Unity can be free to use through Unity Personal, but it is not free for every user or every use. Unity’s 2026 plan information lists Personal at no cost for eligible individuals and organizations below the applicable $200,000 threshold. If you exceed that threshold, need closed-console deployment, or make certain non-game applications, a paid plan or platform-holder license may be required. Unity does not currently charge the canceled Runtime Fee, but paid subscriptions still apply when your tier requires one.
When can you use Unity for free?
Unity Personal is listed as free for individuals and small organizations whose applicable revenue and funding are below $200,000 over the preceding 12 months. The threshold is not simply a general salary or household-income test: Unity’s terms determine which finances count based on who is using Unity and whether the work is for a client. See Unity’s current plans and its Editor Software Terms for the applicable eligibility rules.
How Unity applies the $200,000 threshold
- Legal entity working on its own projects: Unity looks at the entity’s gross revenue and/or funding over the most recent 12 months.
- Individual or legal entity providing services to a third party: Unity looks to the customer’s or client’s finances under its terms. This matters for contract developers and studios making projects for clients.
- Individual working on their own Unity-related projects: Unity counts amounts generated in connection with Unity. Its example excludes income from an unrelated day job.
Because the applicable measure can depend on the user and project arrangement, people close to the threshold or doing client work should check the current terms rather than assume their personal income is the deciding figure.
When do you have to pay for Unity?
Unity’s 2026 pricing page lists Pro at $210 per seat per month or $2,310 per seat per year, and says Pro is required above $200,000 in funding or annual revenue. Enterprise is custom priced and applies above $25 million. The relevant eligibility thresholds are measured over the most recent 12 months under Unity’s terms.
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| Plan | Published price | When it may apply |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Free | Eligible individuals and organizations below the applicable $200,000 threshold. |
| Pro | $210 per seat monthly or $2,310 per seat annually | Required above $200,000 in funding or annual revenue, subject to Unity’s applicable eligibility rules. |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Required above $25 million under Unity’s plan and eligibility rules. |
These are Unity’s listed 2026 prices; subscription pricing and plan features can change. The prices shown on the current plans page already reflect the 5% Pro and Enterprise increase that took effect January 12, 2026.
Can you make and sell a game with Unity Personal?
Yes, if you meet the Personal eligibility rules. Unity’s current Editor Terms grant the right to distribute projects made with Unity 6 and earlier versions “without royalty, revenue share, or a runtime fee,” provided you pay any applicable subscription or seat fees and remain eligible for your tier. In practical terms, eligible Personal users can distribute and monetize games without paying Unity a per-download or revenue-share charge under those terms.
This does not waive a paid-plan requirement if your finances or use case put you in a higher tier, and it does not override platform-specific licensing requirements.
Does Unity charge a Runtime Fee or royalties?
No current Runtime Fee applies to Unity games. Unity canceled the Runtime Fee effective September 12, 2024, and says no Unity games have been or will be subject to it. The current Editor Terms likewise provide for distribution without royalty, revenue share, or runtime fee for Unity 6 and earlier versions, subject to applicable subscription costs and continued tier eligibility. Read Unity’s Runtime Fee cancellation announcement alongside the current Editor Terms.
Does free Unity include console game releases?
Not necessarily. Unity says closed-console deployment—including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox—requires an active Pro subscription or a Preferred Platform license key from the platform holder. Platform approval is also required. Check the deployment and platform requirements on Unity’s Personal plan page and with the relevant platform holder before budgeting a console release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if you are building software that is not a game?
The right plan can change for applications outside games or entertainment. Unity says customers making those applications with total finances over $1 million must use Unity Industry. Its current plans information also says Industry customers below that threshold may use Pro or Enterprise, but not Personal. Check Unity’s plan information and terms for your specific product and organization.
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