Augmented Reality (AR) is no longer the technology of the future—it’s the innovation of the present. With AR applications shaping everything from gaming to e-commerce, healthcare to education, developers are increasingly in search of the 10 best free tools for building AR apps that are not only powerful and reliable but also cost-effective.
Whether you’re a solo indie developer, a student, or part of a startup on a tight budget, leveraging the right free AR tools can significantly reduce your development time and expenses. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the best free tools for building AR apps in 2025—covering everything from SDKs and frameworks to no-code platforms and cloud-based AR engines.
Why Use Free AR Development Tools?
While enterprise-level tools offer a ton of features, they often come with hefty price tags. Free tools, on the other hand, can help you:
- Start small and scale later
- Experiment and prototype rapidly
- Learn AR development without upfront investment
- Build MVPs for funding or pitch decks
Choosing the best free tools for building AR apps gives you the flexibility to innovate without being tied down by cost constraints.
Also Read: Meta’s Next-Gen Smart Glasses to Feature Display & XR Controller
Best Free Tools for Building AR Apps in 2025
1. Unity with AR Foundation
Platform: Android, iOS, HoloLens, Magic Leap
Best For: Cross-platform AR development with full control
Unity remains a developer favorite in 2025, especially when paired with AR Foundation, Unity’s cross-platform framework that supports both ARKit (iOS) and ARCore (Android).
Pros:
- Huge community
- Asset Store support
- Great for games and interactive apps
Cons:
- Slightly steep learning curve for beginners
Free Tier Highlights: Unity Personal license is free for individuals or companies with less than $100K annual revenue.
✅ Best Free Tools for Building AR Apps like Unity enable deep customization and robust app performance.
2. 8thWall (Now under Niantic)
Platform: WebAR (browser-based AR)
Best For: Building AR experiences that work without an app
With the rise of WebAR, 8thWall has emerged as a leader. In 2025, their free tier includes prototyping, making it one of the best free tools for building AR apps that don’t require downloads.
Pros:
- Web-based (no app needed)
- Extensive documentation
- Visual editor available
Cons:
- Limited access to premium features in free tier
Free Tier Highlights: Create unlimited test projects with watermarked outputs.
3. Vuforia Engine (Free Version)
Platform: Unity, Android, iOS
Best For: Marker-based AR (image recognition)
Vuforia continues to evolve as a powerful SDK for developers who want robust object tracking and image recognition.
Pros:
- Recognizes objects, text, images
- Works well with Unity
- Good real-world tracking
Cons:
- Watermark in free version
Free Tier Highlights: Full SDK access with watermark; commercial license required to remove branding.
4. Lens Studio by Snap Inc.
Platform: Snapchat
Best For: Creators looking to design face filters and AR effects
If your goal is to reach a wide audience via social media, Lens Studio is one of the best free tools for building AR apps and lenses for Snapchat.
Pros:
- Templates for quick development
- Real-time preview and testing
- AR face filters, world effects
Cons:
- Limited to Snapchat platform
Free Tier Highlights: 100% free to use with wide exposure via Snapchat platform.
5. Spark AR by Meta
Platform: Instagram, Facebook
Best For: Social AR creators, influencer marketing tools
Spark AR enables developers and creators to publish AR effects on Instagram and Facebook for free.
Pros:
- Free publishing on Meta platforms
- Easy to learn with drag-and-drop features
- Built-in simulation and testing
Cons:
- Platform-restricted
Free Tier Highlights: Full access to features and publishing, ideal for creators.
Also Read: The Role of Time-Perception Algorithms in Future AR Glasses for ADHD
6. ZapWorks Studio (Free Plan)
Platform: WebAR, Android, iOS
Best For: Interactive AR experiences, education, marketing
ZapWorks is a hybrid platform offering both no-code and code-based development.
Pros:
- WebAR support
- User-friendly interface
- Built-in CMS for managing AR content
Cons:
- Free plan limits hosting and analytics
Free Tier Highlights: Limited projects, watermarked output, ideal for prototypes and learning.
