real-time control for building and operating live games.
Free tier available
Liveblocks
Real-time collaboration infrastructure
Free tier available · 86/100 score
PlayFab is a multiplayer backend tool. Liveblocks is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: PlayFab
Want the highest-rated option?
Liveblocks scores 86/100. PlayFab is unrated.
Go with: Liveblocks
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Liveblocks
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
PlayFab is a multiplayer backend tool. Liveblocks is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Liveblocks
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
PlayFab
- Better fit for multiplayer backend
The Bottom Line
Liveblocks (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlayFab or Liveblocks better?
Liveblocks scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are PlayFab and Liveblocks used for?
PlayFab: Full-stack LiveOps and real-time control for building and operating live games.. Liveblocks: Real-time collaboration infrastructure.
What does PlayFab cost vs Liveblocks?
PlayFab is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Liveblocks is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.