Head-to-head · Virtual Tabletop Software
Roll20 vs Fantasy Grounds
Roll20 leads on 1 check, Fantasy Grounds on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRoll20 · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRoll20 · 4 of 5
Roll20 scores higher on our rubric for virtual tabletop software: 9.4 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
Roll20 offers video and audio; Fantasy Grounds doesn't publish it.
Roll20 is the better fit for broad, free browser-based campaigns. Fantasy Grounds is the better fit for rules-heavy campaigns and automation.
- Roll20 fits best
Broad, free browser-based campaigns
- Fantasy Grounds fits best
Rules-heavy campaigns and automation
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Side by side
| Feature | Roll20 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Fantasy Grounds 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #1 in Virtual Tabletop Software | #4 in Virtual Tabletop Software |
| Best for | Broad, free browser-based campaigns | Rules-heavy campaigns and automation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Roll20 4/5 · Fantasy Grounds 3/5 | ||
| Video and audio | ✓ (best) | Not published |
| Campaign tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rules compendium | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | — | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Player limit | 10 players | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Roll20 is a browser-based virtual tabletop for online tabletop games, including Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and more than 1,200 other game systems. It supports online hosting without downloads or separate hosting, with… Read the review → |
Fantasy Grounds is a desktop virtual tabletop for tabletop roleplaying games, whether sessions take place online or in person. It suits Game Masters and players who want structured campaign management, detailed records, maps, rules… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Roll20 — where it wins
- Free hosting supports unlimited players and games
- Covers more than 1,200 game systems
- Combines maps, lighting, chat, video, and campaign tools
Where it doesn't
- Platform coverage is limited to the web
- Advanced features are spread across paid tiers
- Mobile access is through a browser experience
Fantasy Grounds — where it wins
- Rules-aware combat automation with advanced modifiers
- Maps include line of sight, lighting, vision, tokens, and 3D dice
- XML and Lua extensibility supports custom rulesets and modules
Where it doesn't
- Paid books, adventures, art, and community content can add cost
- Desktop software requires Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Advanced customization may require XML or Lua knowledge
- Roll209.4/10 · Free plan
A broad free browser VTT with campaign tools, automation, and optional creator features.
Visit Roll20Full verdict → - Fantasy Grounds8.0/10 · Free plan
A mature, automation-focused virtual tabletop for complex roleplaying campaigns.
Try Fantasy GroundsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update