Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Roll20 VS Foundry Virtual Tabletop

Compare Roll20 VS Foundry Virtual Tabletop and see what are their differences

Roll20 logo Roll20

Roll20 is a suite of easy-to-use digital tools that expand pen-and-paper gameplay.

Foundry Virtual Tabletop logo Foundry Virtual Tabletop

A self-hosted, modern, and developer-friendly roleplaying platform.
  • Roll20 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-20
  • Foundry Virtual Tabletop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-18

Roll20 features and specs

  • Accessibility
    Roll20 runs within a web browser, making it accessible on almost any device without needing special software installations.
  • Integrated Tools
    The platform offers built-in tools like character sheets, dice rollers, and rule sets that streamline game management.
  • Large Community
    A vibrant community provides extensive resources, including user-generated content, guides, and support forums.
  • Dynamic Lighting
    Advanced features like dynamic lighting enhance immersion by simulating realistic light and shadow effects in game maps.
  • Multimedia Integration
    Allows integration of music, sound effects, and visual aids to provide a richer game environment.
  • Versatility
    Supports multiple game systems such as Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and many others.

Possible disadvantages of Roll20

  • Learning Curve
    New users may find the platform overwhelming due to its vast array of features and settings.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users experience lag or slow performance, particularly during intense gameplay or when using advanced features like dynamic lighting.
  • Pricing
    While the free tier is functional, many advanced features require a subscription, which can be costly over time.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up games, especially those with multiple systems or custom content, can be time-consuming and tedious.
  • Limited Native Content
    Although user-generated content is extensive, officially licensed material often requires additional purchase or subscription.
  • Internet Dependence
    A stable internet connection is required to use the platform, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.

Foundry Virtual Tabletop features and specs

  • Customization
    Foundry VTT offers extensive customization options, allowing users to create intricate and tailored game experiences. The platform supports custom scripts and modules, enabling Game Masters to adapt and extend the functionality to their specific needs.
  • Dynamic Lighting
    The software includes advanced dynamic lighting features that enhance the immersion and realism of the game. It allows for realistic lighting effects, shadows, and visibility based on players' sources of light and line of sight.
  • System Compatibility
    Foundry VTT supports a wide range of game systems through community-created modules, offering versatility in the kinds of tabletop games that can be played.
  • Community Support
    The platform has a robust and active community that creates and shares modules, tokens, maps, and other resources. This support network helps users troubleshoot issues and enhance their gaming experience.
  • One-Time Payment
    Unlike some other virtual tabletops that require ongoing subscription fees, Foundry VTT involves a one-time payment for access to all of its core features.
  • No Forced Updates
    Users have control over software updates, allowing them to avoid potential disruptions in their game from automatic updates.

Possible disadvantages of Foundry Virtual Tabletop

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The extensive customization and variety of features can be overwhelming for new users. The learning curve is steeper compared to some other virtual tabletops, requiring time and effort to master.
  • Initial Cost
    The initial purchase cost can be a barrier for some users, especially those who are unsure if they will get enough use out of the platform to justify the expense.
  • Performance Requirements
    Foundry VTT is resource-intensive and may not perform well on older or less powerful systems. Users with lower-end hardware may experience lag or other performance-related issues.
  • Self-Hosting
    The platform requires the game host to manage their own server setup, which can be complicated for users without technical expertise. While there are hosting services available, this adds an additional cost.
  • Limited Official Support
    While the community is strong, official support is somewhat limited. Users may need to rely more on community forums and documentation for troubleshooting and support.

Analysis of Foundry Virtual Tabletop

Overall verdict

  • Foundry VTT is highly regarded among tabletop RPG enthusiasts, especially those looking for a versatile virtual tabletop platform with extensive customization options. Its one-time purchase model and community support further enhance its attractiveness.

Why this product is good

  • Foundry Virtual Tabletop (Foundry VTT) is considered good due to its comprehensive set of features that cater to both players and game masters in tabletop RPGs. It offers a highly customizable platform with support for various game systems, a strong community-driven module ecosystem, and frequent updates. Its emphasis on automation, immersive visuals, and dynamic storytelling tools make it a popular choice for many users.

Recommended for

  • Game masters seeking a flexible and powerful tool for running RPG sessions
  • Players who enjoy a customizable and visually rich gaming experience
  • Groups that appreciate community content and third-party module integration
  • Users looking for a one-time purchase option with continuous updates

Roll20 videos

Roll20 Overview 2019 (Play 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons Online)

More videos:

  • Review - Why I Quit Roll20
  • Review - Roll20 Vs Fantasy Grounds | Which is REALLY the Cheapest?

Foundry Virtual Tabletop videos

What is Foundry VTT? - First Impressions of Foundry Virtual Tabletop

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Roll20 and Foundry Virtual Tabletop)
Gaming
62 62%
38% 38
Game Engine
52 52%
48% 48
Online Games
59 59%
41% 41
Maps
47 47%
53% 53

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Roll20 and Foundry Virtual Tabletop

Roll20 Reviews

  1. When it works, its mediocre

    As a DM for homebrew games, I used Roll20 for 2+ years. When it works, its OK. When it doesn't, its frustrating. I use a lot of custom rules and they are simply not supported due to a lack of modularity within the system. A simple variant of Proficiency Dice in 5e is outlined in the rules, and even it is hacky and not well supported on Roll20.

    The format feels like it was made two decades ago, and the web console spits out warnings and errors left and right. There has even been some conspiracies / drama with some of the higher-ups at Roll20, showing a lack of leadership.

    Please, let's let Roll20 die. Support another system.

