Best Avrae Alternatives
Last updated: 2026
People switch from Avrae because of d&d 5e only — no support for other systems and text-only interface — no visual maps or tokens. These 2 alternatives address those limitations — each with honest pros, cons, and pricing so you can make the right call for your table.
Best free alternative
Alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier | Choose this if… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll20 | Free tier | Yes | New GMs who want to start quickly without spending money or installing software. |
| D&D Beyond | Free tier | Yes | D&D 5e players and GMs who want an official, rules-accurate digital experience on any device. |
Full reviews
Roll20 is a free-to-play browser-based virtual tabletop that requires no software installation. It offers character sheets, dice rolling, maps, tokens, and video/voice chat for online play. A subscription unlocks dynamic lighting, an asset marketplace, and API scripting.
Pros
- ✓No software install — runs in any browser
- ✓Largest existing user base and community
- ✓Free tier is genuinely usable for basic games
Cons
- ✗Dynamic lighting locked behind subscription
- ✗Performance can degrade with large maps
- ✗Older interface feels dated compared to newer VTTs
The official digital toolset for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
D&D Beyond is the official digital platform for Dungeons & Dragons, published by Wizards of the Coast. It provides an interactive character builder and sheet, a rules compendium, digital sourcebook purchases, and a dice roller. It is tightly integrated with D&D 5e and the official rules. Campaign management features allow GMs to share purchased content with players.
Pros
- ✓Official, rules-accurate character builder for 5e
- ✓Mobile app works well for at-table use
- ✓Content is purchased once and accessible anywhere
Cons
- ✗Entirely D&D 5e only — useless for other systems
- ✗Digital content purchases are platform-locked and cannot be exported
- ✗Content costs can add up quickly to match physical book prices
Still not sure?
Read our in-depth guides and comparisons to narrow down your choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free alternative to Avrae?
Roll20 is the best free alternative — the most widely used browser-based virtual tabletop, free to start. It has a free tier and is best for: New GMs who want to start quickly without spending money or installing software.
Why do people switch from Avrae?
The most common reasons are d&d 5e only — no support for other systems and text-only interface — no visual maps or tokens. The alternatives above each address one or more of these limitations.