Stencyl vs Raylib: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Stencyl and Raylib 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Stencyl
Create cross-platform games for mobile, web, and desktop without writing any code.
Best for you if:
- • Develop cross-platform games without coding using a drag-and-drop interface.
- • Publish games to iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and HTML5.
Raylib
A simple and easy-to-use library for enjoying videogames programming.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • A simple, easy-to-use C library for game development.
- • Multiplatform support with no external dependencies.
| At a Glance |  Stencyl | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Game Engines | Game Engines |
Rating | —/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Stencyl | Raylib |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Game Engines | Game Engines |
How Stencyl and Raylib Compare
Stencyl
Create cross-platform games for mobile, web, and desktop without writing any code.
Free tier available
Raylib
A simple and easy-to-use library for enjoying videogames programming.
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Raylib is free. Stencyl is freemium.
Go with: Raylib
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has been rated yet.
Go with: Stencyl
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Stencyl
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Stencyl is freemium. Raylib is free. Go with Raylib if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are game engines tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Stencyl
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Raylib
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Stencyl is our pick. That said, Raylib is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stencyl or Raylib better?
Stencyl scores high/100 in our evaluation. Stencyl is freemium and Raylib is free.
What are Stencyl and Raylib used for?
Stencyl: Create cross-platform games for mobile, web, and desktop without writing any code.. Raylib: A simple and easy-to-use library for enjoying videogames programming..
What does Stencyl cost vs Raylib?
Stencyl is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Raylib is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.