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Choose Garry’s Mod for ready-to-play physics sandbox fun, contraptions, posing and community modes. Choose s&box if your main goal is to create and publish games using Source 2, C# and an integrated editor. They share a creator-oriented spirit, but they serve different starting points: playing with a sandbox versus building games.
Garry’s Mod vs. s&box at a glance
| If you want… | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Open-ended physics play, posing and contraptions | Garry’s Mod | Facepunch describes it as a sandbox without predefined aims, built around spawning objects and assembling them into creations. Facepunch’s product page also highlights offline and online play. |
| Community-made maps, models and game modes to play | Garry’s Mod | It has a long-running Workshop ecosystem, including modes such as Trouble in Terrorist Town and Prop Hunt. Facepunch reports more than 300,000 free Workshop models, maps and contraptions; the page does not date that count. |
| Making and publishing original games | s&box | Its official site centers on a Source 2 creation platform with C#, an editor and publishing tools. The s&box site describes standalone export as an option, with distribution terms explained below. |
| Iterating on a multiplayer game while developing it | s&box | Facepunch advertises rapid code hotload and built-in multiplayer workflows for playtesting. |
This is a use-case comparison, not a universal ranking. Official materials do not provide a consistent benchmark or direct feature-by-feature test, so there is no evidence here to call one objectively faster, better-looking or more complete.
What is Garry’s Mod?
Garry’s Mod is a physics sandbox for players who want to experiment rather than follow a fixed campaign or set of goals. Facepunch’s description emphasizes spawning objects, welding them into contraptions and playing alone or online. You can also use community modes that turn the sandbox into more structured multiplayer games.
Its appeal is the combination of a ready-to-play sandbox and a substantial catalog of community additions. Facepunch reports more than 25 million units sold, more than one million Steam reviews and more than 300,000 free Workshop models, maps and contraptions. These are publisher-reported totals; its product page does not give an as-of date for them, so treat them as undated figures rather than verified current counts.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
It is not a discontinued relic: Facepunch’s homepage lists a September 16, 2026 update covering 64-bit Windows builds, Sandbox improvements and other changes. See the Garry’s Mod homepage for the live update information.
What is s&box?
s&box is a Source 2 game-creation platform. Facepunch announced its Steam release on April 28, 2026; the current product materials emphasize modern C#, an editor, code hotload, built-in multiplayer, publishing from the editor and open-source code. The Getting Started documentation confirms that developers use C# and that the engine uses Source 2 systems.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
In practical terms, s&box is the more direct choice when you want to build a game as a project, iterate on its code and share or publish the result. Facepunch’s release post presents the product as a distinct direction rather than a simple port of Garry’s Mod to Source 2.
Facepunch’s site lists updates through September 29, 2026. Its launch post said weekly updates were planned, but a launch-day plan is not a guarantee of current cadence; check the live s&box site for recent updates.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Is s&box like Garry’s Mod?
They are related by Facepunch and a shared interest in player creativity, but the official positioning points to different primary activities. Garry’s Mod gives you a physics sandbox to play in and extend with Workshop content. s&box gives creators tools for making games, including an editor and C# workflow. If by “like” you mean open-ended experimentation and community creativity, there is overlap; if you mean the same ready-made play experience, the product descriptions do not establish that.
How s&box publishing and creator earnings work
Facepunch advertises a Play Fund and says creators can earn from their work. Its live homepage showed a cumulative $919,618.00 paid to creators on October 4, 2026; that amount changes over time and is not a promise of individual earnings.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
There is an important qualification for standalone releases: although the homepage advertises standalone Steam releases and says “No royalties,” the developer documentation describes standalone distribution as in preview, subject to Valve approval and a Facepunch license. Facepunch says it takes no engine royalties or revenue share, while Steam’s standard terms and revenue share still apply. Consult the developer documentation before planning a release; this is not unrestricted, platform-free distribution.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
Choose Garry’s Mod if you want to play first
- You want a sandbox you can start using to spawn, pose and connect objects.
- You are interested in trying established community modes and browsing Workshop creations.
- You want open-ended play rather than beginning with a game-development workflow.
Choose s&box if you want to make games
- Your goal is to create and publish original games rather than mainly play a pre-existing sandbox.
- You want to work with C#, Source 2 systems and an integrated editor.
- Hotloading code and built-in multiplayer playtesting fit the way you want to iterate.
Both are available through Steam, but the official pages cited here do not establish a current regional price for s&box. Its site noted a price drop in an update dated September 15, 2026, so check each game’s current Steam listing in your region before buying. No consistent hardware or performance comparison is established by the official materials reviewed here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
