ESX vs QBCore vs Qbox (2026): Which FiveM Framework to Pick?

For a new FiveM server in 2026, there are two sensible choices: ESX if you want the largest script library and the most community support, or Qbox if you are building a modern roleplay server. QBCore is only worth choosing if you are already running it. QBCore is still maintained, but its core changes more slowly: up to early October 2026, qb-core received 21 commits this year against 56 for Qbox's qbx_core. Qbox, a fork of QBCore from 2022, keeps nearly all QBCore scripts working through a bridge layer. Switching frameworks later is practically impossible without redoing everything, so this decision deserves an hour of thought before you install the first resource.

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The three side by side

The "status" row is the most important one. A framework that receives fewer updates is slower to follow new FiveM artifacts and new scripts.

Choose ESX if

• This is your first server and you want quick results.
• You want to try many free scripts before buying anything.
• You do not mind that the code is older in places, as long as it works.

Choose Qbox if

• You are building an RP server you plan to run for years.
• You would use ox_lib and ox_inventory anyway, because they are built in.
• You want QBCore script compatibility on a core that is updated more often.

Stay on QBCore if

• Your server is already running it with many custom modifications. Migrating to Qbox is possible, but it is a project: every customised script needs reviewing.

What Qbox changes and how a migration from QBCore works step by step is in our Qbox framework guide.

What the choice means for hosting

All three run on the same server and need the same base: a FiveM artifact (use "recommended", not "latest"), txAdmin, and a MySQL or MariaDB database. That database is included with every FiveM plan at HostValues. The difference shows in memory as the server grows: ESX tends to be slightly lighter, Qbox is comparable, and a QBCore server with many legacy scripts can use more due to less optimized code.

Can you switch later?

Technically yes, but practically it means rebuilding. Player data, inventories, vehicles and jobs are stored differently per framework. A migration requires converting database tables and replacing every script. For a server with 50 custom resources, that is weeks of work. Choose once, choose carefully.

All frameworks run on every HostValues FiveM plan. The database and txAdmin are included. Need help choosing? Open a ticket and describe what you want to build.

Can I mix ESX and QBCore scripts?

No. The frameworks use different event systems, player objects and database structures. An ESX script will not function on a QBCore server and vice versa. There are occasional "bridge" scripts, but they are fragile and not recommended for production use.

Is Qbox harder to learn than QBCore?

Slightly, because the documentation is newer and some tutorials still reference QBCore specifically. However, the Qbox Discord is active and the codebase is cleaner, which makes debugging easier once you understand the structure.

Does the framework affect server performance?

The framework itself is lightweight. Performance differences come from the scripts you install on top of it. A server with 200 poorly optimized scripts will lag regardless of framework. Use resmon to identify heavy resources.