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Buying an interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many options on the market in 2022, and the price point varies widely depending on the kind of technology you opt for.
It could be that a basic black and white smartboard will suit your needs. There’s also full-color IWB’s. Do you need smartphone connectivity? Are you interested in the benefits of having a fully-fledged 4k UHD interactive smartboard?
To help you in your search we have pulled together 5 top model boards, covering a range of budgets and specifications. A summary of our findings is laid out in the table below. For an ultimate IWB buyer’s guide plus in-depth reviews of each of the selected boards, keep on reading.
Best Interactive Whiteboard – Top 5BEST COLOR INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD
BEST B&W INTERACTIVEWHITEBOARD
BEST SMARTBOARD
BEST PROJECTION
SYSTEM
Plus C-20W CaptureBoard
Plus M-17S
Copyboard
OneScreen Hubware H4 SmartBoard
EBeam Edge Plus Wireless Bundle
Quartet SK5234 Kapp Interactive Whiteboard
W/ Network,
71" W X 36" H
Scan Time: 21 sec.
Output: PDF, PNG, JPEG
Scan Res: 50 dpi
50.4" W x 35.4" H
Scan Time: 15 sec.
Output Format: PDF
Scan Res: 50 dpi
TFT LED touchscreen
4K Resolution
10 point multi-touch
Whiteboard &
video conferencing
PC & Android Units
InBuilt Projector
Ultrasound &
infrared Tracking
Work Area: 16' W x 5' H
Mac, PC, Android
Work Area: 22.25" W
x 36.125" H
Smart phone App
Bluetooth.
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Interactive Whiteboard ReviewsQuality, build design, level of features and warranty support are all important factors that have enabled us to rank the available interactive boards for review.
Based on these rating criteria (and a whole lot more), we have selected what we believe to be 5 of the best interactive whiteboards on the market today.
1. Best Color Interactive Whiteboard:
Plus C-20W Electronic CaptureBoardThe Plus C-20W is a portable integrated IWB unit that comes with 2 writing surfaces, an integrated application layer, and network support that allows for internet connection, as well as data storage and retrieval from remote FTP (file transfer protocol) servers.
It uses the pen mode, and its writing surfaces allow for horizontal scrolling, which increases the effective writing area beyond the physical area bound by the IWB frame.
The board is designed to operate as either a copy-board or a capture-board depending on current needs. As a copy-board, it allows data/information written on its surface to be stored, transmitted to a remote server, or printed via an optional printer (which must be acquired separately).
Relatedly, the standard IWB capabilities of its writeable screen surface make it an effective capture-board that can be used with a frontal projection system to write over projected images.
This high-performance, feature-rich, and high-quality IWB is designed and made by the Plus Corporation of America, and its model number is C-20W.
This IWB model can be installed in two ways; wall mounting (or partition mounting) using magnets attached to the IWB, or mobile floor mounting to a self-standing mount with T-shaped legs.
The product is shipped in a semi-assembled state with the following parts:
A pair of vertical frame covers must be fitted on the IWB frame, while a sheet covers the panel that serves as the projection field (with the sheet allowing one to write and draw diagrams that overlay the projected image).
The IWB control panel is located at the lower section of the left vertical frame cover. It has press buttons that allow one to save work in a USB or PC; or print it in color or black-and-white.
On the downside, this board lacks mouse functions across the projection field. The entire ready-to-use unit weighs about 55pounds, while the IWB is 78inches long, 39.4inches high, and 3.5inches thick.
The mobile mount weighs 27.5pounds and is sometimes omitted from the package. The color scheme of this IWB unit is silver-gray-white.
This is an electronic IWB that runs on a SoC that is compatible with the following PC operating systems;
Its application layer allows for internet connectivity through the following web browsers: Internet Explorer 8.0 and later editions, and Safari 5 and later editions.
The IWB is a standalone computer that can be password-protected to ensure unauthorized users cannot use it as a copy-board or capture-board, but can still use it as a traditional whiteboard.
It also makes it compatible with color laser and inkjet printers with (printer) connection provided by Type A USB port. If the data cannot be printed immediately, then it can be saved in the internal memory (local drive) whose storage capacity is 32GB.
