Alternatives · Whiteboards
OpenBoard alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded OpenBoard alternative is Microsoft Whiteboard (3.4 GPA). It's also the best free one.
OpenBoard compared with 5 alternatives: SMART Notebook, Explain Everything, Microsoft Whiteboard, Ziteboard and Limnu.
OpenBoard is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenBoardThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| SMART Notebook | Free | Free | macOS, Windows |
| Explain Everything | Free plan · from $7.49/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Microsoft Whiteboard | Free | Free | Web, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Ziteboard | Free plan · from $9/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Limnu | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | Web, iOS |
Price against what you get
OpenBoard has no paid plan and scores 2.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
Microsoft Whiteboard scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from OpenBoard
SMART Notebook
Lesson-building software for SMART Board classroom displays
- SMART Notebook is free.
- SMART Notebook lists no Linux app, which OpenBoard has.
- SMART Notebook also covers presentations.
Suits: Schools that already own SMART Board displays
Explain Everything
Teaching whiteboard with slides, video recording and collaboration
- Explain Everything starts at $7.49 per month, billed yearly ($9.99 billed monthly).
- Explain Everything also lists a web app and iOS and Android apps.
- Explain Everything lists no Windows, macOS and Linux apps, which OpenBoard has.
- Explain Everything also covers screen recording and presentations.
Suits: Teachers who build and record lessons on an iPad or in a browser
Microsoft Whiteboard
Free collaborative canvas built into Microsoft 365 and Teams
- Microsoft Whiteboard is free.
- Microsoft Whiteboard also lists a web app and iOS and Android apps.
- Microsoft Whiteboard lists no macOS and Linux apps, which OpenBoard has.
- Microsoft Whiteboard also covers templates.
Suits: Teams meetings where participants sketch on one shared board
Ziteboard
Lightweight online whiteboard for tutoring and live teamwork
- Ziteboard starts at $9 per month, billed monthly ($85 billed yearly).
- Ziteboard also lists a web app, iOS and Android apps and a browser extension.
- Ziteboard lists no Windows, macOS and Linux apps, which OpenBoard has.
Suits: Private tutors and teachers running live lessons
Limnu
Freehand online whiteboard for quick sketching with others
- Limnu starts at $5 per month, billed monthly ($50 billed yearly).
- Limnu also lists a web app and an iOS app.
- Limnu lists no Windows, macOS and Linux apps, which OpenBoard has.
Suits: Quick sketching during video calls
Limits worth knowing in OpenBoard
- Desktop only: the site lists Windows, macOS and Linux and no web, iOS or Android version.
- Built around classroom teaching; there is no real-time online collaboration listed on the site.
- Community-maintained with no paid support plan listed.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to OpenBoard?
The alternatives to OpenBoard in this directory are SMART Notebook, Explain Everything, Microsoft Whiteboard, Ziteboard and Limnu. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with OpenBoard.
Is there a free alternative to OpenBoard?
Yes. SMART Notebook and Microsoft Whiteboard are free to use. Explain Everything, Ziteboard and Limnu have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which OpenBoard alternatives work on Android?
The OpenBoard listing does not include an Android app. Explain Everything, Microsoft Whiteboard and Ziteboard list one.
Which OpenBoard alternatives work on iOS?
The OpenBoard listing does not include an iOS app. Explain Everything, Microsoft Whiteboard, Ziteboard and Limnu list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.