# Phaser vs PixiJS
URL: https://wwadd.dev/compare/phaser-vs-pixijs
Last verified: 2026-09-28

Both draw 2D graphics in the browser with WebGL. Phaser is a complete game framework; PixiJS is a fast renderer that leaves game structure to you.

## Verdict
Making a game? Start with Phaser. Need a fast 2D canvas inside something else? PixiJS.

## Pick Phaser when
- You're building a game and want the standard pieces ready
- Game jams and fast prototypes

## Pick PixiJS when
- You want full control of game structure, or you're not building a game
- Interactive sites, data visualizations, and animated UI

## Related tools
- [Phaser](https://wwadd.dev/tools/phaser)
- [PixiJS](https://wwadd.dev/tools/pixijs)

## Related playbooks
- [Phaser + TypeScript + Vite](https://wwadd.dev/stacks/phaser-typescript-vite)

## What actually differs
- Scope: Phaser — Full framework: scenes, physics, input, audio, tilemaps, cameras; PixiJS — Rendering engine: sprites, text, graphics, filters
- Physics: Phaser — Built in (Arcade, Matter.js); PixiJS — None — bring your own
- Best at: Phaser — Getting a playable game quickly; PixiJS — Custom architecture and interactive graphics

## Sources
- [Phaser docs](https://docs.phaser.io)
- [PixiJS guides](https://pixijs.com/8.x/guides)