Best Dice Tray Guide (2023) | Top Picks + Buyers Guide
Every tabletop player has their own accessories and items that they know and love. Whether it’s your favorite dice set or something else that you can’t get through a game without. But there’s one thing that a lot of people tend to forget about when it comes to tabletop gaming. Have you ever had that moment where you’ve gone to throw dice to get that all-important natural 20, and you’ve accidentally thrown the dice off of the table and everyone in the party struggles to find it for the next 5 minutes? those kinds of moments really don’t need to happen if you simply invest in a good quality dice tray! That’s why we’ve created our Best Dice Tray Guide.
Table of Contents
Best Dice Tray Guide
These come in all different shapes and sizes. From rigid containers that are pretty simple to boxes that double as carriers for your dice sets. And they really do help to make your games run a lot smoother. Avoiding awkward moments where things just come to a stop.
CASEMATRIX Dice Tray and Storage
One of our favorite options is more than just a dice tray. The CASEMATRIX unit is not only a tray for your dice, but it also comes with storage as well. The storage area is a ring around the actual rolling surface, which means you’ve got a place to keep your dice while you play.
The dice tray is sturdy and stylish. Made from hard plastic, it is likely more durable than some of the foldable fabric options. That said, this tray is still portable enough to be useful when you are traveling for game night.
If there is a downside to this option, it is size. The size of the tray itself is no different than other options, but with some much space taken up by the storage slots, the rolling space is much smaller than with some other trays. This can be frustrating, especially when you are rolling lots of dice after a critical hit.
Pros:
- Comes with built-in storage
- Durable
- Compact
Cons:
- Small rolling space
STYLIFING Dice Tray
For our first option on this list, we’ve gone for something that’s affordable for those that don’t want to spend too much. We’ve chosen this dice tray from STYLIFING for its low price and portability. Starting things off here, this dice tray isn’t necessarily anything too special. Especially in the looks department, though this dice tray can still complement more rustic-themed dice sets. And you don’t have to settle for the brown color that we’ve linked here. You can choose from brown, purple, red, dark blue and light blue too.
Functionally speaking, this tray is also really simple and easy to use. Starting off with the build quality, which is decent but not anything special. The outer material is made out of faux leather and the inner lining is a softer felt material. Which means a few different things. First, it’s very lightweight and easy to carry around. Plus it also folds out to become completely flat, allowing you to store nearly anywhere. Fantastic for those who don’t like clutter and prefer tidy spaces. The softer lining also means that rolling dice in it is really quiet. So it’s perfect for those that don’t really like noisy trays. But there are a couple of negatives that we need to go through too.
The packaging that this tray is sent in is reported to be pretty poor. With people receiving it in only a simple envelope, which is obviously not great. Plus the tray may not lay perfectly flat which can obviously influence your rolls sometimes. So hardcore tabletop enthusiasts may want to stay away from this one. But more casual players should be fine with it. Just make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting with this one.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes in Multiple Colours
- Portable
Cons:
- Below Average Build Quality
- Poor Packaging
Forged Dice Co. Dice Tray
Next up we’ve got a similar tray that features a higher quality design. We’ve gone for this dice tray from Forged Dice Co. for its simple design and low price. There’s a lot that this dice tray shares with our previous option. In fact, really it’s exactly the same sort of design. A lightweight tray that focuses on portability and low weight. But this particular one is made out of higher quality materials. And the best part is that it doesn’t cost that much more either. You get a ton of different color options too. From black, grey, brown, yellow, red, etc. Safe to say that there’s a lot of options here.
The build quality with this dice tray is also really good. Again the exterior is made out of a faux leather material while the interior is made out of a much softer felt-like material. This makes the entire thing very lightweight and easy to move around. And since it can unfold down into a completely flat shape, you can put it in storage pretty much anywhere. Perfect for those that prefer to have nice and tidy setups. The softer interior also means that your rolls are extremely quiet. Something that you don’t get in dice trays that are made out of more solid materials like wood or metal.
An extra benefit for trays like this is that you can use heavier dice without worrying about scuffing the surface. Since the tray is a lot softer and can absorb a lot of that impact. The biggest detractors here are that this tray is extremely simple and doesn’t have much flair to it. The little buttons are also pretty fragile and people have had them break straight away. So be sure to be careful when using it.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes in Multiple Colours
- Portable
Cons:
- Very Simple Design
- Fragile Fasteners
Forged Dice Co. Dice Tray 14″
For our next option on this list, we’ve gone for a much simpler sort of dice tray. We’ve chosen another tray from Forged Dice Co. for its simple design and great functionality. And when we say that this is a simple tray we really mean it. There’s not really anything too fancy going on here. It’s a simple shoebox-style tray that offers a ton of space for you to roll your dice freely. But there are a few different style options that you can get here. You can get different trays with a different colored Forged Dice Co. logo. These come in grey, blue, red, orange, and green.
