A virtual tabletop (VTT) gives a remote group a shared place to play. At minimum this usually means a map or scene, movable tokens and dice. More elaborate VTTs can also manage character sheets, automate a game’s rules, sell prepared adventures, provide lighting and fog of war, or include voice, video and music.

The most powerful option is not automatically the best one. Before choosing, consider how much preparation the game master wants to do, whether the system needs rules automation, what devices the group owns and whether everyone is comfortable creating another account or installing software.

Lightweight & Quick to Learn

These are good choices when the group mainly needs a shared map, tokens and dice.

• Owlbear Rodeo Free tierVTTWebLightweight — browser-based maps, tokens, fog, extensions and room sharing. The free tier is enough for many casual groups.
• GameScape FreeVTTWebLightweight — free collaborative drawing and token tools that closely resemble an erasable battle mat.
• AboveVTT FreeVTTBrowser extensionD&D Beyond — a free browser extension that adds a shared tabletop around D&D Beyond characters and content. It is naturally most useful for D&D groups already using D&D Beyond.

Full Campaign Platforms

These platforms add some combination of character sheets, rules automation, campaign storage, marketplaces and presentation tools.

• Foundry Virtual Tabletop PaidVTTDesktop hostWeb playersSelf-hosted — highly customizable software purchased with a one-time license. The game master can self-host it or pay a separate hosting provider; players connect through a browser.
• Roll20 Free tierVTTWeb — established browser-based VTT with free and subscription tiers, character sheets, automation and a large marketplace.
• Fantasy Grounds PaidVTTDesktopRules automation — desktop VTT with extensive rules automation and licensed game content. Available through subscriptions or permanent licenses.
• Quest Portal Free tierVTTWebiOSAndroid — web, iOS and Android campaign platform with maps, scenes, universal character sheets, notes and a generous free tier. Optional subscriptions add AI-assisted preparation and reference tools.
• Alchemy FreeVTTWebDesktopCinematic — presentation-focused VTT built around cinematic scenes, ambient audio and integrated game content rather than tactical maps alone.
• Let’s Role FreeVTTWebMobileSystem builder — browser VTT with a system builder for community-created character sheets and automation.
• Shard Tabletop Free tierVTTWebD&D 5e — browser VTT focused on D&D 5e and compatible games, with character building and integrated third-party content.
• Encounter+ Free tierVTTiPhoneiPadMacOffline-first — offline-first game manager and VTT for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It supports installable game systems, including D&D 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Shadowdark and Daggerheart.
• D20PRO PaidVTTDesktopTactical — desktop VTT emphasizing tactical maps and d20-system automation.

3D Tabletops

Three-dimensional tabletops can produce striking scenes, but they generally require more preparation and more capable computers.

• TaleSpire PaidVTTSteam3D — purpose-built 3D tabletop with collaborative terrain construction and system-neutral play. The game master can buy reusable seats that allow players to join through the free Guest Edition.
• Tabletop Simulator PaidVTTSteam3D sandbox — a general physics sandbox rather than a dedicated RPG platform, but its Steam Workshop supports miniatures, terrain, dice and community-built tables.

In-Person Digital Tables

These tools are designed to drive a television or projector at a physical table rather than replace the table with an online meeting.

• Arkenforge PaidIn-person VTTDesktopIn-person — map builder, audio manager and fog-of-war display designed for a GM-controlled in-person screen.
• Table Slayer Free tierIn-person VTTWebIn-personSelf-hostable — browser-based map and token display intended for a television laid flat or mounted beside the table.

A Few Practical Considerations

• Voice and video: A VTT does not need built-in calling if the group is happy using Discord, Zoom or another familiar service alongside it.
• Purchased content: Books bought on one platform usually do not unlock on another. Check what can be imported before committing to a marketplace.
• Self-hosting: It offers control and avoids a platform subscription, but the host may need to manage networking, updates and backups.
• Player hardware: Browser-based 2D tools generally work on more devices than desktop or 3D applications.
• Accessibility: Test keyboard use, screen-reader support, colour contrast and performance with the actual group before building a whole campaign around a platform.