Unity Licensing: Are Unity Plus and Pro worth it?

Like any company that wants to sell its product Unity does put its paid services front and center. However, you can get a lot done with just the free version. Here you will learn how far it will take you.

Please be aware that this information has been collected in April 2023. Unity may have changed its licensing terms since then. This is no legal advice, go check the Unity Editor Software Terms website.

Which Unity license do I need?

It is always worth comparing the licenses offered.

License Notable Features Who needs it
Personal Free Solo Indies and Hobbyists
Plus Customized splash screen Anyone who makes > $100k or has clients who do.
Pro Required for consoles (Xbox) Anyone who makes > $200k or has clients who do.
Enterprise Source code access Large teams, probably AA or AAA

Can I use Unity for free?

Yes, but it depends. If you are a small team with less than $ 100 000 in revenue or funding per year then you are allowed to use (and publish) games with the free version of Unity called "Unity Personal".

Notice there is Plus and Pro

If you are making more than $ 100 000 but less than $ 200 000 then you need at least Unity Plus (which is much cheaper than Pro).

If you are making more than $ 200 000 per year then you will need Unity Pro.

Important caveats

If you are doing contract work with Unity for a third party (a customer for yours) which is a company with revenues over the thresholds, then you need the correct license based on their revenue (Unity Editor Software Terms Section 1.1.).

Some platforms (Xbox ID) may require you to have Unity Pro (consoles). [1]

Am I allowed to publish commercial games with the free version of Unity?

Yes, though some platforms may require you to have Unity Plus or Pro (console). [1]

In the past console publishers used to provide you with a free Unity Pro license in the form of so-called "preferred platform license keys" alongside their SDKs (which usually were pretty costly themselves). These were Unity Pro keys which only unlocked the respective platform. As of August 2021, Xbox stopped doing that.

However, it may still be true for Sony (Playstation) and Nintendo (Switch). Before you go buy a costly Unity Pro license you should register as a publisher at the console providers and check if they are offering a "preferred platform license key". It might save you a pretty penny.

Am I allowed to publish Xbox games with the free version of Unity?

There are two ways to release on the Xbox.

Xbox Creator Program: The first (and easiest) way is the Xbox Creators Program. To release on the Creators Program you do NOT need a paid Unity license, nor do you need an Xbox SDK. Unity Personal will suffice [3].

ID@xbox: The second (more elaborate) way is the ID@xbox program. This requires you to go through Xbox certification (which you need an Xbox for). This requires you to have a Unity Pro license.

Which platforms can I publish to with the free version of Unity?

All mobile platforms (Android, IOS), VR, Web, Standalone (Steam, Windows Store, Mac Store, ...), Xbox (via the Creators Program).

Is upgrading to Unity Plus worth it?

TLDR: No (unless you want to get rid of the splash screen).

If you are not forced to upgrade due to the revenue thresholds then it becomes a question of features.

The only feature that maybe is worth an upgrade is the ability to disable the splash screen. All the other features are about convenience and productivity. They are targeted mostly at teams.

If you are a solo indie dev with commercial intent then the upgrade to Unity Plus may be an option. Upgrading to Pro seems like overkill in these scenarios. Even if you are planning on releasing on the Switch, Xbox, or Playstation going pro it is not immediately necessary.

Get Unity Plus (and get rid of the Unity splash screen)

Is upgrading to Unity Pro worth it?

If you, or your clients, are above the $ 200k threshold then you must upgrade. In terms of features, this is not really necessary. If you need more info then here is the handy "Compare Unity Plans" website.

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Asset Recommendations

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Sources

  1. Quote: "Just to clarify, for console platforms there has always been a recommendation to use a pro license. However, certain platforms are subsidized with preferred platform keys, so you as the developer, do not have to purchase a license." - Unity Forum August 2021, https://forum.unity.com/threads/unity-pro-is-now-a-requirement-to-publish-on-consoles.1151696/#post-7391993
  2. Quote: "https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/going-forward-unity-devs-will-need-unity-pro-to-publish-on-consoles" - Gamedeveloper August 2021, https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/going-forward-unity-devs-will-need-unity-pro-to-publish-on-consoles
  3. Quote: "This does not affect Xbox Creators Program. You can use the Universal Windows Platform build target to publish to Xbox Creators Program with Unity Personal." - Unity Forum August 2021, https://forum.unity.com/threads/unity-pro-is-now-a-requirement-to-publish-on-consoles.1151696/#post-7397711