Frame vs Hubs

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.

Hubs is a browser-based virtual collaboration platform for creating shared 3D spaces that people can join by URL. Rooms support spatialized audio and text chat, as well as sharing images, videos, 3D models, and other media. The platform can host conferences, classes, art showcases, or remote social gatherings. Spoke, a browser-based scene editor, lets users build Hubs environments from 3D models, images, videos, and other assets; its media discovery includes a Sketchfab integration. Hubs is open source and customizable, and its Community Edition can be self-hosted. Administrators can configure an instance, import assets, manage users, and moderate contributed content. An account is not required to use Hubs, although some features require sign-in. It works with VR headsets and can also be explored in 2D on computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Community Edition is free software, but hosting, domain, and email services may have separate costs. The documentation warns that a significant portion is outdated and that Hubs by Mozilla and Hubs Cloud are obsolete.