The best interactive whiteboards and smart boards for classrooms and businesses have a high-quality display, are fully compatible with collaboration apps like Zoom.
Some of the best digital whiteboards will allow users to write on, create, share, and manipulate projects on platforms like Google Drive.
See the 7 Best Digital Writing Pads for Online Teaching & Whiteboards – These are devices that are unique yet get the job done for most classrooms.
In this post, I’ll discuss the pros, cons, and alternatives for those looking for a classroom solution or for business collaboration purposes.
At A Glance – Top Picks
Below you will find our top suggestions when it comes to the best interactive whiteboards & smart boards that we’ve tested:
- Vibe Interactive (All-in-one): Best Overall Interactive Whiteboard for Classroom Collaboration & Conference rooms
- SMARTboard (interactive): Best Smart Whiteboard touchscreen (To Write & Draw on for schools)
- IPEVO V4K: Best alternative to a Interactive whiteboard for Teachers & Business
- Smart Technologies whiteboard with a projector: Premium SmartBoard with a projector
- IPEVO Whiteboard: Most affordable Interactive whiteboard for homeschooling, classrooms, and business
- Quartet Porcelain Whiteboard: Best SmartBoard alternative for the classroom
- Surface Hub 2: Best Windows 10 Electronic Whiteboard to use as a Digital chalkboard
- At A Glance – Top Picks
- What is an Interactive Whiteboard?
- How to choose the best interactive whiteboard (Electronic whiteboard)
- Best Interactive Whiteboards for Classrooms & Business
- 1. Vibe Interactive (All-in-one): Best Overall Interactive Whiteboard for Classroom Collaboration & Conference rooms
- 2. SMARTboard (interactive): Best Smart Whiteboard touchscreen (To Write & Draw on for schools)
- 3. IPEVO V4K: Best alternative to a Interactive whiteboard for Teachers & Business
- 4. Smart Technologies whiteboard with a projector: Premium SmartBoard with a projector
- 5. IPEVO Whiteboard: Most affordable Interactive whiteboard for homeschooling, classrooms, and business
- 6. Quartet Porcelain Whiteboard: Best SmartBoard alternative for the classroom
- 7. Surface Hub 2: Best Windows 10 Electronic Whiteboard to use as a Digital chalkboard
- 8. AG Neovo: Best Multi-touch, 65 inch flat panel interactive smartboard
- 9. Touch Force: Best 4k Whiteboard for Digital Offices, lobbies, and work from home
- 10. eBeam SmartMarker: Best Vibe smartboard alternative (Digital dry erase board)
- 11. Mobile Whiteboard: Most portable interactive Smart Whiteboard with wheels
- 12. Samsung Flip 2: The Ultimate Digital Whiteboard Experience
- How to use an interactive whiteboard (Guide)
- Types of SmartBoards
- Electronic Whiteboard App & Softwares
- Interactive Digital whiteboards vs traditional whiteboards
- What makes an interactive whiteboard unique?
- How We Ranked and Chose the Best Smart Whiteboards for Classrooms & Business
- FAQ
What is an Interactive Whiteboard?
By definition, an interactive white board is a display with the same look as a regular whiteboard. But, there is a difference: an interactive whiteboard can respond to user input via other devices or directly from the user.
In this sense, the type of technology of these smart whiteboards varies between video projectors or projectors with the possibility of using other devices for user interaction, and large screens with a standalone system on a chip.
When it comes to features, the best smart boards come with numerous functionalities like charts, graphs, polls, etc. In addition, most interactive whiteboards can play multiple types of media that can be useful in any niche and profession (from classrooms to business meetings).
How to choose the best interactive whiteboard (Electronic whiteboard)
Well this type of question can be answered only if you know what type of tasks you need to do with an electronic whiteboard.
For example, if your tasks do not require charts and polls but you want to have the ability to play a video then you should opt for an interactive whiteboard which can play such media files.
