For this roundup, we found the best whiteboards according to the materials used in making them. Different materials suit different needs, such as melamine being good for affordable whiteboards that you occasionally use. As such, the perfect whiteboard for your needs will largely depend on the material used to make it. On top of the materials used, we chose only the products that possess the two most important characteristics of whiteboards: erasability and readability.
Whiteboard Buyer’s Guide
Whiteboards have many benefits. It’s easy to erase everything and start over if you want to reuse the board. It’s also an eco-friendly purchase because you’re not using paper. However, there are several things you need to look for when choosing a whiteboard.
Stain resistance
You’ve seen it before: a whiteboard that’s not really white. It’s been discolored over time because of what’s called ghosting. This happens when your markers leave a stain because they weren’t erased soon enough. Over time, these stains make your whiteboard difficult to use because you can’t read them anymore.
Porous whiteboard materials are the main culprit here, but many whiteboards can stain if they’re not well cared for. Look for solid materials that have stain-resistant coatings and make sure you keep up with good cleaning practices to avoid this problem.
Durability and longevity
A whiteboard is a worthwhile investment, so you want to make sure it will last. Read reviews and do some research on the life expectancy of the whiteboard. Material has a lot to do with durability, but you also want to make sure you treat them with care so they don’t break.
Paying more for a good quality whiteboard is worth it if you plan to use it heavily or for a long time.
Size
The size you need is dependant on a lot of factors, like what you’ll use it for and where you put it. If you have the space, like in a conference room or classroom, a large whiteboard is a great option.
However, if you’re using it at home, you may not want something quite as large. This is a personal decision, but an important one to make nonetheless.
Cleaning
A messy whiteboard makes it difficult to use, so make sure you choose something that’s easy to clean, and equip yourself with all of the necessary tools you need to keep it looking nice. Soft erasers are the best way to clean your whiteboard, but every now and then, you also need to use a specialty spray to get that new, spotless look.
Surface
Your whiteboard surface can greatly impact nearly everything else like durability, cost, ease of use, and cleaning. There are several types of whiteboard materials including glass, porcelain, and melamine.
Glass is heavy and expensive, but it’s very durable. They’re resistant to streaking, staining, and ghosting. Tempered glass usually isn’t framed because it’s strong enough to be used or mounted on its own. The downside to glass whiteboards is that the surface is very slick and can cause your markers to bleed, so it’s important to find markers that are designed for this purpose.
Porcelain whiteboards are almost always magnetic because they have steel backings, which makes them very versatile. They’re also much lighter than glass. However, they can still be expensive if they’re good quality. They require very little maintenance and are resistant to ghosting, so they’re a great long-term option.
Melamine is a type of plastic that works well with dry erase markers. These whiteboards are very light weight, easy to clean, and affordable. However, they do have a higher risk of ghosting so they need to be cleaned more frequently.
Design
The design of your whiteboard is one of the things that has the most impact on usability. Whether you choose a wall mounted, freestanding, or portable variety is based on your space and how you need to use it.
Many freestanding whiteboards have casters, making them easy to move, even if they’re large and heavy. Some are double sided and you can get horizontal or vertical orientations. If you choose this type, make sure the legs and frame are durable enough to withstand the weight and movement of use.
Wall-mounted whiteboards come in all sizes. Small sizes can be mounted easily with just velcro or double-sided tape while larger options may need to be secured with screws. Most come with the hardware you need to mount them, but make sure it’s strong enough to avoid injury.
Portable whiteboards are small and lightweight. They work well for spaces where you don’t have room for a wall-mounted option. More durable materials will ensure that they don’t break during transport, but can be heavier. Plastic options will be easier to carry, but may not last as long.
Accessories and extra features
You can find accessories and extra features in almost any design, size, and material. While accessories aren’t a necessity, sometimes it’s quick and easy to buy a whiteboard that already comes with everything you need. Some come with markers, erasers, magnets, and more.
You may also want to look for whiteboards that are magnetic so you can use them in several different ways. These are great for instruction in the classroom as well as brainstorming in a collaborative environment.
Some whiteboards come with templates that allow them to be used for a specific purpose. You can find whiteboards with calendars, lines, music staffs, and all sorts of other things. Visual design boards take this one step further by allowing the user to interact with them. You can sign documents, circle, highlight, underline, or edit directly on the board.
Without further delay, the best whiteboards on Amazon are:
- Best Melamine Whiteboards
- Best Porcelain Whiteboards
- Best Glass Whiteboards
- Best Printed Whiteboards
- Best Whiteboards That You Don’t Have to Mount on Walls
Find out why we chose these whiteboards for you. Sit back and learn more about the best whiteboards for your needs.
