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Spline vs Three.js — When to Pick Each

Spline for fast prototypes and marketing landings, Three.js for production sites with performance and custom-shader needs.

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Spline vs Three.js is a real choice on every 3D web project, not a Three.js-always default. Spline wins when: timeline is under 4 weeks, designer leads the project (Spline is visual, Three.js is code), bundle size of 3-5MB is acceptable, no custom shaders needed. Three.js wins when: lifespan is 3+ years, performance budget is tight (especially mobile), custom shaders or unusual effects are required, scene state needs deep integration with React/Vue app. Both are excellent. I default to Three.js for client work because I'm a developer, not a designer — different skill sets pick different defaults.

When option A wins

Pick the first option when the team prefers a stable mature ecosystem with a large community, when the project will run on production for 5+ years (long-term maintainability), and when the design constraints are well-understood before kickoff. The first option also wins for projects with a meaningful budget that can afford engineering depth.

When option B wins

Pick the second option when speed-to-prototype matters more than long-term maintenance, when the team includes a generalist rather than a 3D specialist, and when the visual ambition fits within the framework's built-in capabilities. The second option ships fast and rarely fights the tooling, which matters for marketing-driven launches.

My default choice

On most projects I default to the first option because clients tend to want the site to last 3-5 years without rewrites, and a mature ecosystem with strong tooling pays dividends throughout that lifespan. But I keep both in the toolbox — when a project's profile clearly favors the second, I switch. Tool-fit beats tool-loyalty.

Migration cost

Going from the second to the first option later (after the project is live) is non-trivial — usually 30-50% of the original build cost in engineering time. The opposite direction (first to second) is rarely needed. So the choice at kickoff is the more important call. I help clients think through this in a 30-min call before any contract.

Frequently asked questions

Can I switch options later?

In one direction yes, in the other expensive. Going from a heavier tool to a lighter one is normal. Migrating from a lighter tool to a heavier one means rewriting most of the 3D layer, which is 30-50% of original build cost.

Which tool do you personally use?

I use both, depending on the project. For long-term maintenance projects with rich features, I default to the more mature option. For fast prototypes and marketing campaigns, I default to the faster-to-ship option. Tool-fit beats tool-loyalty.

How long does this take?

Standard scope: 4-6 weeks from contract signature to live site. Larger scope (configurator, multi-scene scrollytelling) takes 8-12 weeks. Rush projects (2-3 weeks) are accepted with a 30-40% rush surcharge.

What does it cost?

Hero-section 3D upgrade: \$1,500-\$2,500. Full multi-scene 3D site: \$3,500-\$8,000. Configurator with custom shaders: \$5,000-\$12,000. All fixed-price, source code included. EUR equivalents on request.

What if my visitors are on weak phones?

The site detects device tier before the first scene loads and serves a lighter version on weak hardware (fewer particles, simpler shaders). Devices without WebGL get a static fallback that preserves the visual language and conversion path.

Ready to ship a 3D experience?

Tell me what you need — fixed price, fixed deadline, no surprises.

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