On the other hand, there is also the way the user can interact with the board. Let us say you are a teacher and you need an interactive white board for your class. In this case, you will probably look for a board that has a touch screen and a widget for writing, drawing, etc.
Best Interactive Whiteboards for Classrooms & Business
Our list includes the 11 best interactive whiteboards, including the most powerful ones and those that are both affordable and powerful enough for many projects. Now, without further ado, let us unfold our reviews of the best smart whiteboards with the best features we have found on the market.
1. Vibe Interactive (All-in-one): Best Overall Interactive Whiteboard for Classroom Collaboration & Conference rooms
- Vibe is a complete hardware and software ecosystem with enterprise-grade data protection that goes beyond a digital whiteboard.
- Its a meeting, an ideation, and a presentation all in one.
- Think on an endless canvas with a cloud-based whiteboard. Add annotations to any PDF or third-party app. You can save it and share it with people on-site or remote
If you are looking for the most powerful interactive whiteboard on the market, check out the Vibe Interactive (All-in-one).
Related: 13 Best Online Whiteboards for Teaching, Remote work and Zoom
This electronic whiteboard comes with the Vibe OS, which supports both multi-person and multi-device collaboration.
It features an incredible 55″ 4K UHD screen with an 8ms response time for the touchscreen and magnetic pen. Also, Vibe Interactive can connect with screen sharing apps like Zoom, Webex, etc.
The Vibe interactive device was incredibly intuitive to navigate when I used it – almost in the same way an Apple iPad makes its user interface easy to use.
Moreover, this interactive whiteboard can let you write on the board electronically and be wirelessly connected to other devices that can access the screen from anywhere. You can also connect to a variety of popular apps like YouTube, Google Chrome, Adobe Reader, and others.
Last but not least, Vibe Interactive has its own cloud where you can save your projects and work on them anytime. At the same time, you can also share your projects with the most popular cloud services, such as Google Drive, Dropbox and others.
Whats interesting is that this whiteboard allows for sketches that work well for AutoCAD software purposes.
All in all, Vibe Interactive (all-in-one) is a good choice for classrooms and meeting rooms, since it has a wide range of features that will let you better entertain your audience.
2. SMARTboard (interactive): Best Smart Whiteboard touchscreen (To Write & Draw on for schools)
- This interactive presentation is ideal for classrooms, offices, and conference rooms.
- Ideal for Clasroom and professionals that collaborate and need next level presentations.
- Has a touchscreen that doubles as a notebook for learning in groups
The SMARTboard (Interactive) is designed specifically for schools and collaborative presentations. This electronic whiteboard features a premium touch experience and a high-resolution LED screen with low friction.
Although this interactive whiteboard does not have a UHD display, its flat panel avoids glare and provides excellent visibility from any angle a student is in the classroom.
See the 11 Best Digital NotePads (great for teachers)
In addition, the SMARTboard (interactive) also allows you to connect and mirror other devices such as smartphones and laptops. In addition, your students have the ability to use multiple functions such as rotate, mirror, and zoom at the same time.
If you’re using a laptop, see our post on the 7 Ways to Write and Draw on a Non Touch Screen Laptop.
The best part about this whiteboard is the touch of the screen. The SMARTboard has an amazing surface that your fingers can glide smoothly over, just like a natural touch experience.
Considering all these, SMARTboard (interactive) is one of the best options when it comes to classrooms and dealing with kids.
3. IPEVO V4K: Best alternative to a Interactive whiteboard for Teachers & Business
IPEVO has developed one of the best visualizers you can find on the market. If you are a teacher, IPEVO V4K is the ultimate tool for your classroom as it delivers high resolution images thanks to the amazing 8MP camera.
The fast focusing speed allows you to change images or even materials without interruption. Plus, the Sony CMOS image sensor helps you work with the visualizer even in dimly lit rooms.
The greatest feature of IPEVO V4K is its fascinating portable size. You can easily pack it in a bag along with your laptop and take it anywhere you want. Besides, it will take you less than 5 minutes to set it up.