Best Melamine Whiteboards
Melamine whiteboards are budget-friendly. However, that low price does come with some trade-offs. For one, these whiteboards use cheaper materials and may not last as long as others made with other materials.
What’s more, melamine whiteboards need to be cleaned after you use them. If you don’t, you might find that the markers will leave marks on it when it’s left there for too long.
However, if you’re looking for a whiteboard that you’d rarely use, these are perfect for you.
Staples 1781981 Standard Melamine Whiteboard
The Staples 1781981 Standard Melamine Whiteboard comes with a black frame that’s made of aluminum. This measures 24 by 18 inches (61 by 46 centimeters).
This particular whiteboard is perfect if you’re not going to write on it so much: the occasional presentation or brainstorming session or perhaps to help illustrate things on a Zoom meeting.
The melamine surface makes this whiteboard easy to clean and smooth to the feel.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Big enough for light and personal use
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy use
Universal 43723 Dry Erase Board
The Universal 43723 Dry Erase Board measures (1.25 by 26.6 by 39 inches) (3.2 by 67.6 by 99 centimeters). It’s wall-mounted, and the aluminum is covered by melamine.
The frame is made with a mix of aluminum and plastic. As with other melamine whiteboards, this product is perfect for light use.
Pros
- It can be mounted on walls, either vertically or horizontally
- Sturdy and solid frame
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- You will need to drill holes into your wall to mount this whiteboard
- Some buyers complain about quality-control issues, such as bubbles on the writing surface and ghost marks from using dry erase markers.
AmazonBasics Dry Erase Whiteboard – Aluminum Frame
Perhaps the best thing about this best-selling whiteboard on Amazon is that it’s affordable. Amazon’s brand offers great value with 8 different whiteboard sizes. While these are non-magnetic, they feature smooth melamine surfaces that are lightweight and easy to use.
The aluminum frame increases durability and makes it look clean while offering a functional tray to store your markers and erasers. It also comes with a black marker and an eraser, so you don’t need to purchase extra accessories.
Every size is incredibly lightweight, making them easy to move or hang. They even come with all the hardware you need to mount them on the wall.
There may not be anything spectacular about this whiteboard, but it’s functional and affordable, making it the perfect option for those on a budget.
Pros
- Several sizes
- Affordable
- Comes with a marker and eraser
- Tray for accessory storage
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not magnetic
- Not as durable as other options
Best Porcelain Whiteboards
If you take a lot of time in front of a whiteboard writing down ideas or presenting with a whiteboard, you should go for a whiteboard with a porcelain surface.
Porcelain whiteboards have an enamel surface, the same material that you see on stoves. Porcelain whiteboards are more expensive, but they last longer than melamine whiteboards.
It’s perfect if you’re a heavy whiteboard user. What’s more, they don’t need to be cleaned often, are low maintenance, and resistant to stains.
Quartet Whiteboard CP8548
The Quartet Whiteboard CP8548 has a porcelain surface that makes this product very durable. It lasts long, and you can easily erase anything you write on this whiteboard.
It’s resistant to ghosting, stains, and scratches. You will also find it difficult to dent this whiteboard.
What’s more, it looks great with its thin aluminum frame. It also comes with a useful accessory tray where you can store your markers.
It’s also magnetic, so you can easily hang documents, photos, and other visual aids. It has a widescreen proportion at a 16:9 frame, which helps you fit in more information even when you’re only sharing your screen via a web camera.
Other sizes are available:
- 39 by 22 inches (99 by 56 centimeters)
- 50 by 28 inches (127 by 71 centimeters)
- 74 by 42 inches (188 by 107 centimeters)
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Excellent looking whiteboard
- Convenient accessory tray
- Magnetic surface
Cons
- It can be expensive for some people.
XBoard Porcelain Magnetic Dry Erase Board
The XBoard Porcelain Magnetic Dry Erase Board measures 48 by 36 inches (122 by 91 centimeters) and has a porcelain surface that ensures that you will use this for a long time. It does not stain, scratch, or ghost all that easily.
It’s also magnetic, so you can put photos and charts on this whiteboard. The frame is made of aluminum with plastic rounded edges.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Stain and scratch-resistant
- Completely erasable
- Affordable
Cons
- Some customers complain about the poor handling, which resulted in the frame being dented or bent.
Best Glass Whiteboards
Glass whiteboards might be the newest kid on the dry erase boards market, but they are certainly cool. You have probably seen boardrooms both on television and in real life where glass whiteboards are used.
But the cool factor isn’t the only reason why you should consider buying one. Tempered glass has a smooth surface for you to write on, with no ghosting whatsoever. That is because the surface is not porous.
What’s more, glass is stain and scratch-resistant, very durable.
