# MonoGame vs raylib
URL: https://wwadd.dev/compare/monogame-vs-raylib
Last verified: 2026-10-01

Both are code-first and have no editor: you write the game structure yourself. MonoGame is a C# framework for .NET; raylib is a compact C library with bindings for dozens of languages.

- Language: MonoGame — C# and other .NET languages; raylib — C, with bindings for 60+ languages
- What it provides: MonoGame — Graphics, input, audio, and a content pipeline, in a Game-class structure; raylib — Windowing, drawing, input, audio, and 2D/3D APIs — you own the game loop
- Platforms: MonoGame — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and consoles (platform authorization required); raylib — Windows, Linux, macOS, Raspberry Pi, Android, and HTML5
- License: MonoGame — Microsoft Public License, with exceptions listed in the repository; raylib — zlib/libpng

Pick MonoGame when:
- Your team already knows C# and .NET tooling
- You want console paths and a familiar framework structure

Pick raylib when:
- You want a small dependency-free library and full control of the loop
- You're targeting the web, a Raspberry Pi, or want to use C or another language through bindings

Bottom line: Language and ecosystem decide this: C# and .NET (MonoGame) or C and minimal dependencies (raylib). Neither gives you an editor or level tools.
Sources: https://monogame.net, https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame, https://www.raylib.com, https://github.com/raysan5/raylib