There is only one way to connect the IPEVO V4K to your computer, and that is via a USB cable. However, it can be used with many programmes and apps on Macbook, Chromebook and PC.
Finally, you can easily tighten the loose joints with a coin via special bolts. In summary, use this visualizer on a daily basis and try to keep kids interested.
4. Smart Technologies whiteboard with a projector: Premium SmartBoard with a projector
An interactive whiteboard with a projector is the perfect tool for classrooms and conferences. This digital whiteboard has one of the largest and most impressive 77-inch displays you can find online.
Bring your presentation to life using the touch-sensitive surface where you can take notes and outline the highlights. Use your finger as a mouse and start interacting with the low-reflecting screen.
With this classroom smartboard, you can not only take notes and present them to your audience, but also save them to files. Allow your students to work independently on the whiteboard and make the lessons so much more exciting.
Related: Can an iPad Replace a Laptop for a College Student?
Another advantage of the Smart Technologies whiteboard with projector is that it works with both Microsoft and Mac operating systems. So all you have to do is plug in your laptop or computer before you start your presentation.
To wrap up, this touchscreen whiteboard is ideal for teachers, office workers and even firefighters for training simulations.
5. IPEVO Whiteboard: Most affordable Interactive whiteboard for homeschooling, classrooms, and business
If you are looking for one of the best affordable interactive whiteboards, then take a look at the IPEVO Whiteboard. It is suitable for distance learning, classrooms and corporate project presentations.
Set up a physical whiteboard, connect the camera to your laptop or computer, and start your lesson. Use the interactive pen as a cursor and point, draw or write down something you think is important for the class.
You can also use the free IPEVO Annotator software to add comments to your text and images. This interactive whiteboard is compatible with both iOS and Microsoft Windows devices.
Thanks to its portable size, you can take this whiteboard anywhere you go. It’s lightweight and you can easily carry it with you when you change classes.
All in all, as a classroom or homeschool teacher, you can take your skills to the next level with this interactive whiteboard.
6. Quartet Porcelain Whiteboard: Best SmartBoard alternative for the classroom
The Quartet Porcelain Whiteboard is one of the best alternatives for smartboards. You can write anything that comes to mind with amazing clarity on the 36″ x 24″ frameless white glass.
Thanks to the extra durable glass, you can use the board every day without fear of scratches and dents. It’s built to last, so it comes with a 25-year warranty.
One of the special features of the Quartet porcelain whiteboard is its magnetic glass. You can attach papers and important documents and everyone who passes by the board will see them.
Hang this excellent whiteboard vertically or horizontally depending on the dimensions of your wall. Another helpful feature is the removable accessory tray at the bottom. There you can put your marker when you do not need it and have your hands free.
In conclusion, this amazing smartboard alternative is perfect for teachers, students and even home use.
7. Surface Hub 2: Best Windows 10 Electronic Whiteboard to use as a Digital chalkboard
Microsoft has developed one of the best electronic whiteboards you can find on the market. The best feature is the 50-inch display. Thanks to the 4K resolution, you can create a stunning presentation without worrying about poor analysis.
The Surface Hub 2S includes a powerful Intel Core i5 (8th generation) CPU with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD. It also features Windows 10, an impressive 4K camera, Intel UHD Graphics and Bluetooth.
With the excellent stylus, you can make any notes or drafts on the digital chalkboard. In comparison with other smart interactive whiteboards, Surface Hub 2S is as responsive as most, if not faster.
While you can not print your work directly from the digital whiteboard, you can easily email it to everyone. It also includes all the Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
With all that in mind, the Surface Hub 2S is great for meeting rooms, businesses, and classrooms.
8. AG Neovo: Best Multi-touch, 65 inch flat panel interactive smartboard
If you are looking for one of the most helpful whiteboards for schools, then AG Neovo is for you. This smart interactive whiteboard is perfect for classrooms, but you can also use it for meeting rooms and conferences.