The other alternative is to connect an RJ-45 network cable to the ethernet port which allows the IWB data to be stored or shared across a networked system, including a system that incorporates FTP servers.
Its application layer allows for task organization and communication-wide organization, besides allowing data to be saved and retrieved from USB drives.
Relatedly, when connected to the PC, it is recognized by the PC OS as an external memory device from which stored data can be downloaded from, or PC data can be uploaded into the IWB.
The effective writing surface is 70.1inches long and 35.4inches high. This is also the size of the scannable area (also described as scanning surface area).
The endless horizontal scroll greatly maximizes the writing area on each panel, while capture-board functionality is supported by saving options that allow projected images, written notes, and drawn charts and diagrams to be saved in PDF formats for documents or JPG or PNG image formats.
The scanning time (duration for capturing the entire projection field) is 21 seconds for both color and black-and-white formats with the scan resolution capped at 50dpi. Even so, print resolution is capped at 300dpi.
The writing surface RGB LED as the light source for native illumination. Paging is achieved using horizontal scrolling, with its drive method being sheet movement; while a contact-image sensor provides reading capabilities.
Two writing surfaces mean that this IWB has 2 pages. The internal memory can save up-to 100pages, though this number varies depending on the data types.
Smartphone integration is provided by an application called meeting pocket app (MTG App) which can be installed in both Android and Apple smart devices. This app provides a scan function that allows the projected image to be saved in the phone, tablet, or phablet.
Moreover, the app allows for video and audio recording, with the recorded files bundled in the same folder as the saved projected image. This allows for file organization. Even so, this app can connect to the IWB via a wireless access point (WAP).
This is an energy-efficient IWB model that requires AC power input of 100-240 Volts (V) at 50-60Hertz (Hz) with current flow capped at 0.75amperes (A).
It uses 3 watts (W) when in standby mode, and this increases to 12W during operation without a printer. Its power output is 12V direct current (DC) at 3.0A. This IWB model benefits from a 12-month warranty.
Pros of the Plus C-20W CaptureBoard Interactive Whiteboard Review
The Cons
Plus C-20W is a portable integrated IWB unit that comes with 2 writing surfaces, integrated application layer, and network support that allows for internet connection, as well as data storage and retrieval from remote FTP servers.
It uses the pen mode, and its writing surfaces allow for horizontal scrolling. It supports wall-mounting and mounting on wheeled mobile stands, and can be used as a capture-board or copy-board.
It also allows for a quick scan with the scanned file being saved in multiple output formats: PDF, JPG and PNG. It also has an internal storage capacity of 32GB and is supported by a 12-month warranty. These aforementioned features along with its high quality and good build design make this IWB model the best color smart board in this review.
2. Best Black & White
: Plus M-17S CopyboardThis is a portable integrated IWB unit that operates as a copy-board with 2 writing surface and an integrated application layer.
Its construction and operational designs are quite similar to the Plus C-20W, though devoid of capture-board capabilities, as well as lacks network supports which eliminates remote data transfer potential. Even so, it uses the pen mode, and its writing surfaces allow for horizontal scrolling.
It only allows for data/information to be written on it, and thereafter erased, stored, or printed via an optional printer (which as expected must be acquired separately).
Lack of capture-board hardware and functionalities also makes the Plus M-17S much cheaper and lighter (less heavy) than the C-20W, which is also designed and made by the Plus Corporation of America. The model and part numbers of this copy-board are M-17S and 423-084 respectively.
Just like the C-20W, this copy-board can be installed in two ways; wall mounting (or partition mounting) using magnets attached to the IWB, or mobile floor mounting to a self-standing mount with T-shaped legs.
The copy-board is shipped in a semi-assembled state with the following parts:
A pair of vertical frame covers must be fitted on the IWB frame, while a sheet covers the panel that serves as the projection field.
The ready-to-use copy-board weighs about 33pounds, while the IWB is 58.3inches long, 39.4inches high, and 3.5inches thick. The mobile mount weighs 23pounds and is sometimes omitted from the package. The color scheme of this IWB unit is silver-gray-white.
In this copy-board, horizontal scrolling of the writing surface allows for two writing surfaces to be combined side-by-side into a single writable surface.
