Roll20

Roll20 is a browser-based virtual tabletop for online roleplaying and board games, built for game masters and players who want maps, character sheets and communication in one place. Its free tier is available indefinitely, while Pro is the key step up for API access and expanded storage. It suits groups seeking broad game-system support, but its browser requirements and upload limits matter.

Overview

Roll20 supports D&D, Pathfinder and more than 1,200 game systems, with built-in character sheets for over 250 and the option to design your own. That breadth makes it a flexible shared table for groups with different rulesets. It is not a guarantee that every system will have the same depth of built-in support.

The tabletop combines integrated voice and video, live chat, 3D dice, handouts, digital tokens and effects. Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War support map play, and Dungeon Scrawl lets users create maps that sync to a Roll20 game page. Roll20 Characters and Compendium are connected features. These tools bring common session needs together, though the free plan's 100MB storage cap can constrain groups uploading assets.

Key features

Tabletop and automation

Character sheets and macros can reduce repetitive work: macros automate complex rolls, spell effects and character actions. Pro is required for API access, so groups that need extensions must pay for that capability; the base tools remain available on Free. Roll20 also caps games at 10 players, a meaningful ceiling for larger groups.

Maps, assets and communication

Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War can make maps more useful during play, while integrated voice, video and chat keep communication beside the tabletop. Pro and Elite include Dynamic Lighting, whereas the Free plan is described as covering base game tools. The listed plan details do not promise that every paid-plan feature is included in Free.

Browser and reliability

The virtual tabletop is fully supported in Chrome and Firefox. Roll20 recommends Windows 10, macOS Mojave or later, or 64-bit Linux, with 8GB RAM, a WebGL-capable GPU and broadband internet. Groups should account for those requirements and for the service's warning that continuous availability is not guaranteed.

Pricing

Roll20 is freemium, and its Free tier is available indefinitely. The choice is straightforward for groups that can work within its storage limit; the paid plans principally add more room for uploads, API access and owned-content sharing.

• Free: free. It includes base tools to run a game, 100MB storage and ads. This is the sensible starting point for groups that do not need API access or substantial asset storage.
• Pro: $8.33 a month, billed $99.99 pay once a year. It includes 10 GB upload storage, a 100MB maximum upload size, Mod (API) access, Dynamic Lighting, and owned content sharing for 5 games / 15 players. It fits game masters who want to extend the tabletop or share owned content across several games.
• Elite: $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. It is the higher-storage option for those sharing content across more games.

Both paid plans are billed annually at the stated one-time yearly amounts. The 100MB maximum upload size remains the same on Pro and Elite, even as total storage rises. Free gives up the listed API access, Dynamic Lighting and owned-content sharing allowances, and its 100MB total storage is far below either paid plan.

Platforms

Roll20 is available on web, Linux, macOS and Windows. Its browser-based format means the computer and connection recommendations are relevant; mobile apps are not available.

Who it's for

Roll20 is a strong fit for game masters and players who want a shared browser tabletop spanning many systems, with sheets, maps, tokens and communication features in one service. Free works for groups comfortable with ads and 100MB storage. Pro suits game masters who need API access or broader sharing; Elite is for those who need more storage and sharing across more games.

It is a weaker fit for groups that need mobile apps, exceed the 10-player limit, or want an arrangement without dependence on a continuously available internet service. Its recommended memory and graphics requirements also rule out assuming that any computer will run the tabletop comfortably.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Support for more than 1,200 game systems and built-in sheets for over 250 give groups broad ruleset coverage.
• Pro: Voice, video, chat, maps, tokens, sheets and handouts are integrated, reducing the need to assemble separate tabletop tools.
• Pro: An indefinite free tier lets groups run games without a subscription, and paid plans add API access and substantially more storage.
• Con: Free storage is limited to 100MB and includes ads, which can make it restrictive for asset-heavy campaigns.
• Con: API access requires Pro or Elite, and both paid plans are billed annually.
• Con: There are no mobile apps, and the 10-player cap limits larger tables.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Virtual Tabletop Software.

• Alchemy RPG is worth considering if Android or iOS access matters; its Free Unlimited plan includes unlimited games, characters, universes, and voice and video chat.
• Fantasy Grounds is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, with unlimited campaigns and free rulesets in its Free to Play plan.
• Owlbear Rodeo offers a free Nestling plan with two rooms, random room names and backgrounds, and supports Android, iOS and web.
• Quest Portal has 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 suit a player seeking a one-time license: its Player License costs $10, paid once and provides one player seat.
• Foundry Virtual Tabletop is a paid alternative with a $50, paid once license, described as perpetual with access to future updates.
• Tabletop Playground is a paid option with a one-time purchase; the listed 7.49 USD price is tied to a promotion ending October 8.

Verdict

Roll20 is a solid choice for groups that want a flexible browser-based tabletop with wide system coverage and integrated session tools, especially if they can begin on the indefinite free tier. Choose Pro when API access, Dynamic Lighting or broader sharing is essential, and Elite when storage across more games matters. Look elsewhere if mobile apps, more than 10 players or freedom from internet-service availability limits are priorities.