The main advantage of the AG Neovo board is the 65″ screen with 4K Ultra HD analysis. When you combine this with the 20-point multi-touch surface, the presentation or lesson becomes much more engaging.
You can also share the whiteboard’s screen wirelessly with your iPad or Android tablet via Airplay, Miracast or Chromcast Mirroring. There are also other connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB port, HDMI and VGA.
See the 10 Best Tablets for Work & Productivity (Professionals)
Last but not least, the included Android operating system guarantees that your experience will be uninterrupted. Plus, you can annotate anywhere in the presentation.
The AG Neovo digital whiteboard is suitable for many different workspaces such as schools and offices.
9. Touch Force: Best 4k Whiteboard for Digital Offices, lobbies, and work from home
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Touch Force has developed a computerized whiteboard that is perfect for schools, lobbies, offices or even homes. The biggest feature of the Touch Force board is the stunning image quality.
With the 50-inch display and the 4K Ultra HD LCD display, you can create amazing presentations. You can also enjoy movies or TV shows in no time and in the best resolution.
Another important feature is the 10-point multi-touch recognition. You can easily use a stylus or your finger to make changes or mark important points in your class or presentation.
Finally, the device responds to screen touches in less than 5 milliseconds. Thanks to this ultra-fast response, you can work on your projects without interruptions or delays and show everyone the most significant points.
In summary, the Touch Force interactive whiteboard is suitable for anything you have in mind, from school projects to business presentations.
10. eBeam SmartMarker: Best Vibe smartboard alternative (Digital dry erase board)
eBeam SmartMarker Complete is one of the most reliable smartboard alternatives on the market, perfect for conferences and meeting rooms. Write notes on any surface or whiteboard and share them in real time with anyone, anywhere.
The eBeam SmartMarker Complete automatically connects to any device via Bluetooth. That way, you always have a digital copy of your work. Plus, no one has to take photos of your notes anymore because they just have them on their phone.
It takes no more than 5 minutes to install. And thanks to its portable size, you can take it with you on any business trip or when you change classrooms.
What’s special about eBeam SmartMarket is that you do not need any unique markers to work with it. However, there are some markers, such as Expo Dry erase bullet tip, Legamaster e-board and Sharpie whiteboard, that are more suitable.
All in all, this amazing smartboard alternative can make all the difference in many different occasions. Use it with an interactive whiteboard to do maths on, or for business meetings with the same ease.
11. Mobile Whiteboard: Most portable interactive Smart Whiteboard with wheels
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If you are looking for a solid alternative for a smartboard with wheels that roll, take a look at the Mobile Whiteboard. It’s not just for schools, but also for offices and outdoor activities.
The durable quality of the materials guarantees that you will be able to work with it for a long time. Besides, thanks to the 4 wheels, you can move it anywhere you want to make your professional life easier.
You can effortlessly adjust the edge of the whiteboard for more ergonomic writing. Also, you can flip the board over and use the other side of the board for more notes and drawings.
Another important aspect is the set up process. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete the installation and then you are ready to go. Also, you can attach the eraser and markers anywhere on the whiteboard thanks to the magnetic function.
So you can use this whiteboard to teach Spanish and languages on or even to design graphs and charts.
12. Samsung Flip 2: The Ultimate Digital Whiteboard Experience
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Samsung’s mastery in tech innovation shines brightly with the Samsung Flip 2 WM55R. This 55-inch marvel, boasting a 4K resolution, offers a pristine visual experience, making it a top contender for both classrooms and corporate boardrooms. Its interactive capabilities, allowing up to four users to write or sketch simultaneously, redefine the essence of collaborative learning and brainstorming.
The stylus interaction on the Flip 2 is second to none, mimicking the feel of a real pen on paper. Whether you’re detailing a business strategy or illustrating a scientific concept, the precision and responsiveness are unmatched. Connectivity is straightforward and versatile; users can either connect directly via HDMI or wirelessly share their screen over Wi-Fi. The device’s adaptability is further highlighted by its easy switch between portrait and landscape orientations.