Its control panel is located at the lower section of the left vertical frame cover. It has press buttons that allow one to save work in a USB or PC; or print it in black-and-white.
Just like the C-20W, this copy-board has the same downside, lack of mouse functions, including click-and-drag emulation, across the projection field.
Functional-wise, this copy-board differs from the capture-board in one major way – the copy-board can only print black-and-white images while the Plus C-20W has the additional benefit of printing color images.
The panel size is 51.2inches long and 35.8inches high, while the effective writing surface is 50.4inches long and 35.4inches high. This also defines the scanning surface area.
Its copy-board functionalities are supported by saving options that allow for written notes and draw charts and diagrams to be saved in PDF formats for documents or JPG or PNG image formats.
The scanning time is 15 seconds with the scan resolution capped at 50dpi. Even so, print resolution is capped at 300dpi. Scanning is quicker in this copy-board as compared to the C-20W capture-board because the copy-board has a smaller scanning area.
The writing surface and reading area of this copy-board uses RGB LED for native illumination. Paging is achieved using horizontal scrolling, with its drive method being sheet movement; while a contact-image sensor provides reading capabilities.
Two writing surfaces mean that this IWB has 2 pages. The internal memory can save up-to 100pages, though this number varies depending on the data types.
Unlike the C-20W model, the M-17S model lacks a stable smartphone integration.
Even so, this copy-board is an electronic IWB that runs on a SoC that is compatible with the following operating systems:
Its application layer allows for internet connectivity through the following web browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 and later editions, and Safari 4 and later editions.
The printer connection is provided by Type A USB port. Furthermore, even if a color printer is connected, the printed document would still be black-and-white.
On the upside, batch printing is supported with 10 documents being printed simultaneously. Nonetheless, if the data cannot be printed immediately, then it can be saved in the internal memory (local drive) whose storage capacity is 32GB.
Its application layer allows for task organization and communication-wide organization, besides allowing data to be saved and retrieved from USB drives. Relatedly, when connected to the PC, it is recognized by the PC OS as an external memory device from where data can be retrieved or stored.
This copy-board is an energy-efficient IWB that requires AC power input of 100-240 V/50-60Hz with current flow capped at 0.75A. It uses 3W when in standby mode, and this increases to 12W during operation without a printer. Its power output is 12V DC at 3.0A. It also benefits from a 12-month warranty.
Pros of the Plus M-17S Copyboard
The Cons
The Plus M-17S is a portable integrated IWB unit that operates as a copy-board with 2 writing surface and an integrated application layer. It uses the pen mode, and its paging allows for horizontal scrolling.
It supports wall-mounting and mounting on wheeled mobile stands. It also allows for a quick scan with the scanned file being saved in multiple output formats: PDF, JPG and PNG.
Even so, it only supports black-and-white printing, with an allowance for batch printing. It also has an internal storage capacity of 32GB and is supported by a 12-month warranty.
These aforementioned features along with its superior construction quality and good build design make this copy-board the best black and white interactive whiteboard in this review.
3. Best Interactive Touchscreen Display:
OneScreen Hubware H4This is a 75-inch complete standalone IWB whose all-in-one touch PC provides a highly cohesive software-to-hardware interface that allows for teleconferencing, including video-conferencing, to be combined with whiteboarding.
Furthermore, the 10-point multi-touch capability of the TFT LED touchscreen allows the user to switch interchangeably from the finger-mode (touch-mode) to the pen-mode.
The touchscreen is overlaid on a 4K infrared display. Its hardware supports a harmonized communication system that features collaboration tools and corresponding support services, including cloud support through OneScreen Connect Cloud and Swap Cloud, and related Annotate services.
Real-time support services are also provided via Skills Guru, which attests to the high standards of technical supports that customers benefit from.
This infrared, interactive, all-in-one PC-based collaboration hub is designed and made by the American company, Clary Icon as part of its OneScreen Solutions brand of collaborative tools.
The Hubware H4 uses an integrated PC module that a processing unit that is compatible with Windows 10 and Android OS.
The PC hardware specifications are as follows:
This model is shipped in a package that weighs about 282pounds and is 77inches long, 54inches wide, and 12inches thick.
It contains the following items:
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The full set-up IWB weighs about 165pounds. The color scheme for the IWB frame is black.
