View all AR Authoring & Simulation Alternatives
Best Free Alternatives to Unity Mars (Deprecated)
Stop paying Bundled with Unity Pro ($185 - $210/mo). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: AR Authoring & SimulationVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
AR.js
FREEBest for Web-Based AR
Why we like it
The leading open-source library for WebAR; lightweight and runs entirely in the browser; supports marker-based, location-based, and image-tracking AR with zero app downloads required.
Keep in mind
Lacks the advanced 'plane detection' and world-building features of Mars; restricted by browser hardware access.
Godot Engine (XR Tools)
FREEBest Open Source Replacement
Why we like it
The 2025 breakout alternative to Unity; completely free with no revenue limits; the 'Godot XR Tools' library provides professional-grade AR/VR building blocks; native support for OpenXR and Apple Vision Pro (via community PRs).
Keep in mind
Smaller asset store and fewer AR-specific 'templates' compared to Unity's decade-old ecosystem.
Adobe Aero
FREEBest for No-Code Authoring
Why we like it
Replaces the 'Plain Language' authoring of Mars; allows designers to build complex AR scenes visually without writing code; integrates perfectly with Photoshop and Illustrator assets.
Keep in mind
Proprietary Adobe ecosystem; limited for complex logic-heavy game development.
8th Wall
FREEBest for Branded WebAR
Why we like it
The industry standard for high-end WebAR; features world tracking and face effects that rival native apps; the free tier allows for experimentation and learning.
Keep in mind
Commercial licenses are extremely expensive for small developers.
Snap Lens Studio / Spark AR
FREEBest for Social AR
Why we like it
Incredible face and world tracking technology for $0; massive distribution network (Snapchat/Instagram); highly optimized for mobile performance.
Keep in mind
Locked to the social media platform; cannot export to a standalone 'Enterprise' app.
Google ARCore / Apple ARKit
FREEBest for Native Performance
Why we like it
The source libraries that Mars was built upon; using them directly (via Swift or Java/Kotlin) eliminates the Unity overhead and the 'Pro' license requirement.
Keep in mind
Requires native development skills (C++/Java/Swift); no visual simulation editor.
Open Brush
FREEBest Creative AR tool
Why we like it
Free and open-source 3D painting that can be used to 'paint' AR environments; excellent for rapid prototyping of AR visuals.
Keep in mind
A creative tool, not an engine or authoring suite.
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