QBCore vs ESX: Which FiveM Framework Should You Choose?

If you're building a roleplay server, your framework decision shapes everything that follows — which scripts you can run, how easy they are to edit, and where you'll find support. The two dominant choices are QBCore and ESX.

What a framework actually does

A framework provides the shared systems every RP server needs: player accounts, money, jobs, inventory and a way for resources to talk to each other. You build your server on top of it rather than reinventing those wheels — then layer on add-on scripts from sources like our partner Glory Scripts to flesh out the experience.

ESX

ESX is the older, extremely widely-adopted framework. Its huge install base means almost any script you find will have an ESX version, and troubleshooting answers are everywhere. The trade-off is that older ESX code can feel dated and some legacy resources are not well optimized.

QBCore

QBCore is newer, with a cleaner codebase and a metadata-driven design that many developers find easier to extend. It powers a large share of modern RP servers and has a thriving resource community, though some niche scripts still arrive ESX-first.

What about Qbox?

Qbox (qbx_core) started as a fork of QBCore and is now a framework in its own right. It is built around the Overextended libraries (ox_lib, ox_inventory) and includes a bridge so many QBCore scripts keep working. If you like QBCore's structure but want a stricter, more actively refactored codebase, it is worth a look. The trade-off is a smaller pool of scripts written for it directly.

How to choose

• Maximum script availability and tutorials: ESX is a safe bet.
• Modern code you plan to customize heavily: QBCore is friendlier.
• QBCore layout, newer internals: Qbox.
• Either way: bridge resources exist, but don't plan to mix both.

Whichever you pick, the vehicles are framework-agnostic — our add-on cars and police & EMS vehicles work on QBCore, Qbox, ESX and standalone alike. What differs is where you register them for sale; see adding cars to each framework's vehicle shop. Pair this with our server setup guide to get rolling.