This model uses infrared touch sensing technology that allows for three input methods; finger, stylus, and pen. Its speakerphone features two expansion mics with a 20-feet diameter range.
This Bluetooth-enabled speakerphone uses AEC audio encoding and has a sensitivity of -28dB. Additionally, the keyboard comes with touchpad functionality, and the wireless range of both the mouse and keyboard is 33feet.
This model is flush-mounted on the wall. Its PC inputs and outputs are 5 USB ports, a VGA port, an HDMI port, an RJ45 ethernet port, and ear and mic ports.
The VGA and HDMI ports allow for additional monitor displays to be connected to the IWB. There are also 2 touch USB ports, 3 HDMI ports, an RS232, YPBPR, AV, and Audio input ports, as well as a VGA and an RJ45 ethernet port. The main audio output ports are a mini-AV port, an audio CVBS output terminal, coaxial audio, and an earphone port.
The 75-inch touchscreen interactive display has a resolution of 3840 X 2160, with a dynamic contrast of 4000:1 and maximum screen brightness set at 350 candela-per-square-meter (CDM-2).
Its color depth is 10-bit and the number of colors is 1.07billion. This display benefits from a crystal-clear anti-glare tempered glass overlay.
The touch response is about 8 milliseconds (ms) which gives the users instantaneous interactivity. Furthermore, an aspect ratio of 16:9 for wide-screen views. The external dimensions of the monitor display are 69inches by 42inches.
This model comes with a feature-rich application layer whose groupware supports the hubware attributes of the IWB. This includes support for ad-hoc conferencing, video conferencing, and whiteboarding.
The OneScreen Connect Cloud Service serves to secure data transfer during video conferencing, while OneScreen Swap Cloud Service saves shared data and images.
Relatedly, OneScreen Annotate Software supports brainstorming sessions. This allows for up to 8 ad hoc participants and 99 users to be hosted simultaneously on an internet-enabled collaborative environment.
Even so, OneScreen Connect Cloud Service and OneScreen Swap Cloud Service come with a 12-month subscription, after which one has to renew the subscription.
This infrared IWB is designed to be used with standard 110-240V AC power. It is also backed by a 12-month warranty.
Pros of the OneScreen Hubware H4
The Cons
OneScreen Hubware H4 is a 75-inch complete standalone IWB whose all-in-one touch PC module provides a harmonized software-to-hardware interface that allows for teleconferencing to be combined with whiteboarding;
while the 10-point multi-touch capability of the TFT LED touchscreen allows the user to switch interchangeably from the finger-mode (touch-mode) to the pen-mode.
The touchscreen is overlaid on a 4K infrared display. The hardware supports a harmonized communication system that features collaboration tools and corresponding support services, including cloud support through OneScreen
Connect Cloud and Swap Cloud and related Annotate services. Real-time support services are also provided via Skills Guru. This infrared, interactive, all-in-one PC-based collaboration hub is the best interactive touchscreen display in this review.
4. Best interactive Whiteboard system:
EBeam Edge PlusThis is a special type of portable connectable IWB that can wirelessly connect to a PC and does not need an overhead projector. This model is specially designed to transform flat surfaces into plug-n-play interactive displays. It uses ultrasound and infrared tracking technology that gives it positional accuracy of +/-1 mm.
Unlike standard IWBs that come with a display panel, the Ebeam Edge Plus uses a multi-charge cradle to project an interactive display onto a flat surface, including that of a traditional whiteboard.
This cradle is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for 8 hours once fully charged, with the charging time estimated to be 3 hours.
This cradle integrates a receiver and interactive stylus into a hand-held, remote-control-sized device that can be magnetically attached to a surface, especially on traditional enameled whiteboards.
This model is designed, manufactured, and warranted by eBeam as part of its eBeam Edge+ Complete line of IWB products.
This model is packaged as a marker pack that contains the multi-charge cradle, a rechargeable three-button stylus, and an Edge+ wireless dongle.
The stylus is powered by a lithium-ion battery whose charge time is 3hours and can continuously power the device for 15hours. The use of batteries allows for IWB use in areas where there is no AC power. The firmware that runs the entire unit is loaded into the multi-charge cradle. The stylus weighs about 0.8oz.
