D&D Beyond Maps vs MapTool

D&D Beyond Maps is the official D&D virtual tabletop for shared interactive maps and tactical play. It runs in a browser and can be played on a device with an internet connection; listed platforms are web, Android, and iOS. Players can use maps and monster tokens from their D&D Beyond library, run combat encounters, and track initiative. Quickplay maps arrive with monster tokens, fog of war, and stickers in place. Other map tools include overlays, drawing, pings, stickers, and a distance ruler. Dice rolled in Maps or from a character sheet appear to everyone through the shared Game Log. The Free plan costs nothing and includes up to 6 character slots, game hosting, invitations, and access to purchased content. Hero Tier is displayed from $2.17 USD/mo; Master Tier is displayed from $4.58 USD/mo. Both subscriptions offer a 30-day free trial. Maps is labeled Beta, and the maker says bugs and performance issues are to be expected. Master Tier allows custom map uploads, including animated maps, with up to 10gb of storage.

MapTool is a free, open-source virtual tabletop for creating detailed maps and running games online. Its integrated server connects players over the internet, while support for square or hex grids, tokens and images keeps it independent of any particular game system. Visibility controls include dynamic lighting, vision, fog of war and topology tools that limit what players can see. The application can replace paper, battle mats and dice, and its scripting language and macros can automate game activities. Macros can call REST services, including the documented Syrinscape example for playing sounds to connected players. MapTool is an installed application rather than a browser service and does not rely on a remote server; storage depends on available disk space. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. The maker provides forums, Discord, tutorials and a wiki. Version 1.18.6 is listed as released October 30, 2025, with stable and development builds available. Complex calculations and rolls require campaign properties and code macros.