10 Best Online Whiteboard Tools for Collaboration and Brainstorming
Ryan Tanner
Product Marketing Specialist
Aug 5, 2026
Ryan Tanner
Aug 5, 2026
15 min read
As remote and hybrid work reshape how teams collaborate, the online whiteboard has become a vital tool for brainstorming, planning, and visual communication. No longer confined to meeting rooms, today's platforms let distributed teams sketch ideas, map workflows, and co-create in real time—across locations and devices.
From product roadmaps and design sprints to online classrooms and agile ceremonies, an online whiteboard provides a shared visual space where ideas move faster, and alignment feels more natural. In this guide, we review and compare the 10 best online whiteboard tools based on usability, collaboration depth, pricing, and real-world use cases.
Key takeaways: 5 best whiteboard online tools
From our broader review, these five online whiteboard tools emerged as the most reliable choices for teams that need fast collaboration, clear visual thinking, and minimal setup.
1. Lark: All-in-one workspace with built-in whiteboard
2. Miro: Popular for workshops and visual collaboration
3. Mural: Best for facilitated brainstorming sessions
4. Microsoft Whiteboard: Ideal for Microsoft ecosystem users
5. FigJam: Design-focused collaboration
Top 5 online whiteboard tools – Quick comparison
This table highlights the top 5 tools from our full list, helping teams quickly compare options based on use case, key features, and pricing.
Information source: Official vendor sites
Update time: 2026-01-22
Note: Pricing and plan details reflect publicly available data as of the update date and may vary based on region, billing cycle, and number of agents.
What is an online whiteboard?
An online whiteboard is a digital collaboration tool that provides a shared visual workspace where people can brainstorm, plan, teach, and design together in real time over the internet. Instead of using a physical board in a meeting room, teams can access an online whiteboard through a web browser or app to draw, add sticky notes, create shapes, upload files, and build diagrams such as flowcharts, mind maps, and wireframes.
An easy online whiteboard is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to jump in without complex setup or technical skills. Teams can use whiteboards online to capture ideas during meetings, map project workflows, conduct remote workshops, or support online learning. Because everything is saved in the cloud, online whiteboards can be accessed anytime, from any device, making collaboration more flexible, transparent, and efficient for modern, distributed teams.
Why teams use online whiteboards today
Modern teams rely on visual collaboration to stay aligned, creative, and productive across locations and time zones. A whiteboard online helps bring everyone into the same shared space, making ideas easier to see, discuss, and refine in real time.
- Remote brainstorming: Teams can capture ideas, vote on concepts, and organize thoughts visually without being in the same room. With whiteboard online use, everyone can contribute equally, whether they join from the office, home, or another country.
- Visual project planning: Project timelines, workflows, and dependencies become clearer when mapped visually instead of buried in documents. A whiteboard online website lets teams update plans instantly and keep stakeholders aligned.
- Teaching and online classrooms: Educators use digital boards to explain concepts, annotate lessons, and engage students interactively. A whiteboard website makes learning more dynamic and accessible from any device.
- Product design and UX mapping: Design teams sketch wireframes, map user journeys, and test flows collaboratively. Tools like MS Whiteboard online help connect visual ideas directly with existing productivity platforms.
- Agile ceremonies and sprint planning: Scrum boards, retrospectives, and sprint reviews become more engaging when teams move cards and leave notes in real time. This visual approach keeps discussions focused and progress transparent.
10 best online whiteboard tools reviewed
1. Lark: All-in-one workspace with built-in whiteboard
Lark is a unified collaboration platform that brings messaging, documents, video meetings, and a built-in whiteboard into a single workspace. Instead of switching between multiple apps, teams can brainstorm, plan, and execute ideas within one connected environment. Its native whiteboard allows users to sketch concepts, map workflows, and collaborate visually in real time. This makes Lark a practical choice for organizations looking to streamline communication and visual collaboration without adding extra tools.
