D&D Beyond Maps vs Roll20

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.

Roll20 is a browser-based virtual tabletop for playing tabletop roleplaying games and board games online. It supports D&D, Pathfinder, and more than 1,200 game systems, with built-in character sheets for over 250 systems and the option to design your own. The tabletop combines voice and video, live chat, 3D dice, handouts, digital tokens, and effects. Game masters can use Dynamic Lighting and Fog of War, and create maps with Dungeon Scrawl. Macros automate rolls, spell effects, and character actions; extending the service through its API requires Pro. Dungeon Scrawl maps can sync to a Roll20 game page, alongside connected Roll20 Characters and Compendium features. The free tier is available indefinitely and includes base tools, 100MB of storage, and ads. Pro costs $8.33 a month, billed $99.99 pay once a year; Elite costs $12.50 a month, billed $149.99 pay once a year. Chrome and Firefox fully support the VTT.