Errors, inevitable in any brainstorming session, are effortlessly corrected with a simple finger or palm swipe. The real-time syncing ensures that changes on the whiteboard are instantaneously mirrored on any connected device, fostering seamless collaboration. In corporate settings, the Flip 2 doubles as a scheduler or checklist board, with its real-time storage and sharing capabilities ensuring no idea goes unnoticed.
How to use an interactive whiteboard (Guide)
Acquiring an interactive whiteboard is easy, but using it can be difficult. Therefore, you should follow some steps so that you can work better.
- Set up the whiteboard.
- Connect your device to the smartboard by loading the necessary software.
- Customize the software according to your needs.
- Take some time to familiarize yourself with how the touchscreen works.
- Learn how to use all the tools, the eraser, and the smart pens.
- Take advantage of special features like different colors.
- After that, you’ll be ready to go.
- Finally, get your audience to participate in the presentation.
Types of SmartBoards
You can find many different types of smartboards on the market. Among the most popular are the touchscreen monitors, where you can write directly on the display. On the other hand, there are the smartmarkers and screens that you can use to make lessons and business meetings more engaging.
Another great option is the IPEVO projectors that let you turn any surface into an interactive whiteboard. You can also create a live image with a visualizer or document camera. Finally, there’s the Clip ON interactive device that lets you turn your TV into a digital whiteboard to improve teaching.
What is better interactive white board or smartboard?
The main difference between an interactive whiteboard and a smartboard is that the latter works like a computer. Therefore, deciding which one is the best depends on your audience and the requirements of your work.
Check out all the reviews about digital whiteboards and smartboards and evaluate which one has the most features you need. If you are a teacher, you should also take into account how your students will interact with the board and whether they’ll be able to collaborate easily according to their age.
Electronic Whiteboard App & Softwares
There are many amazing apps and software for smartboards and digital whiteboards that you can use depending on your objectives.
- Vibe: This electronic whiteboard software allows multi-device editing and guarantees a response time of less than 10 ms after the pen touches the screen. Perfect for teachers and students.
- SMARTboard: The multiple touch points and gestures such as zooming, rotating and tilting make this software ideal for online teaching. This OS promises a unique writing and viewing experience for everyone in the classroom.
- Miro: You can download this electronic whiteboard app for free and use some of its features without any charge.
- Educreations: If you need an interactive whiteboard where students submit answers on, Educreations is the app you are looking for. It’s very easy to use and fun for students, so everyone gets involved in the learning process.
What type of adapter do I need to connect my MacBook to an interactive white board?
It’s easy to connect your MacBook to an interactive whiteboard. All you need is a “Thunderbolt to VGA” or “Thunderbolt to HDMI” adapter. Then follow some specific steps.
- Find the port on your laptop and connect the Thunderbolt end.
- Find the correct port on the white port and connect the VGA or HDMI end
- Turn on the MacBook and then turn on the whiteboard as well.
- If your laptop is not immediately recognised, use the whiteboard’s buttons and select the correct input.
- The connection is ready!
How to project wirelessly from a laptop to interactive white board
If you want to connect your laptop wirelessly to the interactive whiteboard, there are a few ways to do it. Some of the best digital whiteboards are equipped with Bluetooth, making remote connection much easier.
On the other hand, you can also use a wireless presentation system, but you’ll need to purchase it separately. And if the whiteboard supports it, you can connect your laptop via mirroring and be ready for your presentation in minutes.
Interactive Digital whiteboards vs traditional whiteboards
Digital whiteboards are interactive in the sense that you can use software on it and share your work amongst your classroom or team. This allows you to export files and quickly save your notes as well as work alongside other apps on a larger display.
These are all tasks a traditional whiteboard fails to accomplish. Additionally, there no clean up associated with digital whiteboards, but with a traditional whiteboard, there is.