7. BlippAR WebAR SDK (Developer Edition)
Platform: Web
Best For: No-download AR experiences with computer vision
BlippAR focuses on delivering high-quality AR experiences directly in the browser.
Pros:
- WebAR support
- No app download needed
- Markerless AR
Cons:
- Limited branding customization in free version
Free Tier Highlights: Developer edition offers full access for non-commercial projects.
8. AR.js
Platform: Browser
Best For: Lightweight, open-source WebAR projects
If you’re looking for a truly open-source and lightweight option, AR.js is one of the best free tools for building AR apps for developers familiar with JavaScript.
Pros:
- 100% free and open-source
- Fast loading, good for mobile
- Active community
Cons:
- Minimal UI support
- Needs technical knowledge of JavaScript/Three.js
Free Tier Highlights: Completely free with MIT license.
9. MindAR.js
Platform: Web
Best For: Face tracking and image tracking in lightweight projects
A newer, promising WebAR library based on AR.js, MindAR.js is gaining traction for being beginner-friendly and flexible.
Pros:
- No app required
- Works with A-Frame and Three.js
- Face + image tracking
Cons:
- Limited commercial-grade features
Free Tier Highlights: Fully open-source and developer-friendly.
10. Google ARCore (SDK)
Platform: Android, Unity
Best For: Native Android AR apps
Google’s ARCore is the go-to for developing powerful Android AR applications with features like motion tracking, environment understanding, and light estimation.
Pros:
- Native integration with Android Studio
- Great for serious AR developers
- Works with Unity and Unreal Engine
Cons:
- Android-only (unless paired with Unity for cross-platform)
Free Tier Highlights: Completely free SDK backed by Google.
How to Choose the Right Free Tool?
Here’s a checklist when choosing among the best free tools for building AR apps:
- Do you want WebAR or App-based AR?
- Are you focused on social platforms or standalone apps?
- Need face filters, world tracking, or object detection?
- Planning to monetize? Watch for commercial restrictions in free tiers.
Also Read: How to Implement Machine Learning in Startups: A Complete Guide
Real-World Use Cases
E-commerce
Use WebAR tools like 8thWall or BlippAR to let users “try before they buy.”
Education
Leverage Unity + Vuforia to create interactive textbooks or science simulations.
Healthcare
Use ARCore or ARKit for medical training simulations or AR diagnostics.
Gaming
Create engaging AR games using Unity + AR Foundation.
Final Thoughts
With the explosion of AR hardware, from Meta’s smart glasses to Apple’s Vision Pro, the demand for immersive apps is only going to rise. And thanks to the wealth of resources out there, you don’t need to break the bank to get started.
These best free tools for building AR apps offer everything from basic functionality to advanced tracking and cloud hosting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, 2025 is the perfect year to jump in and start building the future of augmented reality.
FAQs
1. What are the best free tools for building AR apps in 2025?
Unity with AR Foundation, 8thWall, Vuforia, Spark AR, and Lens Studio are among the best.
2. Can I build AR apps for free without coding?
Yes, tools like Spark AR, Lens Studio, and ZapWorks offer no-code interfaces.
3. What’s the best free WebAR tool?
8thWall and AR.js are popular WebAR tools that don’t require app downloads.
4. Are these tools suitable for commercial apps?
Some tools require paid licenses for commercial use; always check terms.
5. Which tool is best for face filters?
Lens Studio and Spark AR are ideal for building AR face filters.
6. Do I need a powerful PC to build AR apps?
Not necessarily. Many web-based tools and lightweight SDKs work on mid-range systems.
7. Can I use Unity for free to build AR apps?
Yes, Unity offers a free Personal license for developers earning under $100K/year.
8. What’s the easiest AR tool for beginners?
Spark AR and Lens Studio are beginner-friendly and have lots of templates.
9. Which tools support both Android and iOS?
Unity with AR Foundation, Vuforia, and ZapWorks support both platforms.
10. How do I publish an AR app I made with free tools?
Apps built with Unity, ARCore, or Vuforia can be published on Google Play and App Store; WebAR projects can be hosted online.