    👍 Pros:    Can purchase modules like curse of strahd and tomb of annihilation|Free for dms and players|Use with a variaty of systems|Many features
    👎 Cons:    Not modular enough for me|Hacky programming|Ugly|Features feel clunky and slow|Some features do not work well at all|Buggy
  2. Diego Herrerías
    Not very easy to learn

    Not easy to learn, not friendly controls

    🏁 Competitors: digitald20.com Digital d20
    👍 Pros:    The most famous
    👎 Cons:    User experiance|Design|Costly pro plan

10 Best Sites Like Roll20 Alternatives For Tabletop Gaming
These tools aide gamers during online games. Both Roll20 and the Roll20 alternatives can be best described as table-top games. Launched in 2012, Roll20 has received a lot of positive feedback.
Roll20 Alternatives, Similar Games, Apps 2020
Roll20 is a set of easy-to-use digital tools that extend the pencil and paper set. It is the easiest and free way to play board games (such as paper and pencil role-playing games) online with others. Roll20 is completely online, so it runs directly in your browser.
7 Best Roll20 alternatives 2020
Programs like Roll20 and Best Roll20 alternatives are quite similar. So you can play and try one of them and easily download from play store, app store and Roll20 official Website.

Foundry Virtual Tabletop Reviews

We have no reviews of Foundry Virtual Tabletop yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Roll20 might be a bit more popular than Foundry Virtual Tabletop. We know about 334 links to it since March 2021 and only 320 links to Foundry Virtual Tabletop. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Roll20 mentions (334)

  • Friend screwed 3/4 of the table out of 1/2 the game.
    There are other options: https://roll20.net/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for a DND/TTRPG group
    I've used roll20.net up until now. They have a find group feature and a virtual table top with character sheets and dice roller included, so everything you need to play virtually is all on the one site. Source: over 1 year ago
  • I’m here to giveaway $1,500 in RPG goodies to celebrate 1 Year of Roll20 x DriveThruRPG! [Mod Approved]
    1 Year Roll20 Pro Subscription ($109 value!) – use it yourself or give it to your GM! Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for advice on running DnD game on stream!
    There are plenty of D&D software programs out there that are free and paid versions. Many of them with the ability to have friends join and interact with the table. As basic as Tabletop Simulator to Fantasy Grounds (both on steam that I have experience with, not an endorsement). roll20.net being a popular browser based version. Source: over 1 year ago
  • I'm looking for someone to teach me how to Play DnD
    I have made a character on roll20.net that maybe border line iffy/OP, so I may have to make one that's not. My free time can be a bit unusual at times(it's 12:24AM as I write this)so someone who has similar free times as I do(if your interested let me know and we can talk times), basicly I've been listening to a DnD podcast and I think it sounds fun and I want to try it out Edit: I'm in PST timezone in... Source: over 1 year ago
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Foundry Virtual Tabletop mentions (320)

  • Building a Custom Stream Deck for My D&D Table: Solving Gamepad Integration with a Custom SDK
    As a passionate Dungeons & Dragons player and tech enthusiast, I decided to elevate my game setup by creating a custom coffee table that features an embedded screen. This table displays maps, tokens, plays sound effects, and even shows artwork for players. All of this runs through a powerful platform called Foundry VTT, which is similar to Roll20 but with a better pricing model and an extensive open module system.... - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • Question: Online DnD
    If you're ready to spend money, though, I'd suggest Foundry. I recommend Foundry for these reasons:. Source: over 1 year ago
  • [Online][5E][Other][Sunday][UTC+0][One-Shot] Blood Will Run on December 10th
    Salutations, lost souls. What's happening: On the 10th of December, at 11:00 UTC+0, I'll be running a simple one-shot to test run the Advanced 5th Edition system by Level Up, using Foundry. It is essentially a fully rewritten, rebalanced version of the regular DnD 5e system, with more character customization. You can check out their website here. Source: over 1 year ago
  • "cannot reach foundryvtt.com at this time"
    At first, I thought I had messed something up in my install, so I made a fresh image and loaded it up. This time, in addition to my update page firing that error, my news feeds on my setup home were also delivering an error saying they couldn't reach the foundryvtt.com web server. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • [PF2E][FoundryVTT][Saturday][CST-12:30PM][PAID] -|- Experienced GM seeking both new and experienced players! Explore a personalized fantasy world that is slowly changing as the Planes Converge! -|- [3-week trial period at (5$) per session. After that it's just (10$)!][2/5 slots open]
    Well of course there is the aforementioned session zero will be the first order on the docket. Our starting point will be the Pathfinder 2E's Beginner Box. I find the Beginner Box to be a genuinely good way to introduce players to both PF2E and FoundryVTT so im gonna use it as a sorta jumping off point for the homebrew. (it also gives me time to work on the homebrew content since it will be customized to your... Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Roll20 and Foundry Virtual Tabletop, you can also consider the following products

D&D Beyond - Official online toolset for Dungeons & Dragons tabletop gaming

Dungeondraft - Dungeondraft is an interesting map development software that is used to create quick maps for your games and it is compatible with Windows as well as Mac OS operating systems.

Fantasy Grounds - Fantasy Grounds is a virtual tabletop to help facilitate play of tabletop-style role-playing games...

Astral Tabletop - Create, host, and manage your tabletop role-playing games — online or in person

Owlbear Rodeo - Owlbear Rodeo is an attempt to make a web app to run tabletop encounters without the complicated setup process needed for other VTTs.

MapTool - MapTool is a 100% community driven and 100% free to use online, multiuser, networked, graphical, interactive, programmable virtual tabletop.