Compare WebGPU and WebGL2
Learn about the differences and similarities between these graphics APIs.
Read time 1 minuteLast updated 18 days ago
Compare the functions, limitations, and similarities between the WebGPU and WebGL2 Web graphics APIs.
When building for the Web platform in Unity, you can choose between two graphics APIs: WebGL2 and WebGPU. This page outlines the differences in support, features, and technical limitations between the two options.
WebGL2
WebGL2 is the default graphics API and is compatible with most devices and browsers, but lacks more modern features that WebGPU provides.
WebGPU
WebGPU is a modern graphics API that enables features such as compute shaders and indirect rendering.
High-Level comparison
Feature | WebGL2 | WebGPU |
|---|---|---|
| Support status | Default API, widely accepted by most browsers. | Limited browser and device support. |
| API basis | Based on OpenGL ES 3.0 functionality. | Unlocks more modern graphics features. |
| Shader code | Requires explicit GLSL precision qualifiers ( | Strict uniformity analysis required, no HLSL extended features. |
| Compute Shaders | Not natively supported. | Supported with limitations (No |
| GPU readback | Synchronous readback APIs generally function. | No synchronous readback (must use |
| Storage textures | Standard WebGL texture handling. | Restrictive formats (for example, |
Refer to WebGL2 and WebGPU graphics API for full features and limitations of each graphics API.