Since it is just a tray, it’s pretty simple in construction though you can definitely see the quality. It’s made out of hard plastic and the interior is made out of a material like the one you would see on a card game mat. So it’s really soft but hard enough to let your dice roll around on it. Plus with how big it is you get to roll your dice to ensure that you get a fair roll. A lot of the smaller trays have the issue of being too small. This stops your dice from being able to roll around enough.
But with this dice tray, you don’t get that problem. You also get the added bonus of being able to use this as storage for your dice. As well for cards and any other item that would fit in it really. But it isn’t really the most portable thing you could get. It’s not massive but at that same time, you could get something easier to transport. And it could take up a lot of space on your table which might be annoying.
Pros:
- Great Build Quality
- Comes in Multiple Colours
- Large Size
Cons:
- Not Very Portable
- Takes Up Room
8 Inch Dice Tray
Next up we’ve got a dice tray that also doubles as storage for your dice sets. We’ve gone for this tray from Easy Roller Dice Co, for its great build design and utility. This is the most unique tray we’ve had on this list so far. Both in visuals and in style. Aesthetically speaking, this dice tray is actually really cool to look at. It has this awesome octagon shape which actually helps out with making the dice bounce around more. Plus the purple coloring looks awesome, though unfortunately, it’s the only color that this tray comes in. So if you don’t like purple you may not be a fan of this one.
The build quality with this dice tray is pretty good. The exterior walls are made out of solid plastic which is also wrapped in faux leather. So straight away in terms of feel, this is a high-quality product. The interior floor of the tray is made with a soft felt-like material that ensures quiet and smooth rolls. Fantastic for those that hate noisy trays and want something softer for their dice. It’s also great for heavier dice like ones that are made out of metal. Because the tray won’t scuff anywhere near as much.
Since the softer lining is able to absorb the impact much better. But the best part of this dice tray is the compartment for your dice that runs along the perimeter of the tray. And you could definitely fit a couple of full sets in this compartment too. The downsides with this tray are that it’s pretty expensive and there are reports that the stitching can come undone pretty quickly. But it should be alright as long as you’re reasonably careful with it.
Pros:
- Great Build Quality
- Comes in Multiple Colours
- Large Size
Cons:
- Expensive
- Fragile Stitching
Fantasydice Book
For our last option on this list, we’ve gone for a tray that’s unique and stands out. We’ve chosen this dice tray from Fantasydice for its cool aesthetics and great utility. This dice tray is stylized to look like a book. When you open the lid it reveals the tray and a smaller container to hold your dice. And it looks really cool as a whole. The cover is made out of textured faux leather and the sides are made to look like the pages of a book. While the interior walls and floor are made from a purple felt material. Overall this tray looks fantastic and really fits in tabletop sets that are all about that fantasy aesthetic.
The build quality is also something that’s awesome. Each part of the dice tray feels and looks high quality. Which is something that’s pretty important when you have something like this. A tray that has lots of little details and fancy extras. As mentioned previously, the floor and walls of the tray are made out of a soft felt-like material. Which means that your rolls are going to be nice and quiet. You’ll also be able to use heavier dice since the softer walls can handle that impact well. This dice tray can also store as storage for your dice and other small things like cards.
Helping this is the smaller tray that it comes with which fits inside. Allowing you to store your dice in there without them rattling around a bunch. The downsides with this tray are that firstly, it’s pretty expensive. And there also aren’t any extra styles that you could be getting it in. So if you don’t like the color combo here, you’re out of luck.
Pros:
- Great Build Quality
- Cool Aesthetics
- Large Size
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only One Colour Option
Best Dice Tray Buying Guide
If you’ve come this far down the list and you still aren’t sure which dice tray you should get, don’t worry! In this section, we’ll be giving you some extra advice to help you out with your purchase.
Are Dice Rolling Trays Worth It?
Are dice rolling trays worth it? It’s a question that often comes up among tabletop gaming enthusiasts. While some may argue that a rolling tray is just an unnecessary accessory, others believe it can greatly enhance the gaming experience. Picture this: you’re gathered around a game table with your friends, ready for an intense session of dice rolls. As the tension rises, the last thing you want is your dice bouncing off the table and disrupting the flow of the game. That’s where a rolling tray comes in handy.