Digital whiteboard
Unlike other tools that require embedding a link from a third-party site, Lark Board is a native block within Lark Docs. By typing /Board, users can insert an infinite canvas directly into a project brief or meeting agenda. This ensures that visual brainstorms, such as flowcharts or mood boards, live alongside the project's textual context, preventing information loss when switching between apps.
Multi-user real-time co-editing
The core of Lark's whiteboard experience is its real-time co-editing capability. Similar to its document editing, Lark Board supports hundreds of concurrent users with zero lag. Participants can see each other's cursors in real-time, leave comments & mentions on specific elements, and use emoji reactions to vote on ideas. This creates a highly social and efficient environment for remote teams to align with creative or strategic decisions.
Mindnotes for brainstorming
For teams that prefer structured ideation, the MindNotes function lets users create hierarchical mind maps that can be converted into a freeform Lark Board with a single click. This is particularly useful for turning a structured list of ideas into a visual layout.
Interactive editing during meetings
The Magic Share function is a game-changer for visual collaboration during video calls. Instead of a passive screen share where only one person can draw, a presenter can "share" a Lark Board directly in the meeting window. Every participant can then interact with the board—adding sticky notes, moving shapes, or drawing—in real-time. This turns a standard video call into a high-engagement workshop where everyone contributes simultaneously.
Rich editing elements
Lark Board includes a robust set of functions for technical and process mapping, such as Swimlane diagrams and PlantUML support. These allow engineers and project managers to create complex system architectures or business process flows using drag-and-drop shapes or code-based logic. The "Smart Connector" function keeps lines attached to shapes as you rearrange the board, keeping your diagrams organized and professional.
- Starter plan: Free forever plan that includes 11 powerful tools for up to 20 users. It also includes 100GB of storage, 1,000 automation runs, AI translations, and more.
- Basic plan: $6/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Starter plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 5TB of storage, 1000 automation runs, and more. For more details, please contact sales.
- Pro plan: $12/user/month (billed annually) for up to 500 users. It includes everything in Basic, plus group calling for up to 500 attendees, 15 TB of storage, 50,000 automation runs, and more.
- Enterprise plan: Contact sales for custom pricing. Supports unlimited users and includes even more automation runs and advanced security, compliance, and management features.
Starter
Pro
Enterprise
Starter
For small teams with simple communication needs
$0
/ user / month
20 users max
18 months message history
1-on-1 video meetings
100 GB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
1000 Base automation runs/month
2000 rows per table in Base
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
Enterprise
For large companies with advanced security and organizational management needs
Get a personalized demo and pricing
Unlimited users
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage + 30 GB storage/user
Lark Docs & Mail
500k Base automation runs/month
50k Base automation runs/month
Single sign-on (SSO)
Pro
For companies with comprehensive collaboration and management needs
$12
/ user / month
500 users max
Unlimited message history
500-participant video meetings
15 TB storage
Lark Docs & Mail
50k Base automation runs/month
20k rows per table in Base
2. Miro: Enterprise visual collaboration and brainstorming platform
Miro is a popular online whiteboard platform built for teams that need a flexible space for brainstorming and visual collaboration. It provides an infinite canvas where users can sketch ideas, map workflows, and run interactive workshops in real time. From startups to large enterprises, Miro supports both creative sessions and structured planning activities. Its wide range of templates and integrations makes it easy to adapt the board to different team workflows and project needs.
Image source: miro.com
Key features:
- Infinite canvas supporting diagrams, mind maps, and sticky notes for structured brainstorming and large-scale team collaboration.
- Extensive template library for workshops, retrospectives, product roadmaps, and agile planning across distributed teams.
- Real-time collaboration with live cursors, comments, mentions, and voting tools for faster group decision making.
- Integrations with Slack, Jira, Confluence, and Microsoft Teams to connect visual boards with daily work tools.
Pros:
- Highly intuitive interface that helps new users onboard quickly and participate confidently in collaborative sessions.
- Scales well for enterprises managing large workshops, cross-team projects, and complex visual planning activities.
- A strong ecosystem of integration that keeps boards connected to popular productivity and project management platforms.
Cons:
- Advanced features and higher user limits are restricted to paid plans, which can increase costs for growing teams.