Sharing ideas quicker than ever before is possible with a digital notepad
Digital whiteboards also offer a variety of features that traditional whiteboards do not. For example, digital whiteboards allow users to draw diagrams and equations with precision, as well as add images and videos to their presentations. Furthermore, digital whiteboards can be connected to other devices such as laptops or tablets, allowing for easy collaboration between multiple users. This makes it easier for teams to work together on projects and share ideas.
What makes an interactive whiteboard unique?
An interactive whiteboard, also known as a Smartboard, is a type of display that looks similar to a regular whiteboard but can respond to user input via other devices or directly from the user.
These types of whiteboards come in a variety of forms such as video projectors or large screens with a standalone system on a chip. They also come with a variety of features such as charts, graphs, polls, and the ability to play multiple types of media.
What makes it unique are the various tasks you can use the digital whiteboard for. If you need the ability to play video, then you should look for an interactive whiteboard that can play media files. If you are a teacher, you may want a board that has a touch screen and a widget for writing, sharing, or drawing.
For example, classrooms and business professionals looking to collaborate, the Vibe Interactive (All-in-one) is a great option. It comes with the Vibe OS, which supports multi-person and multi-device collaboration.
The Vibe Interactive has a 55″ 4K UHD screen with an 8ms response time for the touchscreen and magnetic pen. It can also connect with screen sharing apps like Zoom and Webex, making it easy to collaborate with others remotely.
How We Ranked and Chose the Best Smart Whiteboards for Classrooms & Business
Selecting the best smart whiteboards required a meticulous approach. We considered the display quality, compatibility with collaboration apps, and user interactivity features to ensure a seamless experience for both educators and business professionals.
Additionally, the ability to integrate with platforms like Google Drive, allowing users to create, share, and manipulate projects, played a significant role in our decision-making process. The goal was to provide a list that caters to diverse needs while ensuring top-notch functionality.
FAQ
What is the best type of interactive whiteboard for business?
The best digital whiteboard for business is one that can run the apps for business professionals.and provide the features necessary for efficient collaboration. Look for a whiteboard that has an intuitive interface, is compatible with multiple devices, and offers features such as annotation tools, video conferencing capabilities, and cloud storage. Additionally, consider the size of the board to ensure it fits in your workspace.
What is the best type of interactive whiteboard for sketching?
For sketching, the best type of interactive whiteboard is one that offers a range of features to help you create detailed drawings. Look for a board with a pressure-sensitive pen, multiple layers, and an eraser tool. Additionally, consider the size of the board to ensure it fits your workspace and can accommodate larger sketches.
In a classroom settings, this means being able to draw charts and sketches that help demonstrate a tutorial or lesson on a particular subject. these work especially well for math and sciences.
Digital whiteboards can also be used to create interactive activities and quizzes. This allows students to engage with the material in a more hands-on way, helping them better understand the concepts being taught. Additionally, digital whiteboards can be connected to other devices such as laptops or tablets, allowing teachers to easily share content with their students.
Related: Sketchbook vs Photoshop: Which Software is Better?
Can a interactive whiteboard be hacked?
Just like any other electronic device with internet access, a hacker could in theory find its way to your files, but this could also occur on the most secure networks. Interactive whiteboards are not particularly vulnerable any more than most laptops.
To protect your interactive whiteboard from potential hackers, it is important to use strong passwords and regularly update the software. Additionally, consider using a secure network connection and encrypting any data stored on the board. Finally, be sure to monitor access to the board and limit who has access to it.
Are traditional whiteboards becoming outdated?
As technology advances, digital whiteboards are outpacing the capabilities a traditional whiteboards allow for – and are doing so at a very fast pace.
Traditional whiteboards are still useful for some applications, such as brainstorming and quick notes.
However, digital whiteboards offer a range of features that traditional whiteboards do not, such as drawing diagrams and equations with precision, adding images and videos to presentations, and collaborating with multiple users.
As technology continues to evolve, digital whiteboards will become increasingly popular in the workplace.