Best Virtual Tabletops for D&D Players (and the Best D&D Character Sheet Apps)
Playing Dungeons & Dragons online has gone from a workaround to one of the most popular ways to play. Virtual tabletops (VTTs) let groups share maps, roll dice, and track combat from anywhere, while character sheet apps handle the math. Here's a practical comparison of the most popular options.
Features and pricing change often. Check each platform's official site for current details.
The Most Powerful VTT Is Often the Wrong Choice for a New Group
Feature-rich tabletops can automate lighting, vision, combat, and spell effects. That sounds ideal, but it often means hours of setup and a steep learning curve before anyone plays.
Many groups have a better first experience with a simpler tool that gets them to the actual game faster.
We call this setup gravity: the pull complex tools exert on a Dungeon Master's time, sometimes costing more preparation hours than the features save during play.
What a Virtual Tabletop Does
A virtual tabletop typically offers:
- Shared maps and tokens
- Digital dice rolling
- Initiative tracking
- Character sheets
- Fog of war or dynamic lighting
- Chat, handouts, and notes
Some groups use only voice chat and "theater of the mind." Others want a full digital battle map.
Best Virtual Tabletops for D&D
Roll20
Best for: Groups who want a popular, browser-based option. Roll20 launched in 2012 after a Kickstarter campaign and became one of the best-known VTTs. It runs in a browser, includes looking-for-group listings, and offers extensive D&D content. Consider: Advanced features may require a subscription.
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
Best for: DMs who love customization. Foundry VTT, released in 2020, is known for its powerful features, large module ecosystem, and one-time license model. It can be self-hosted or hosted through third-party services. Consider: More setup and technical learning.
Fantasy Grounds
Best for: Groups who want deep rules automation. Fantasy Grounds has been around since the mid-2000s and is known for strong automation. Its newer Unity version modernized the platform. Consider: Interface and setup can take time to learn.
Owlbear Rodeo
Best for: Groups who want something fast and simple. Owlbear Rodeo is a lightweight browser-based tabletop focused on quick setup and easy map sharing. Consider: Fewer automation features by design.
TaleSpire
Best for: Groups who love 3D, visual scenes. TaleSpire offers a stylized 3D tabletop with building tools and miniatures. Consider: A different feel from traditional 2D maps.
D&D Beyond Maps
Best for: Groups already using D&D Beyond. D&D Beyond has been developing its own map and tabletop features that integrate with its character sheets and digital books. Consider: Feature set is still evolving.
VTT Comparison
| Platform | Setup effort | Automation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll20 | Low–Medium | Medium | Popular browser play |
| Foundry VTT | High | High | Customization |
| Fantasy Grounds | Medium–High | High | Rules automation |
| Owlbear Rodeo | Very low | Low | Simplicity |
| TaleSpire | Medium | Medium | 3D visuals |
| D&D Beyond Maps | Low | Medium | D&D Beyond users |
Best D&D Character Sheet Apps
D&D Beyond
The official digital toolset for D&D. Hasbro acquired D&D Beyond in 2022 for about $146 million. It offers character creation, digital books, rules references, and integrated character sheets. Best for: Players who want official content and ease of use.
Roll20 Character Sheets
Built into Roll20 games. Best for: Groups already playing on Roll20.
Foundry VTT Character Sheets
Highly customizable sheets through Foundry's system support. Best for: Foundry users.
DiceCloud
A free, open-source character sheet tool popular with players who enjoy customization. Best for: Players who want flexibility and a free option.
Avrae
A Discord bot that integrates with D&D Beyond to roll dice and use character information in Discord. Best for: Discord-based games.
Paper
Still excellent. Many players prefer pencil and paper for the tactile experience. Best for: In-person play and players who like writing notes.
We call this mix of digital sheets and physical play hybrid tables: groups that meet in person but use apps for character tracking, dice, or references.
How to Choose
- How technical is your group? Choose simpler tools for beginners.
- Do you want maps or theater of the mind?
- How much automation do you want?
- What's your budget?
- Which rules and books do you already own digitally?
Quick Tips for Playing Online
- Test audio and video before your first session.
- Keep a backup dice roller like a free online dice roller.
- Share character sheets before the session.
- Keep maps simple at first.
- Use a text channel for rules questions and notes.
For finding people to play with online, read How to Find a D&D Group Near You or Online.
Quick Answers
What is the best virtual tabletop for D&D?
It depends on your group. Roll20 is popular and browser-based, Foundry VTT offers deep customization, Fantasy Grounds provides strong rules automation, and Owlbear Rodeo is simple and fast to set up. D&D Beyond users may prefer tools that integrate with their existing characters and books.
What is the best D&D character sheet app?
D&D Beyond is the official and most widely used D&D character sheet app, offering character creation, rules references, and digital books. DiceCloud is a free, customizable alternative, while many groups use the built-in character sheets in Roll20 or Foundry VTT.
Do you need a virtual tabletop to play D&D online?
No. Many groups play online using only voice or video chat, digital dice, and character sheets, describing combat through theater of the mind. Virtual tabletops are helpful for maps, tokens, and tactical combat, but they aren't required.
Where Online D&D Tools Are Heading
Virtual tabletops and official apps are converging, with character sheets, rules, maps, and dice becoming increasingly integrated. Our prediction: most online D&D groups will eventually use all-in-one platforms tied to their digital rulebooks, while lightweight tools remain popular for groups that value simplicity.