- Performance may slow slightly on extremely large boards with heavy media, shapes, and multiple simultaneous collaborators.
Pricing:
- Starter plan: $8 per user per month (billed annually).
- Business plan: $16 per user per month (billed annually).
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
3. Mural: Structured workshop and ideation workspace
Mural is an online whiteboard platform built for teams that value structured brainstorming and guided collaboration. It provides a focused workspace where facilitators can lead workshops, strategy sessions, and design thinking activities with clarity. Teams use Mural to organize ideas visually while keeping discussions aligned with specific goals. Its ready-made frameworks and real-time collaboration tools make it suitable for both remote and hybrid work environments.
Image source: mural.com
Key features:
- Facilitated workshop tools, including timers, voting, and private mode to guide participants through structured brainstorming activities.
- Pre-built frameworks and templates for design thinking, customer journeys, and sprint planning across diverse teams.
- Real-time collaboration with live cursors, comments, and chat for smooth interaction during remote workshops.
- Integrations with Microsoft Teams, Slack, and project management tools to connect whiteboards with daily workflows.
Pros:
- Excellent for facilitators who need strong controls to manage large groups and keep sessions organized.
- Clear visual layout that helps teams follow structured processes without feeling overwhelmed by endless canvases.
- Wide range of professional templates tailored for strategy, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Cons:
- The interface can feel less flexible for freeform creative work than for more open-ended whiteboard platforms.
- Pricing may be higher for smaller teams that only need basic brainstorming and collaboration features.
Pricing:
- Starter plan: $10 per user per month (billed annually).
- Plus plan: $18 per user per month (billed annually).
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
4. Microsoft Whiteboard: Whiteboard integrated with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Whiteboard is a digital canvas designed for teams already working within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook for smooth collaboration and file sharing. Teams use it to brainstorm ideas, sketch diagrams, and plan projects during meetings or async sessions. Its simple interface makes it accessible for both casual users and business professionals.
Image source: microsoft.com
Key features:
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams for live collaboration during meetings and shared whiteboard sessions.
- Freehand drawing, sticky notes, shapes, and text tools for quick brainstorming and visual idea organization.
- Cloud-based saving through OneDrive allows boards to be accessed and edited across multiple devices.
- Real-time collaboration with live cursors, comments, and sharing controls for secure team participation.
Pros:
- Works naturally within the Microsoft 365 environment, reducing the need for additional third-party tools.
- Simple and clean interface that makes onboarding easy for users familiar with Microsoft productivity apps.
- Included with most Microsoft 365 plans, offering good value for organizations already subscribed.
Cons:
- Lacks some advanced facilitation and design tools compared to dedicated enterprise whiteboard platforms.
- Limited customization options for templates and structured workflows in complex brainstorming sessions.
Pricing:
- Microsoft 365 basic plan: $19.99 per year (billed annually).
- Microsoft 365 personal plan: $69.99 per year (billed annually).
- Microsoft 365 family plan: $99.99 per year (billed annually).
- Business basic plan: $6 per user per month (billed annually).
- Business standard plan: $12.50 per user per month (billed annually).
- Business premium plan: $22 per user per month (billed annually).
5. FigJam: Collaborative board for design teams
FigJam is an online whiteboard built by Figma to support real-time collaboration for product, UX, and design teams. It provides a flexible canvas where teams can brainstorm, map user journeys, and plan design workflows visually. FigJam connects closely with Figma files, helping teams move smoothly from ideas to actual designs. Its interactive widgets and live collaboration features make remote design sessions more engaging and productive.
Image source: figjam.com
Key features:
- Deep integration with Figma, allowing teams to link design files directly into brainstorming and planning boards.
- Interactive widgets like timers, polls, and sticky notes to keep design workshops engaging and well-structured.
- Real-time collaboration with live cursors, chat, and emoji reactions for fast feedback and idea sharing.
- Template library for user journey mapping, wireframing, and sprint planning tailored to design workflows.
Pros:
- Ideal for design and product teams already using Figma for daily design and prototyping tasks.
