Unity vs Unreal Engine: Which Is Better for AR/VR App Development?

As augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming many industries, from gaming and healthcare to real estate and education, developers are considering an important question: which option is better for AR/VR app development, Unity or Unreal Engine?

Both engines are powerful with their immersive experiences and cutting-edge features, but they have some notable differences in terms of usability, graphics, cost, and flexibility. In this blog, we will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each engine in detail to help you figure out which engine is best suited for your AR/VR project in 2025 and beyond.

Unity: The Leader in AR/VR

Unity has been the go-to platform for AR and VR development for quite some time now. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1. Extensive AR/VR Support

Unity provides solid support for both ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android), along with compatibility for major VR headsets like Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR. Its versatile XR Interaction Toolkit allows for smooth integration across various hardware platforms.

2. Cross-Platform Capability

One of Unity's biggest strengths is its ability to build once and deploy across more than 20 platforms—including Android, iOS, Windows, WebGL, and XR devices—helping developers save both time and money when working on multiple platforms.

3. Asset Store and Community

The vast Asset Store in Unity is a treasure trove of thousands of ready-to-use assets, 3D models, and plugins that can really speed up the development process. Plus, with a vibrant global developer community, you can count on quick support and a wealth of tutorials.

4. Lightweight and Fast

Unity’s runtime engine is lightweight, making it an excellent choice for mobile AR applications. It’s particularly effective for crafting interactive experiences that don’t demand high-end hardware.

Drawbacks

While Unity shines in versatility, it can sometimes struggle to deliver ultra-realistic graphics, particularly for high-end VR simulations. Additionally, achieving complex visuals may require some extra optimization and shader work.

Unreal Engine: Powerhouse of Visual Fidelity

Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, is a great choice for developers who want ultra-realistic graphics and a high-performance experience.

1. Photorealistic Graphics

The Unreal Engine boasts unmatched rendering capabilities thanks to its cutting-edge lighting system (Lumen) and Nanite virtualized geometry. It is perfect for projects that require cinematic visuals, such as VR games or architectural walkthroughs.

2. Blueprints Visual Scripting

With Unreal Engine’s Blueprints, a visual scripting system, designers and developers can create complex logic without writing a single line of code. This not only speeds up prototyping but also reduces development barriers.

3. Full Source Code Access

Unreal offers full access to its source code, allowing advanced developers to customize applications extensively. This feature is especially beneficial for enterprise solutions and simulated AR/VR projects.

4. Strong VR integration

Unreal Engine is compatible with a wide range of VR devices and comes with prebuilt templates for VR development, especially for Oculus and SteamVR.

Drawbacks

One drawback is that Unreal Engine has a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. Also, it is heavy in terms of runtime, making it less ideal for lightweight AR applications or low-end mobile devices.

Unity vs Unreal Engine: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Unity	Unreal Engine
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly	Steeper learning curve
Graphics Quality	Good (can be enhanced)	Excellent (photorealistic)
Platform Support	Extensive (mobile + XR)	Strong (especially VR)
Scripting	C#	C++ and Blueprints
Community & Resources	Large community, huge asset store	Active community, strong documentation
Performance on Mobile	Excellent for AR	Resource-intensive
Pricing	Free (with revenue cap)	Free (5% royalty after $1M revenue)

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you're diving into mobile AR apps, creating quick prototypes, or building cross-platform applications, Unity is your best choice. It's perfect for startups, indie developers, and anyone looking for rapid deployment.

• On the other hand, if your goal is to create VR simulations, develop AAA-level games, or create experiences where stunning visuals and great performance are a must, Unreal Engine is your best choice.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the Unity vs Unreal debate, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best game engine for you depends on the goals of your project, who you’re targeting, what platform you’re using, and what resources you have available. Both Unity and Unreal Engine are advancing rapidly and by 2025, either option will provide you with the tools you need to create engaging, immersive AR/VR experiences.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner to help you make your AR/VR dreams a reality, there’s no better choice than Technoloader. They’re a great AR/VR app development company that offers customized solutions using both Unity and Unreal Engine. Whether you’re building a cross-platform AR app or a stunning VR experience, Technoloader has comprehensive development services to turn your ideas into immersive reality.