Khnum Glass Whiteboard
The Khnum Glass Whiteboard measures 72 by 36 inches. This glass whiteboard has no frames and is mounted to your walls without any visible screws.
Made with tempered glass, this product is very durable and doesn’t allow for stain. It’s also magnetic. The frosted surface makes this whiteboard easy to read, even from afar or when used in a Zoom meeting.
It comes with six markers of different colors, six magnets, and an eraser. You don’t have to buy anything else.
The company also sells two other sizes:
- 36 by 48 inches (91 by 122 centimeters)
- 36 by 60 inches (91 by 152 centimeters)
Pros
- Elegant looking glass whiteboard
- Magnetic surface
- It can be mounted horizontally or vertically
- No visible hardware
- Comes with practically everything you need
Cons
- Needs glass whiteboard markers
- Needs rare earth magnets that are made with neodymium or samarium cobalt
- Some users found it difficult to install because of the inaccurate template
J&J Worldwide Glass Whiteboard
The J&J Worldwide Glass Whiteboard is another product that uses tempered glass that is four millimeters thick and is guaranteed to be resistant to scratches and ghosting. This frameless glass whiteboard has rounded corners, making it safe for homes that have little kids.
It comes with four dry erase markers, four magnets, a glass whiteboard eraser, and an aluminum marker tray. To make it easier to install, the manufacturer has included a template that you can put up on your wall so you’d know where to drill holes.
The surface is also magnetic, allowing you to hang papers, photos, and other documents on the whiteboard. It comes in two sizes:
- 35 by 47 inches (89 by 119 centimeters)
- 23 by 35 inches (58 by 89 centimeters)
Pros
- It can be mounted horizontally and vertically.
- Comes with all the things you need to mount and use the glass whiteboard
- Stain-resistant and very durable
Cons
- Needs strong magnets
- Some complaints about the included screws and template not being right for the product
U Brands Glass Dry Erase Board
The U Brands Glass Dry Erase Board allows you to have something different. This glass whiteboard is a misnomer as it isn’t white at all: it’s black.
Nevertheless, it looks great, with its premium tempered glass. The black background needs bright colored or white markers to work.
You can have this dry erase board for everyday use. Plus, because it is not bordered by frames, you can buy several of these products and install them side by side. You can even have an entire wall to write on.
This product comes in several sizes, including:
- 35 by 23 inches (89 by 58 centimeters)
- 25 by 35 inches (64 by 89 centimeters)
- 47 by 35 inches (119 by 89 centimeters)
- 70 by 35 inches (178 by 89 centimeters)
- 70 by 47 inches (178 by 119 centimeters)
- 96 by 47 inches (244 by 119 centimeters)
Pros
- Get something out of the ordinary with a black dry erase board
- Tempered glass is easy to clean, and the black backgrounds can have high contrasts for your writings
Cons
- Some users complain that it’s easy to leave streaks when cleaning the black glass.
- You might have a difficult time buying a marker for this board.
Best Printed Whiteboards
While they might not be the best whiteboards for your home office, printed whiteboards are a good idea for those who like a bit of color and design on their whiteboards. There are many ideas for printed whiteboards that you can choose, such as a calendar for your projects, a world map, or just about anything.
Of course, you can write on them, while they do double duty of livening things up in your office or home.
Navaris Magnetic Dry Erase Board
The Navaris Magnetic Dry Erase Board measures 24 by 36 inches. This dry erase board has several designs and is made with different kinds of materials.
You can choose from:
- Concrete: Gives you an unpainted cement look. It has an MDF frame and uses coated paper, metal, and bagasse for the whiteboard itself.
- Industrial: features a white brick wall with three modern laps. This design is plastered on engineered wood.
- Painted wood: This allows you to bring color to your walls and have something to write on. This design is made with engineered wood.
- Starry sky: Gives you an awesome nightscape that doubles as a whiteboard. You can also stick photos on this board that’s made with a mix of plastic, bagasse, metal, and coated paper.
- Wooden planks: It looks like a rustic tabletop and gives your walls a warm look.
- World map: Made with engineered wood, this design gives you a writeable map of the world. If you’re a history teacher or a travel agent, you can easily use this for your presentations.
These boards are magnetic, so you won’t have problems affixing photos and papers on them. They are easy to write and easier to clean.
Pros
- Eyecatching design that’s quite unique for whiteboards
- Doubles as a decorative piece
- Comes with a marker and five magnets
Cons
- Some designs might need a special marker to be readable
- It might not be perfect for every type of office work, but it’s great for messages
JILoffice Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard
The JILoffice Dry Erase Calendar Whiteboard will be a great help for those people who are always following up on everyone’s schedules. These whiteboards give you an erasable calendar that you can put up for your team to easily see.