- Fun and interactive tools that encourage participation and creativity during remote collaboration sessions.
- A clean interface that balances freeform brainstorming with enough structure for organized planning.
Cons:
- Less suitable for non-design teams that do not use Figma or design-focused workflows across traditional business department settings.
- Some advanced collaboration features require paid plans for larger or growing teams managing enterprise-level design operations and scaling needs.
Pricing:
- Team plan: $8 per editor per month (billed annually).
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
6. Google Jamboard: Google Workspace whiteboard for real-time brainstorming
Google Jamboard is an online whiteboard designed for teams using Google Workspace for communication and file sharing. It provides a simple digital canvas for brainstorming, teaching, and real-time visual collaboration. Users can easily pull in content from Google Drive, Docs, and Slides to support discussions. Its lightweight design makes it accessible for quick sessions and everyday team collaboration.
Image source: google.com
Key features:
- Seamless integration with Google Drive, allowing users to insert Docs, Sheets, and Slides directly into collaborative whiteboard sessions.
- Simple drawing, sticky notes, shapes, and text tools for fast brainstorming and visual organization across remote and hybrid teams.
- Real-time multi-user collaboration with live cursors and instant updates for shared idea creation and group participation.
- Cloud-based access through web and mobile apps, enabling teams to join whiteboards from any device, anywhere.
Pros:
- Works naturally within Google Workspace, making it easy for teams already using Gmail, Drive, and Calendar.
- Clean and minimal interface that helps new users start collaborating without a steep learning curve.
- Free access to many Google accounts, offering good value for classrooms and small distributed teams.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced templates and facilitation tools compared to more specialized enterprise whiteboard platforms available today.
- Limited customization and export options for teams needing detailed documentation or structured project planning workflows.
Pricing:
It is priced at $4,999/year plus a $600 annual management fee.
7. Explain Everything: Interactive whiteboard with presentation tools
Explain Everything is an online whiteboard designed for teaching, training, and interactive presentations across remote and hybrid environments. It combines a digital canvas with screen recording and annotation tools to create engaging visual explanations. Educators and trainers use it to build lessons, tutorials, and collaborative learning sessions. Its focus on clarity and interaction makes it popular in classrooms and professional training programs.
Image source: explaineverything.com
Key features:
- Built-in screen recording and narration tools for creating step-by-step visual lessons and shareable training content.
- Interactive drawing, annotation, and slide import features for explaining complex concepts during live or recorded sessions.
- Real-time collaboration allows participants to join boards, add ideas, and follow guided instructional activities.
- Cloud-based storage and sharing options to access projects across devices and distribute materials to students or teams.
Pros:
- Excellent for educators and trainers who need strong presentation and recording capabilities within a collaborative whiteboard environment.
- A simple interface that helps learners and participants follow along without advanced technical knowledge or onboarding.
- Flexible export options for videos and boards, supporting content sharing across learning management and collaboration platforms.
Cons:
- Less suitable for large-scale enterprise brainstorming compared to platforms focused on complex visual collaboration workflows.
- Some advanced features and storage limits require paid plans for regular professional or institutional usage.
Pricing:
- Advanced plan: $69 per year (billed annually).
- For schools plan: Custom pricing.
8. Ziteboard: Minimalist online whiteboard with real-time sharing
Ziteboard is a lightweight online whiteboard designed for teams that prefer simple, distraction-free visual collaboration. It offers a clean canvas for sketching ideas, explaining concepts, and brainstorming without complex setup or heavy features. Teams often use Ziteboard for quick meetings, teaching sessions, and fast visual communication. Its browser-based access makes it easy to join and collaborate instantly from almost any device.
Image source: ziteboard.com
Key features:
- Minimalist infinite canvas with drawing, shapes, and text tools for quick brainstorming and real-time visual explanations.
- One-click sharing links that let participants join boards instantly without creating accounts or complex setups.
- Real-time multi-user collaboration with live cursors and instant updates for smooth interactive working sessions.
