TheNameWheel vs Wheel of Names
Both are free random name pickers. The difference is where your data goes and how the randomness is generated. Here is a side-by-side comparison so you can decide which fits.
Try TheNameWheel free →Feature comparison
| Feature | TheNameWheel | Wheel of Names |
|---|---|---|
| Account required | No — works instantly | Optional (for saving) |
| Randomness source | crypto.getRandomValues (CSPRNG) | crypto.getRandomValues (CSPRNG) |
| Data storage | Browser only (localStorage) | Server-side (with account) |
| Auto-remove winner | Yes | Yes |
| Embed on your site | Yes — one script tag | Yes — iframe |
| Interface languages | 30 | 65 |
| Gallery templates | 48+ | ~20 |
| Dark mode | Yes | No |
| Weighted entries | Yes | Yes |
| Linked / chained wheels | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
Where TheNameWheel is genuinely different
Both tools use crypto.getRandomValues() for cryptographically secure randomness. The practical differences are elsewhere.
No account, no server copy. Wheel of Names optionally stores your wheels on their server when you create an account. TheNameWheel never receives your entry list — it lives in your browser's localStorage and goes nowhere unless you copy a share link.
Linked wheels. TheNameWheel's Linked Wheels feature chains multiple wheels into a sequence — spin one to pick a category, then automatically load the next wheel for that category. Wheel of Names does not offer an equivalent.
Dark mode. TheNameWheel supports a full dark mode; Wheel of Names does not (as of our last check).
Comparison verified: October 2025. If any detail is out of date, let us know.
Where your data lives
Wheel of Names stores your wheel on their server when you create an account. TheNameWheel stores everything in your browser's localStorage — your entry list is never uploaded to any server.
One nuance about sharing. When you use the Share, Embed, or QR code features, your wheel title and entries are encoded into the link itself. Anyone who opens that link can read the entries — treat a share link as a document you are publishing, not a private transfer.
The trade-off is real: if you clear your browser data, your wheels are gone. We recommend exporting a CSV for an archival copy. Read more in our privacy policy.
Also comparing on account requirements? See our no-account comparison →