It is shipped as a single package that weighs 0.21pounds.
It contains the following:
Additionally, one is required to download the eBeam software.
As expected, the cradle can only work when the wireless dongle is connected to a PC, and this requires a device driver to be installed on the PC. This driver has minimal system requirements that determine the PC hardware and OS that is compatible with this model.
The compatible OSs are:
For PC hardware, the minimum system requirements are:
Relatedly, the PC can be connected to the IWB via a USB cable. PC connection allows for documents and data to be saved in popular file formats, including PDF, PPT, and image formats.
The multifunctional stylus provides mouse emulation and supports cursive writing. The active work area created by this IWB is 16feet long and 5feet high, which is considerably large for an interactive projection field.
The installation options allow for easy and flexible IWB installation, especially on metallic board frames, with the mounting plates allowing for installation on non-metallic/non-magnetic surfaces.
Additionally, the tracking technology used minimizes lag between stylus and receiver. Still, its most unique feature is the ability to create size-scalable interactive surfaces.
This IWB benefits from a 2-year warranty.
Pros of the EBeam Edge Plus
The Cons
EBeam Edge Plus is a special type of portable connectable IWB that can wirelessly connect to a PC and does not need an overhead projector. It lacks a display panel and is specially designed to transform flat surfaces into plug-n-play interactive displays.
It uses ultrasound and infrared tracking technology that gives it positional accuracy of +/-1 mm. The maximum interactive surface area that can be achieved is 16 feet by 5 feet. Additionally, this battery-powered unit has long-lasting batteries with short charging times.
These aforementioned features along with a quality build design make this model the best interactive whiteboard system in this review.
5. Quartet SK5234 Kapp Interactive WhiteboardThis is a portable, integrated 42-inch digital IWB that operates as a capture-board that supports real-time collaboration through the sharing of information.
It uses an all-in-one touch PC that is designed as a large 42-inch graphics tablet so as to provide a unified software-to-hardware interface that allows for teleconferencing to be combined with whiteboarding. Design-wise, it is the digital-analog of the flipchart.
It has a single writing surface, an integrated application layer, and network support that allows for internet connection. It supports wireless and Bluetooth connections.
This is achieved through the Bluetooth 4.0 Dual-Mode wireless technology that is backward compatible with the earlier Bluetooth 2.1. More importantly, its capture-board functionality is powered by a proprietary technology – the Digital Vision Touch (DViT) technology – which allows for written notes and drawn images to be captured in real-time.
It uses the pen mode as the primary data input method. Its smartphone integration is provided by the SMART Kapp app – a free app that is bundled in the application layer of the IWB. This high-performance, feature-rich, and high-quality IWB are designed and made in Mexico by Quartet, and its model number is SK5234.
This digital capture-board must be mounted to the wall, as mobile mounting options are limited. As a non-magnetic markerboard, it uses mounting hardware dubbed French cleat, which can be used together with the standard VESA mount. Its writing panel is made of glass.
The product is shipped in an assembled state in a package that contains the following items: capture-board, 4 bullet-tip dry-erase markers, power supply adapters, round eraser, and mounting hardware kit.
The thin-profile capture-board is 23inches by 44inches, and its white frame features a white plastic finish. It should be oriented vertically so as to mimic an ordinary size A4 paper. The ready to use unit weighs about 35pounds.
The use of a digital markerboard eliminates the need for IT integration, and the user just needs to download the required apps and start using the board. Its collaboration allows for up to 35 people to participate in a collaborative session, with the premium app increasing this number to 250 participants.
This IWB comes with an inbuilt camera that can take snapshots of the written notes, while the USB 2.0 port allows for these snapshots to be stored in removable storage drives. Furthermore, the snapshots can be saved into JPEG formats or as PDF files that can be shared via Google Drive, Evernote, and Dropbox.
This IWB is compatible with both Apple and Android phones which use iOS 8.1 and Android 4.4.4 and later versions respectively. It also supports four popular web browsers; Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.
This is an energy efficient IWB model that requires AC power input of 100-240V/50-60Hz. This IWB model benefits from a 12-month warranty.
Pros of the Quartet SK5234 Kapp
The Cons
Quartet SK5234 Kapp is a portable, integrated 42-inch digital IWB that operates as a capture-board that supports real-time collaboration through the sharing of information.