- Export options for saving boards as images or PDFs for easy sharing and basic documentation needs.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use, making it ideal for quick meetings, teaching moments, and spontaneous brainstorming sessions.
- No heavy software installation required, allowing teams to collaborate directly in a web browser.
- Affordable pricing options compared to many enterprise-focused online whiteboard and collaboration platforms available today.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features such as templates, integrations, and facilitation tools for structured workshops and planning.
- Not designed for large enterprise teams needing complex security, administration, and workflow management capabilities.
Pricing:
- One week pro plan: $5 (one-time payment).
- Monthly pro plan: $9/month (billed monthly).
- Annual pro plan: $85/year (billed annually).
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing.
9. OpenBoard: Open-source digital whiteboard for classrooms and teams
OpenBoard is an open-source online whiteboard designed primarily for education, training, and simple team collaboration needs. It provides a clean digital canvas for drawing, writing, and presenting ideas in interactive learning environments. Teachers and trainers use OpenBoard to explain concepts visually and engage learners during live or recorded sessions. Its free, community-driven approach makes it accessible to schools and organizations with limited budgets.
Image source: openboard.ch
Key features:
- Open source platform offering free access to drawing, text, and shape tools for classrooms and collaborative learning environments.
- Support for multimedia embedding, including images and PDFs, to enrich lessons and interactive presentation sessions easily.
- Cross-platform compatibility for Windows, macOS, and Linux, allowing broad access across diverse device environments.
- Simple export options to save boards as files for sharing, reviewing, and documenting learning or training outcomes.
Pros:
- Completely free and open source, making it ideal for schools and organizations with strict budget limitations.
- Lightweight and easy to install, allowing quick setup without requiring complex system administration or cloud services.
- Strong focus on education, supporting interactive teaching, demonstrations, and classroom-style collaboration workflows effectively.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced real-time collaboration features found in modern cloud-based enterprise whiteboard platforms.
- Limited integrations with productivity tools make it less suitable for business teams needing connected digital workflows.
Pricing:
- The software is free to use.
10. Milanote: Creative planning and mood boards
Milanote is an online whiteboard designed for creative planning, visual organization, and idea development. It is widely used by designers, marketers, writers, and creative teams to collect inspiration, structure concepts, and plan projects visually. Instead of a traditional freeform whiteboard, Milanote uses flexible boards that combine notes, images, links, and tasks into an organized visual workspace.
Image source: milanote.com
Key features:
- Visual boards that combine notes, images, links, and files for structured creative planning and idea organization.
- Drag-and-drop interface for building mood boards, storyboards, content plans, and creative briefs.
- Collaboration features that allow teams to comment, share feedback, and co-edit boards in real time.
- Templates for creative workflows such as brand planning, campaign ideas, writing outlines, and design inspiration.
Pros:
- Excellent for creative professionals who prefer visual thinking over rigid whiteboard layouts.
- Clean and intuitive interface that helps teams organize ideas without overwhelming complexity.
- Strong support for inspiration gathering, early-stage planning, and creative collaboration.
Cons:
- Less suitable for structured workshops, agile ceremonies, or large-scale team brainstorming sessions.
- Limited advanced facilitation tools compared to enterprise-focused online whiteboard platforms.
Pricing:
- Free plan: Limited boards and basic features.
- Pro plan: $9.99 per user per month (billed annually).
- Team plan: $49 per month for up to 10 users (billed annually).
Online whiteboard use cases by role
Different roles rely on visual collaboration to align ideas, communicate clearly, and move work forward faster. An online whiteboard platform provides every team with a shared space to plan, present, and collaborate, regardless of location.
- Product managers: Product managers use an online whiteboard program to map roadmaps, prioritize features, and visualize user journeys. This helps align stakeholders around timelines, goals, and development milestones.
- Designers: Designers often rely on a digital online whiteboard to sketch wireframes, test concepts, and collect feedback in real time. It supports creative workflows and smooth collaboration with product and development teams.
- Teachers: Many educators choose an online whiteboard for free to explain lessons, annotate materials, and engage students interactively. This makes remote and hybrid learning more visual and participatory.
