AR.js Studio vs Frame

AR.js Studio is a free, open-source web authoring platform for building augmented reality experiences without coding. It supports location-based projects, which place AR content at GPS coordinates, and marker-based projects, which anchor content to a black-and-white visual marker. Location projects can use a dropped pin or entered coordinates for up to 10 locations. Marker projects can use a premade marker or an uploaded image; simple, high-contrast, rotationally asymmetric markers are recommended. Uploadable content includes GLTF, GLB, or ZIP 3D objects, JPG, PNG, or GIF images, and MP4 videos. Maximum upload sizes are 50 MB for 3D objects, 15 MB for images, and 25 MB for videos. Published experiences run on the web without requiring viewers to install another app. Publishing requires a GitHub login and depends on a privately hosted OAuth server that may become unavailable. The documented fallback is self-hosting a fork and Gatekeeper. The repository is MIT licensed.

Frame is a browser-based platform for building private or public virtual spaces for businesses, schools, organizations, and communities. Its collaborative tools include spatial voice chat, translated text chat, whiteboards, webcam and screen sharing, shared browsers, and live co-editing. A drag-and-drop editor accepts 3D models, 360 photos and videos, images, video, PDFs, streaming screens, shaders, particle systems, buttons, and proximity triggers. AI options include image and skybox generation, GPT-powered chat, AI NPCs, translation in 30 languages, and speech-to-text captions. A Frame can hold up to 300 people; larger spaces up to 1,000 may be possible with suitable settings and support contact. It runs in desktop, mobile, and VR browsers without downloads. The mobile guide recommends Safari on iOS and Chrome on Android, but notes that mobile lacks screen sharing and laser pointers. The listed tiers are $10, $50, and $200 per month, alongside a free trial; educators can get a 50% discount.