<model-viewer> is a wonderful tool for showcasing a single 3D object: you drop in a GLTF file and get a polished viewer with AR support. It doesn’t provide scene graphs, physics, scripting or asset pipelines, so you’re on your own when building larger experiences. Wonderland Engine is a complete engine built for complex web‑based applications and games. If you only need to display a shoe in AR, stay with <model-viewer>; if you want to build worlds with interactivity and performance, Wonderland Engine is the right fit.
Why go beyond a viewer?
From viewer to engine
<model-viewer> is perfect for embedding a single model with minimal code, but it lacks scene management, physics, scripting or networking. Wonderland Engine provides all of these out of the box.
Editor & workflow
Wonderland Engine includes a native editor that allows artists to lay out scenes visually and collaborate, whereas <model-viewer> requires you to author everything in code or external tools.
Optimized runtime
Our engine automatically batches and compresses assets; <model-viewer> simply forwards GLTF files to the browser without optimization, which can result in long load times on complex models.
Scalability
While <model-viewer> excels at a single object, Wonderland Engine handles entire worlds with lighting, physics and input systems, making it suitable for games and VR experiences.