- Sales teams: Sales professionals use a free online whiteboard to present proposals, explain solutions, and map customer needs. Visual storytelling helps clarify value and strengthen client conversations.
- HR & training teams: HR and trainers often select the best whiteboard online to run onboarding sessions, workshops, and skill development programs. Visual collaboration keeps participants engaged and improves knowledge retention.
Key features to look for in an online whiteboard tool
Choosing the right visual collaboration solution depends on how well it supports teamwork, creativity, and secure sharing. An online digital whiteboard should balance simplicity with powerful features that help teams work together effectively.
- Real-time multi-user editing: Live collaboration lets multiple participants draw, write, and move elements simultaneously. With an online whiteboard, teams can see changes instantly and stay aligned during discussions.
- Infinite canvas: An unlimited workspace lets teams expand ideas without worrying about space constraints. An online whiteboard Aww-style canvas supports large brainstorming sessions and complex visual planning.
- Sticky notes, shapes, and drawing tools: Basic creative tools help users capture thoughts quickly and organize concepts visually. A free online whiteboard often includes these essentials for everyday collaboration.
- File uploads and embeds: The ability to add images, documents, and links keeps all project materials in one place. This turns an online whiteboard project into a central visual hub for team resources. Teams often combine these boards with tools like a plagiarism checker to ensure shared research notes, reports, and documentation remain original and properly cited.
- Templates: Pre-built layouts save time and guide users through common workflows, such as retrospectives or journey mapping. A good whiteboard website makes it easy to quickly start structured sessions.
- Commenting and mentions: Feedback tools allow teammates to highlight areas and notify others directly. A whiteboard online Aww-style collaboration approach keeps conversations connected to visual elements.
- Export and sharing options: Download boards as images or PDFs to support reporting and documentation. A reliable whiteboard site makes it simple to share results with stakeholders outside the platform.
- Security and access control: Permissions and privacy settings protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. An online whiteboard tool with strong controls ensures safe collaboration across teams.
- Microsoft ecosystem support: Integration with productivity suites helps streamline workflows and file management. Microsoft Whiteboard online is especially useful for organizations already using Microsoft 365 services.
Conclusion
Choosing the right collaboration tool can significantly improve how effectively teams brainstorm, plan, and execute ideas. In this guide, we explored the best online whiteboards for 2026, comparing platforms that support everything from creative design sessions and agile planning to teaching and enterprise collaboration. Whether your team prefers a tightly integrated solution like an online Microsoft whiteboard or values flexibility through an open-source whiteboard online or an open-source whiteboard online option, the right tool should align with your workflow, security needs, and budget.
If you're looking for a unified workspace that brings visual collaboration together with chat, documents, and meetings, Lark offers a practical way to connect ideas with action. Explore how Lark's built-in whiteboard can help your team collaborate more smoothly and keep projects moving forward—try it today and start building visually, together.
FAQs
What is the best free online whiteboard?
The best free online whiteboard depends on your team size, the features you need, and your integration needs. Many free online whiteboards offer basic drawing, sticky notes, and sharing for small teams. Lark provides a free plan that combines whiteboard features with chat and documents, making it a practical option for growing teams.
Can online whiteboards replace meetings?
A real-time online whiteboard can reduce the need for long meetings by allowing teams to brainstorm and comment asynchronously. With tools like Lark, discussions, visuals, and tasks, you can stay connected in one workspace. While not replacing every meeting, whiteboards make collaboration more efficient.
Are online whiteboards secure?
Most online whiteboard software includes access controls, permissions, and cloud security features. Lark offers enterprise-grade security and admin controls to protect sensitive boards and shared files. Always review compliance and privacy options before adopting a platform.
Do whiteboard tools work on mobile?
Many tools now offer an online whiteboard app for phones and tablets, enabling collaboration on the go. Lark supports mobile access, letting users view and edit boards from anywhere. This flexibility makes visual teamwork possible beyond the desktop.
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Table of contents
Start using Lark today
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Boost team efficiency by 10x
Save up to 70% on software costs
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