It uses an all-in-one touch PC that is designed as a large 42-inch graphics tablet so as to provide a unified software-to-hardware interface that allows for teleconferencing to be combined with whiteboarding.
It has a single writing surface, an integrated application layer, and network support that allows for internet connection. It supports wireless and Bluetooth connections. Moreover, its capture-board functionality is powered by the DViT technology which allows for real-time capture of written notes.
Additionally, its smartphone integration is provided by SMART Kapp app. These aforementioned features and superb build design make this model the best whiteboard for mobile connection in this review.
Interactive (Smart) Whiteboard Buyer’s GuideThe following factors must be considered when preparing to purchase an IWB, or when choosing the best interactive whiteboard that suits your needs.
Intended Use (Business or Classroom)The place where the IWB is going to be used matters a lot. Schools can benefit from peer-reviewed guidelines on choosing the right IWB based on current and projected classroom uses. As expected, classroom use differs from office use, and therefore you need to choose an IWB that has been purposed for use and installation in your desired area of use.
CostThe cost of the desired IWB must be within the range of your budget. Even so, the cost-benefit analysis can optimize your choice of IWB as you can get the best IWB within a given price range.
Projection System and DisplayIn the classroom, the teacher remains the center of attention regardless of the level of collaboration or interactivity demanded by the situation, and thus an IWB whose projection system allows for this should be chosen. Moreover, the use of front-of-classroom display allows for easier access to content by the students. The same also applies to office training sessions.
Support for Multi-student ParticipationThis is related to IWB use, with focus placed in-classroom use, though it also applies to office use. Multi-user capability means that more than one student, user, or presenter can input data to the IWB at the same time. This allows for efficient collaboration and interaction between the users.
SizeThe IWB must be used in a room with limited space, and thus you must choose a model whose size fits well into the area where it is going to be fitted, or installed. Small-sized models are sometimes designed to be portable with a mobile stand allowing for their installation in any room.
Portable or Fixed ModelYou should determine where the IWB is going to be fitted. If it is going to be fitted in the wall and not be moved, then it is prudent to choose a fixed IWB model. Conversely, if the IWB is to be moved from place to place, then it is prudent to choose a portable model.
Pen-based or Touch-based IWBThere is a need for you to choose a data input method that you are most comfortable with, either through touch or by writing using a pen. If you are comfortable with both data input methods, then it advisable to acquire an IWB that supports both pen-based and touch-based operations.
DurabilityIWBs with durable construction last longer than IWBs that are made from non-durable materials. Durable IWBs are also less prone to catastrophic failure during use as compared to low-quality models.
IWB TechnologyThis determines the touch accuracy, power efficiency and degree of user convenience of an IWB model. It is recommended that you choose an IWB technology that you are familiar with, or whose learning curve is shallow in relation to your current training.
Accessories and Multi-device ConnectivityYou should check the accessories that come with each IWB model. Mostly, you should check for printer support, tablet support, and options for incorporating a wireless unit and PRS to the IWB. Also, you should check the saving options, as well as ensure that the saved files can be stored in removable media, especially a memory card, USB stick, or an external hard disk.
Software BundleThe application layer that comes with an IWB model determines its range of functionalities, and capacity for customization to meet your needs. You should, therefore, scrutinize the range of software that comes bundled by default with the IWB as this would allow for cost-benefit analysis between choosing a pricier software-rich model, or a cheaper model with a thin application layer that would compel you to purchase software separately.
Training and Technical SupportIWBs that come with training as part of consumer education allows for better utilization of the available tools and maximization of productivity.
Training can be provided as a series of lectures by company representatives, or be published in informational booklets such as user guides and manuals. Informational audiovisuals such as webinars and video-on-demand tutorials can also be used.
This training should equip you with the practical skills of installing, assembling, operating and integrating hardware, as well as basic troubleshooting.
IWBs do suffer from technical faults that can interrupt learning. In such instance, technical support, in form of technical expertise provided by the manufacturer (or its representative), as well as technical advice on best practices for optimal IWB utilization should help you get the IWB working again. Besides, you gain knowledge on how best to get the most out of your IWB.