Free Jackbox alternatives: 6 party games you can play in your browser
Jackbox came up with a brilliant formula: one screen, phones as controllers, a room code and a lot of laughing. But every Party Pack costs money, someone has to buy it, and when you play remotely you have to share your screen. The good news: several free games capture the Jackbox spirit right in the browser. Here are six.
The short answer
The best free Jackbox alternatives are browser games with a room code: TryToAct's Battle mode (imitate sounds into your mic, up to 12 players), TryToAct's multiplayer dubbing, Gartic Phone, skribbl.io, BombParty on JKLM.fun and Codenames online. Unlike Jackbox, everyone plays on their own device, with nothing to buy and no screen sharing.
Jackbox: what you need to know
According to the official page, only one person in the group needs to own a Jackbox game to host it. Everyone else joins at jackbox.tv with the code shown on the host's screen. Party Packs generally cost around $30, often less on sale (Weekend's estimate, April 2026). Online, the host has to share their screen (on Discord, Twitch or a video call), which adds lag.
It's an excellent game. The alternatives below are mostly useful if nobody wants to pay, if you're playing remotely, or if you just want some variety.
Side by side
- Jackbox Party Packs
The benchmark, with dozens of mini-games.
- Price
- Around $30 a pack
- Who pays
- The host
- Remote play
- Screen sharing
- TryToAct, Battle mode
Imitate sounds into your mic, four judges score out of 10.
- Price
- Free
- Players
- Up to 12
- Remote play
- Everyone on their own device
- TryToAct, multiplayer dubbing
Dub scenes from movies and TV shows together.
- Price
- Free
- Players
- 4 in co-op, 12 in VS
- Remote play
- Everyone on their own device
- Gartic Phone
The Telephone game, with drawings.
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Big groups
- skribbl.io
Pictionary, online.
- Price
- Free
- Account
- Not needed
- BombParty (JKLM.fun)
Find words before the bomb goes off.
- Price
- Free
- Language
- English and more
- Codenames online
The team word-clue game.
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Two teams
1. TryToAct, Battle mode: the closest to those Jackbox moments
If what you love about Jackbox is watching your friends make fools of themselves live, Battle mode is for you. A sound plays, everyone imitates it into their mic in a single take, and the takes are played back one by one in front of everyone before four judges hold up their scores. Power-up cards add a bit of suspense without ever taking points away. It's free, for up to 12 players, on a phone or a PC.
2. TryToAct, multiplayer dubbing: for the actors in your group
You dub a movie or TV scene together, in sync with the picture. In co-op, everyone takes a role; in VS, everyone dubs the same scene and you compare. Our guide to hosting a dubbing night helps you get the evening ready.
3. Gartic Phone: the Drawful vibe, for free
If Drawful is your favorite Jackbox game, Gartic Phone is the obvious alternative: you write, you draw, you guess, and the final reveal always gets a laugh.
4. skribbl.io: no-fuss Pictionary
One player draws, the others guess. No account, private rooms, and you can add your own words.
5. BombParty (JKLM.fun): for fans of words and speed
A bomb goes around, and you have to type a word containing the given letters before it explodes. Short, frantic, and playable in English and several other languages.
6. Codenames online: the team game
Two teams face off with one-word clues. Less wild than Jackbox, but great for starting arguments.
Which one should you pick?
• You want to laugh at your friends: TryToAct's Battle mode.
• You love acting: TryToAct's multiplayer dubbing.
• You like drawing: Gartic Phone or skribbl.io.
• You like word games: BombParty or Codenames.
• Someone already owns Jackbox and you're all in the same room: Jackbox is still hard to beat.
For remote play, we also listed the best games to play on a Discord call.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Jackbox?
Jackbox is paid, but only one player needs to buy it to host the game. For a completely free alternative, browser games like TryToAct's Battle mode, Gartic Phone or skribbl.io work without buying anything.
What's the best Jackbox alternative for playing remotely?
Browser games are easier to play remotely: everyone opens the link on their own device, with no screen sharing. TryToAct's Battle mode takes up to 12 players per room.
Can you play these games on a phone?
Yes, they all run in your phone's browser. For voice games like Battle mode, you'll need to allow mic access.