Foundry Virtual Tabletop vs MapTool
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
foundryvtt.comMapTool
rptools.netSide by side
| Figure | Foundry Virtual Tabletop | MapTool |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Tabletop Software | 8.1 (#8) | 7.7 (#14) |
| Customization | The software supports extensive module development using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, with an API for developers. | MapTool includes its own scripting language and macros that can automate game activities. |
| Game systems | Foundry describes its core framework as system agnostic and says over 200 tabletop role-playing game systems are actively supported. | MapTool is game system agnostic and can accommodate maps, square or hex grids, tokens, and images. |
| Integrations | Foundry’s partnerships page describes integrations with tools including Arkenforge, DunGen, Dungeon Fog, and World Anvil. | MapTool macros can call REST services, and the maker documents using Syrinscape’s REST API to play sounds for connected players. |
| Product | Foundry VTT is a self-hosted platform for playing role-playing games online, with players connecting through a web browser. | MapTool is a virtual tabletop for creating detailed maps and replacing pen, paper, battle mats, and dice. |
Plans
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
- Foundry Virtual Tabletop Software License$50, paid once
In their own words
Foundry Virtual Tabletop
Foundry Virtual Tabletop has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
MapTool
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.