Owlbear Rodeo vs Roll20

Owlbear Rodeo is a browser-based virtual tabletop for running tabletop encounters. Its shared battle map workspace includes maps, tokens, images, drawing, text, and fog tools. Scenes use an infinite canvas with square, hexagonal, or isometric grids, and can hold multiple maps, images, and drawings. The app runs in a browser without requiring a software download and is responsive across mobile and desktop operating systems. Players can enter a room from a link without an account, request to join, and wait for the game master’s approval. Game masters can set layer permissions for creating, updating, or deleting items and limit character interaction to owners. Extensions add tools such as dice, initiative tracking, character sheets, and dynamic fog; listed integrations connect D&D Beyond and Pixels Dice. The free Nestling plan costs nothing and includes two rooms with random room names and backgrounds. Fledgling and Bestling offer custom room names and backgrounds, with 5GB and 10GB storage respectively; their prices are shown in checkout. Owlbear Rodeo offers campaign tools and API access, but no rules compendium or mobile apps.

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.