Roll20

Roll20 is an online virtual tabletop for roleplaying and board games, aimed at game masters and players who want their sessions in a shared browser workspace. Its broad system support and integrated table tools make it a versatile option, but Free is constrained by storage and ads, while API access starts at Pro.

Overview

Roll20 supports D&D, Pathfinder and more than 1,200 game systems, with built-in character sheets for more than 250 and the option to design custom sheets. That range makes it a practical choice for groups playing different rulesets; the number of supported systems does not mean every one has the same sheet coverage.

The table brings voice and video, live chat, 3D dice, handouts, tokens and effects together. Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War add map tools, while Dungeon Scrawl maps can sync to a Roll20 game page. Roll20 Characters and Compendium are connected features. The Free plan's 100MB storage limit is the main constraint for groups that upload substantial maps or other assets.

Key features

Session tools and automation

Macros can automate complex rolls, spell effects and character actions, trimming repeated steps during play. The API for extending Roll20 requires Pro, so groups that want custom extensions should budget for a paid plan. The included tools still cover core tabletop play without that upgrade.

Maps and compatibility

Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War support tactical map play, and map creation through Dungeon Scrawl can feed directly into a game page. Roll20 fully supports Chrome and Firefox. It recommends Windows 10, macOS Mojave or later, or 64-bit Linux, with 8GB of RAM, a WebGL-capable GPU and broadband internet; groups should check those requirements before choosing it for older devices or weaker connections.

Privacy and support

Roll20 says campaigns and uploaded assets are private by default and that it does not sell, rent or trade personal information. It says passwords are not stored unencrypted, and Stripe handles card details rather than Roll20 collecting them directly. Help comes through community forums and a documentation site with guides and screencasts. Roll20 does not guarantee continuous availability and notes that internet services can be unreliable, a relevant limitation for groups depending on uninterrupted online sessions.

Pricing

Roll20 is freemium, and its Free tier is available indefinitely. It includes base tools to run a game, 100MB storage and ads. That is enough for groups who want to start without a subscription, but the small asset allowance and advertising are meaningful trade-offs.

Pro costs $8.33 a month, billed $99.99 pay once a year. It provides 10 GB upload storage, a 100MB maximum upload size, Mod (API) access, Dynamic Lighting and owned-content sharing for 5 games / 15 players. It suits groups that need API extensions, more storage or shared owned content; the annual payment is the key commitment.

Elite costs $12.50 a month, billed $149.99 pay once a year. It includes 50 GB upload storage, a 100MB maximum upload size, Mod (API) access, Dynamic Lighting and owned-content sharing for 20 games / 15 players. The added storage and sharing across more games make it a better fit for organizers managing multiple campaigns, while the player figure remains 15.

Roll20's player limit is 10. Buyers should distinguish that general limit from the paid plans' owned-content sharing allowance of 15 players: the two figures describe different constraints.

Platforms

Roll20 is browser-based and lists Linux, macOS, web and Windows support. The VTT is fully supported in Chrome and Firefox, with the recommended hardware and connection requirements making browser compatibility only part of the setup question. There are no mobile apps.

Who it's for

Roll20 is a strong fit for game masters and players who want maps, sheets, communication and dice in one online tabletop, especially if their group uses one of its many supported systems. Free is a sensible starting point for modest asset libraries. Groups with large uploads, a need for API extensions or owned-content sharing across several games have a clearer case for Pro or Elite. It is less suitable for groups that need a mobile app, have limited bandwidth, or want guaranteed service availability.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Support for more than 1,200 systems and built-in sheets for more than 250 gives groups broad ruleset coverage.
• Pro: Integrated communication, dice, tokens, handouts and map features consolidate common session tools in one tabletop.
• Pro: Free is indefinite and includes the base tools needed to run a game, so groups can begin without a subscription.
• Con: Free storage is limited to 100MB and includes ads, which can make asset-heavy campaigns less comfortable.
• Con: API access requires Pro, and the paid plans are billed annually at the stated monthly-equivalent prices.
• Con: No mobile apps, recommended hardware requirements and no guarantee of continuous availability rule it out for some setups and expectations.

Alternatives

Alchemy RPG is worth considering if unlimited games, characters, universes, voice and video chat on its Free Unlimited plan better match the group's priorities.

Fantasy Grounds may suit groups seeking unlimited campaigns, cloud connectivity and free rulesets in a free-to-play plan with full Game Master and player functionality.

Owlbear Rodeo is an option for groups whose needs fit its free Nestling plan's two rooms and random room names and backgrounds.

Quest Portal offers a free-forever plan with unlimited campaigns and characters, maps and tokens with fog of war, scenes with music and dynamic lighting.

Mythic Table is a free, open-source option available as self-hosted or web software.

D20PRO may appeal to a player who prefers a one-time $10.00 Player License with one player seat and the ability to join sessions without using the host's guest seats.

D&D Beyond Maps is an alternative for groups centered on D&D who want to host games on Maps and invite friends from a free plan that includes up to six character slots.

Digital D20 is another free option for web, iOS and Android.

Browse more options in Virtual Tabletop Software.

Verdict

Choose Roll20 if your group wants a browser-based shared table with wide system support, integrated session tools and an indefinite free tier. Its strongest reason to choose a paid plan is API access or the additional storage and sharing capacity; look elsewhere if you need mobile apps, a larger free asset allowance or more certainty about service availability.