Remote teams need more than a place to draw during a call: people who miss the meeting must be able to understand and continue the work. Compare collaborative whiteboards by live editing, feedback, access and how the results are kept. The Boardmix online whiteboard brings notes and diagrams into one shared workspace.
The ten tools below suit different working patterns, including visual planning, training and task management. Start with your team’s handoff: what should a colleague be able to read, change or act on after the meeting?
Definition of Online Collaborative Whiteboard
An online collaborative whiteboard is a platform created to bring all team members together in a shared space. Usually, it consists of a white canvas, where every team member can use a set of symbols and other visual elements to illustrate their ideas. At the same time, other members can make changes and comment on the diagrams to find the right solution.
Depending on the online collaborative whiteboard you select, you will gain access to a set of different features. For example, some platforms will provide you with templates that you can use to quickly create schedules and diagrams. Other platforms have also incorporated tools with which you can host video calls and meetings. For this reason, it is important to carefully browse each online collaborative whiteboard’s features and services.
Choose for Both Live and Asynchronous Work
For a remote design review, for example, the team might discuss a draft together, leave unresolved questions beside it, and ask an absent colleague to comment later. A useful trial should cover all three activities, including whether that colleague has access without changing the board’s sharing settings.
- Decide what will be its main use: an online collaborative whiteboard is a very flexible tool. Namely, you can use it for brainstorming, feedback, scheduling, and planning. Furthermore, it can also be used in agile methodologies since it is ideal for creating scrum and Kanban boards.
- Determine whether you need real-time collaboration features: some online whiteboards offer a wide variety of features that are perfect for real-time collaboration. For instance, you can find tools that facilitate audio and video calls. These are perfect for remote teams.
- Find an intuitive platform: chances are that your team consists of members with various degrees of familiarization with technology. For this reason, it is important to find a tool with a smooth learning curve.
- Prioritize the security of your data: one of the most important things that you need to check in any online tool you are using is how secure it is. You need to find an online collaborative whiteboard that will not leave your sensitive data exposed to various online threats.
10 Tools for Remote Team Collaboration
Boardmix
Click Here to Start a Free Whiteboard
Boardmix combines a shared canvas, diagrams and notes for team discussions. A project team can keep a plan beside the questions and comments that explain it, so colleagues joining later have the same context.
The great thing about Boardmix is that it has placed collaboration as its core value. For this reason, all of its features are created to help teams communicate and work together. For example, you can use it to create a daily schedule and organize the tasks for each team member, create various diagrams, share files, and leave comments on any board.
Invite teammates to the board for real-time editing and discussion. If you need a voice or video call, arrange it in the meeting tool your team uses alongside the board.
Boardmix offers a Free plan and paid options with different board, object, storage, and AI allowances. Choose the plan around the working space and collaboration the team needs.
Web whiteboard
Another great option for teams with remote members is Web whiteboard. One of the main advantages of this platform is that it is super easy to use as it doesn’t require downloading, installing, or even registration. The only thing that you need to do is visit the website and start your whiteboard. When you are ready, you can share the URL with your team members so that they can also contribute.
Web whiteboard is a tool that you can use for free.
Miro
Another high-quality online collaborative whiteboard platform is Miro. This tool stands out because it is not just a plain canvas. It offers you the tools you need to create multiple diagrams and flow charts. Moreover, you can use it to create slideshows and presentations, and even participate in video conferences.
Miro’s Free plan includes unlimited members and 3 editable boards. Starter is $8 and Business is $20 per member per month with annual billing. The official plan comparison covers editable-board limits, guest access, and AI credits.
MURAL
One more great whiteboard tool to use online is Mural. The main advantage of this platform is that it has focused on providing high-quality real-time collaboration services. When using it, your team members can quickly view the changes made on any board. This way, the project is moving faster and the decision-making process becomes easier.
Mural’s Free plan supports unlimited members with 3 editable murals at a time. Team+ is $9.99 and Business is $17.99 per member per month with annual billing. Visitor editing, guest access, and workspace controls differ by plan.
Sketchboard
If you are looking for a reliable online collaborative whiteboard, then you have to consider Sketchboard. This virtual solution is perfect for teams with remote members that need a platform to exchange ideas and collaborate. One of its advantages is that it integrates with many third-party tools.
Sketchboard’s Free plan includes 3 editable boards and up to 5 users. Its paid Starter, Team, and Business plans include different numbers of editors; additional editor charges apply to team plans. Compare the included seats and billing options for your group.
Lucidspark
Another great tool of this type is Lucidspark. This online whiteboard provides you with the elements you need to create various boards that are perfect for your planning, scheduling, and brainstorming. Moreover, it allows real-time collaboration, a thing essential for remote and hybrid teams.
Lucidspark offers a Free tier alongside Individual, Team, and Enterprise plans. Board access and collaboration features differ across tiers; see the official plan comparison.
Explain Everything
Explain Everything is an online collaborative whiteboard that is most suitable for teachers and other educators. For instance, it might cover your needs when you train your new team members or when you want to host a seminar. The great thing about it is that you can create interactive sessions and record them to keep them in the cloud.
Explain Everything’s Free plan includes 3 projects with one slide per project and 500 MB of cloud storage. Paid Advanced access expands the creation and recording limits, while schools can request a quote. See the education plan details.
ClickUp
ClickUp is one of the most widely-known online whiteboards and with good reason. This platform offers competitive collaborative services that are perfect for remote teams. This tool stands out for the shared-task function, as well as its numerous reporting options. In addition to this, you can customize it to cover your team’s needs.
ClickUp’s Free Forever plan includes 60 MB of storage. Unlimited is $7 and Business is $12 per user per month when billed annually. The plan comparison lists the storage, whiteboard, and automation allowances.
NotebookCast
NotebookCast is a great online tool that you can start using immediately. It is web-based, meaning that you don’t need to install it. Moreover, you can create a whiteboard without registration. The tool gives you access to a white canvas, where you can invite your team members.
NotebookCast is available for free.
Canva
Canva is a well-known content creation app that has also implemented an online whiteboard feature. The platform is easy-to-use and is perfect for collaboration between team members. This app stands out for the great variety of templates that make your charting and diagramming faster than ever before.
Canva offers Free, Pro, Business, and Enterprise options. Pro is intended for an individual, while Business supports shared team workflows with per-person billing. Compare the current plans for brand tools, premium content, and AI usage.
Keep the Meeting Outcome Usable
Before choosing, run one ordinary team task in your shortlist: discuss an idea, leave a clear question and ask a colleague to respond later. Keep the decision and the next action beside the diagram so the board remains useful after the call.