With its raised edges and soft padding, it provides a designated rolling surface for your dice to roll freely without straying off course. Not only does it keep your dice contained, but it also adds an element of style to your gaming setup. So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting out, investing in a dice rolling tray might be well worth it for smoother and more immersive dice rolls during your tabletop adventures.
How Big Should a Dice Rolling Tray Be?
When it comes to choosing the size of a dice rolling tray, it is important to consider several factors. Firstly, take into account the size of the dice you typically use. If you primarily use standard 16mm dice, a compact tray around 8-10 inches in diameter would be suitable. However, if you frequently use larger dice, such as 25mm or specialty dice, you may want to opt for a larger tray, around 12-14 inches in diameter, to accommodate them comfortably.
Consider the number of dice you usually roll simultaneously. If you frequently roll three or four six-sided dice together, a tray with dimensions of approximately 10-12 inches square would provide ample space for those rolls. This size allows for multiple dice to be rolled without feeling cramped.
It is also essential to assess the available space on your gaming table. A tray that is too large can dominate the playing area, while a tray that is too small may restrict movement or lead to dice rolling off the surface. Aim for a size that fits comfortably within the available space, typically around 10-14 inches in diameter or square.
Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in determining the ideal size. Some gamers prefer larger trays for a more dramatic rolling experience, while others prefer smaller, more intimate setups. Consider your playing style and aesthetic preferences to find the perfect balance between functionality and personal taste.
Do You Need a Dice Tray for D&D?
A dice tray can be a helpful accessory for playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), but it is not a strict requirement. A dice tray is designed to provide a contained space for rolling dice, preventing them from rolling off the table and potentially disrupting the game or causing damage to nearby objects. It can also help keep the dice contained and make it easier to read the rolled numbers.
However, many players choose to roll their dice directly on the table or use alternative methods such as dice towers or dice cups. These methods can also effectively control the dice and provide a fair roll without the need for a dedicated tray.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a dice tray for D&D depends on personal preference and the preferences of your gaming group. If you find that dice rolling becomes problematic or disruptive during your games, investing in a dice tray could be a worthwhile addition to your gaming accessories.
You don’t need to overspend
Dice trays come in all different shapes and sizes. You can find some that are quite simply just a tray with nothing fancy going on. Or you can find dice trays that have really cool designs and colour schemes. But you don’t necessarily have to find and get the coolest dice trays you can find. Since as long as you get a container without a lid you can technically use it as a dice tray. But getting the more expensive trays allows you to have something that stands out. And half the fun of tabletop games is finding really cool stuff that you can use alongside your character. To really immerse yourself in the game. Plus we don’t really get many other excuses to get stuff like this most of the time. The bottom line here is that you should just get something that appeals to you. Don’t worry about expensive, cool-looking trays, since they all do the same job.
See Also: The Best Dice Tower
Seek out tabletop brands
There’s really no one better to buy this kind of stuff from than tabletop brands. Buying from companies that are dedicated to making a decent range of products for tabletop gaming will mean you’re more likely to get a better deal. Plus you’ll probably be able to get way more opinions and find more reviews for these products. Since more people will have bought them and used them. This isn’t to say to stay away from every cheap dice tray that you find. But if you’re relatively new to tabletop gaming and aren’t really familiar with what the best brands are, stick with these companies:
- Forged Dice Co.
- C4Labs
- CASEMATIX
- D20 Collective
- Fantasydice
All of these brands can be found on Amazon and they all make pretty good dice trays. Ranging from simpler designs to some of the more fancy ones that you can find. So if you don’t really know what you’re looking for, stick with these brands and you should be alright.
Tips:
- Be careful which dice you decide to use for your dice tray. If you own heavy, metal dice then you may not want to use those. Since they might scuff up the interior walls and floor. Though if you have a tray that has a softer material for the interior you should be fine. Since those sorts of trays are better at absorbing the impact of heavier dice. So they’ll leave less of a mark.
- If portability is a concern then you should aim to find dice trays that can either fold down into a flat object or one that is reasonably small. You want to stay away from larger trays that aren’t really designed for travel. Of course, this may limit your options somewhat when it comes to what kind of style you can get.
- If any of your tabletop friends has a dice tray, ask them what they have and whether they recommend it or not. Getting a personal recommendation is always one of the best ways to shop around.
- Double-check the reviews for the tray that you want. Because you may find something out that the listing wouldn’t have told you. It could potentially save you a lot of time and money.
Verdict – The Best Dice Tray for D&D
That’s been our list for The Best Dice Tray. Hopefully, you’ve the details you need to purchase your next tabletop dice tray for D&D night. If it helped you out with looking for a new dice tray, be sure to let us know about it in the comments down below! And don’t forget to see the rest of our content for other great gaming accessory ideas.
