Choosing the right framework is one of the most important decisions you will make for your FiveM server. Your framework determines performance and player experience, available scripts and resources, learning curve for your team, long-term scalability, and community support when you need help.
The wrong choice means months of frustration, limited customization, and potentially rebuilding your server from scratch. The right choice means smooth development, abundant resources, and a server that grows with your community.
Quick overview of the three major FiveM frameworks
| Feature | ESX | QBCore | QBOX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Established servers | New servers | Modern, lightweight |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Easy | Easy |
| Community Size | Large | Very Large | Growing |
| Performance | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Our Templates | ESX Templates | QBCore Templates | QBOX Templates |
ESX is the original and most established FiveM framework. It has been the foundation of roleplay servers since 2017.
QBCore emerged as a modern alternative to ESX, focusing on cleaner code, better performance, and easier customization.
QBOX is the newest major framework, built from the ground up for maximum performance and modern development practices.
Benchmarked on identical server setups (64-slot, standard artifacts)
| Metric | ESX | QBCore | QBOX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base MS Impact | 0.8-1.2ms | 0.4-0.6ms | 0.2-0.4ms |
| Memory Usage | Higher | Moderate | Lower |
| Server Boot Time | 45-60s | 30-45s | 20-30s |
| Concurrent Players | 100+ | 100+ | 100+ |
What you need to know about switching frameworks
Migrating from ESX to QBCore is the most common transition. MLOs and map resources transfer easily, but job scripts and economy systems need updates.
QBOX is designed to be QBCore-compatible, making migration easier. A compatibility layer is included for many QBCore scripts.
Common questions about FiveM frameworks
Yes, but it requires significant work. Plan for 2-4 weeks of migration time. We offer migration services to help with the transition.
ESX has the largest library due to its age. QBCore is catching up quickly with modern scripts. QBOX is growing but currently has a smaller selection.
Yes! MLOs (interiors) are framework-agnostic and work with ESX, QBCore, and QBOX without modification.
QBCore is most commonly used for NoPixel-inspired servers due to its modern features, active development, and large community of shared resources.
Generally no. Scripts are built for specific frameworks. However, some standalone scripts work across all frameworks, and QBOX has a compatibility layer for QBCore scripts.
QBCore has the gentlest learning curve and best beginner resources. Its modern architecture and extensive documentation make it ideal for those new to FiveM development.