# FiveM QBCore vs ESX — Which Framework Should You Use?

When setting up a FiveM roleplay server, the first and most important decision you make is which framework to use. QBCore and ESX are the two dominant frameworks in the FiveM ecosystem — and choosing the right one shapes everything about your server from day one.

## What is a Framework?

A framework is the core foundation that all other scripts on your server are built on. It handles player data, jobs, inventory, economy, vehicles, and virtually everything else that makes a roleplay server function.

Think of it like an operating system. Just as apps are built for Windows or Mac, FiveM scripts are built for QBCore or ESX. A QBCore script will not work on an ESX server without conversion, and vice versa.

## ESX — Overview

ESX (Essential Mode Extended) is the original and oldest major FiveM framework. It has been the foundation of FiveM roleplay servers since the early days of the platform.

**ESX strengths:**
- Massive script library — thousands of free and paid scripts available
- Large developer community with years of tutorials and resources
- Well understood by most FiveM developers
- Lower learning curve for server owners coming from older setups

**ESX weaknesses:**
- Older codebase — some parts are outdated and inefficient
- Performance issues on high player count servers
- Original ESX v1 has known security vulnerabilities
- Less actively maintained core framework

Always use ESX Legacy — the current actively maintained version. Avoid old ESX v1 or v1 Final as they have known exploits.

## QBCore — Overview

QBCore is the newer framework that has largely taken over as the standard for premium FiveM servers. It was built to address ESX's limitations and designed from the ground up for performance and modern development practices.

**QBCore strengths:**
- Cleaner, more modern codebase
- Better performance on high player count servers
- More active development and frequent updates
- Stronger built-in security
- Better inventory and item system
- Most new premium scripts target QBCore first

**QBCore weaknesses:**
- Smaller script library than ESX though closing fast
- Steeper learning curve for developers used to ESX
- Some specific scripts only exist for ESX

## Script Availability in 2026

This was ESX's biggest advantage for years but the gap has closed significantly. For new servers starting in 2026, QBCore script availability is no longer a practical limitation. The most important scripts — jobs, housing, vehicles, drugs, gangs, police, EMS — all have excellent QBCore versions.

## Performance Comparison

On servers with 30 or fewer players, performance differences between ESX and QBCore are minimal. Both run fine.

On servers pushing 80 to 128 players, QBCore's performance advantage becomes meaningful. ESX Legacy performs reasonably well but QBCore's more efficient event handling and data management keeps server tick rate healthier under heavy load.

If you are building a server with ambitions of 100+ concurrent players, QBCore is the better technical choice.

## MLO and Map Compatibility

MLOs are framework-independent. A custom MLO from Baasha Bhai Studio works on QBCore and ESX servers identically. MLOs are pure map files — they do not interact with the framework at all. You can switch frameworks without replacing any of your MLOs.

This means your investment in custom interiors is fully protected regardless of which framework you choose.

## The Honest Recommendation for 2026

**Start with QBCore** if you are building a new server from scratch. Here is why:
- The community and development direction is strongly favoring QBCore
- New premium scripts increasingly target QBCore first or QBCore only
- Performance scales better as your server grows
- The ox ecosystem integrates most naturally with QBCore

**Stick with ESX Legacy** only if:
- You have an existing ESX server with custom scripts that would be expensive to convert
- Your development team knows ESX deeply and conversion cost is prohibitive
- You specifically need a script that only exists for ESX

## Converting Between Frameworks

Converting a server from ESX to QBCore is a significant undertaking. Player data needs migration, all scripts need replacing or converting, and testing is extensive. If you are starting fresh, choose carefully — switching frameworks later is painful and expensive.

## Final Thoughts

Both frameworks produce excellent roleplay servers when set up correctly. For new servers in 2026 — start with QBCore. It is where the community is heading and your investment in premium scripts and custom MLOs will be better supported long-term.