Side by side

Digital D20 vs Owlbear Rodeo

Both stand on virtual tabletop software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Digital D20

Free plan AndroidiPhoneSelf-hosted+1

Digital D20 offers both adventure-authoring structure and a virtual tabletop, with options for self-hosting and external conferencing. Note that the mobile adventure experience is tablet-oriented and the apps are not open software.

Visit Digital D20

Owlbear Rodeo

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Owlbear Rodeo focuses on shared maps and encounter setup rather than providing a rules compendium. Its browser access, permission controls, and extensions support flexible tabletop sessions.

Visit Owlbear Rodeo

The facts

	Digital D20	Owlbear Rodeo
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web	Android, iPhone, Web
Lowest paid plan	Not published	Free or on request
Plans published	None	3
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	digitald20.com	owlbear.rodeo
On virtual tabletop software	#7 of 28	#11 of 28

Digital D20: what it does well

Framework links rules, maps, and scenes.
Adventure directory offers free custom adventure creation.
Supports English and Spanish adventure content.
VTT can be self-hosted as a Node project.
Most VTT code runs locally.

What to know first

Mobile apps are not yet open software.
Adventure app is designed for tablets; phone use may be reduced.
Conferencing uses suggested external services.

Owlbear Rodeo: what it does well

Runs in a browser without a software download
Scenes support three grid styles on an infinite canvas
Players can request room access without an account
Game masters can control item permissions by layer
Free plan includes two rooms

What to know first

Free tier storage is 200MB
No rules compendium
No mobile apps
Paid plan prices are shown in checkout

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