If you’re managing a project or two and you would like to keep on top of the deliverables, there is no easier way to do that than put the schedules on this whiteboard.
This whiteboard measures 24 by 18 inches (61 by 46 centimeters) and has a black frame made with aluminum. The corners are nylon to make it safer.
Other designs coming from the same manufacturer include:
- Four-month calendar
- Combo calendar
- Grid
These designs are available in the following sizes:
- 36 by 24 inches (91 by 61 centimeters)
- 48 by 36 inches (122 by 91 centimeters)
Pros
- Comes with all the things you need to put up the whiteboard on your wall
- Easy way to keep track of everyone’s schedules
- Easily erasable
Cons
- Some users complain that the packaging wasn’t enough to protect the whiteboard from damage when in transit.
Quartet Magnetic Whiteboard
Quartet manufacturers several different sizes, designs, and colors. You can get clean whiteboards or those with calendars on them. Some of them are combination boards with sections of corkboard on them.
These can be hung vertically or horizontally and come with all of the mounting hardware you need. They also come with varying numbers of markers and magnets, depending on which board you choose.
Each Quartet whiteboard features a stylish wooden frame that comes in white, brown, or black. If you’re interested in something even more versatile, check out Quartet’s wide selection of glass whiteboards or desktop computer pads with dry-erase surfaces.
Pros
- Quality brand and products
- Many different sizes
- Stylish wooden frames
- Comes with accessories
- Combination boards with corkboards
- Magnetic
- Durable
Cons
- Some options are pricey
Best Whiteboards That You Don’t Have to Mount on Walls
Not every whiteboard needs to be mounted. For instance, when you’re in a rented apartment or dorm room, you’re not allowed to drill holes into walls. Or maybe your work-from-home arrangement isn’t really a permanent gig, so you don’t want to commit wall space for a whiteboard.
Regardless of the reason, you can choose any one of these products for your needs:
VIZ-PRO Light Melamine Tripod Whiteboard
The VIZ-PRO Light Melamine Tripod Whiteboard measures 24 by 36 inches (61 by 91 centimeters) and is fixed on an easel-type installation. The stand folds into the whiteboard, making it very easy to lug around. You can use this for your presentations or brainstorming sessions and then hide it away when not in use.
What’s more, the easel’s height is adjustable from 46 inches (117 centimeters) to 64 inches (163 centimeters). You can comfortably use this whiteboard while sitting or standing.
Pros
- Portable whiteboard
- Very affordable
- Easy to hide away and store
Cons
- The surface is not magnetic.
- Some complaints about how one of the legs doesn’t stand properly
GMAOPHY Dry Erase White Board
The GMAOPHY Dry Erase White Board is one that you can prop up on a table and get writing. The board itself measures 16 by 12 inches (41 by 30 centimeters), but you can use both sides.
Lightweight and compact, you can take this whiteboard anywhere.
The package comes with 10 markers, four magnets, and one magnetic eraser.
Pros
- No ghosting
- You can use both sides of the whiteboard, allowing you to work on two projects.
- Portable and easy to set up
Cons
- It’s small, so it’s good for small presentations or short lessons
- Some say that the magnets fall off the board for no apparent reason
TSJ Office Large Mobile Rolling Magnetic Whiteboard
If you’re always doing a presentation on a whiteboard but just don’t have space on your walls for the whole thing, then you can consider buying the TSJ Office Large Mobile Rolling Magnetic Whiteboard.
The board, which measures 48 by 32 inches (122 by 81 centimeters), comes with a stand with an adjustable height. It comes with a magnetic surface that you can write on, and erasing whatever is on there is a breeze. No ghost ink marks are left.
What’s more, it’s like having two whiteboards in one package. If you’re filled up one side, you can easily flip the board over and write more.
After using, you will appreciate how you can just roll this whole thing away, allowing you to clear up your home office space. The stand comes with four caster wheels that will enable you to move this whiteboard anywhere.
Continue reading our full guide on how to find the best rolling white boards.
Pros
- Great size for presentations
- Adjustable height for the stands
- You can flip this double-sided whiteboard over
- Easy to roll out of the way
Cons
- Assembly instructions are a headache to follow.
Magnetic Black Dry Erase Board for Fridge
It’s no surprise that this magnetic black dry erase board is one of Amazon’s best sellers. It’s sleek and black, flexible, and sticks to the refrigerator to keep the top of your task of mind and ever-present.
The writing surface features a 90-day stain-resistant coating, so even after leaving the marker on it for 90 days, it will still wipe clean with just a paper towel. It comes with 4 vibrant neon liquid chalk colors that are all magnetic, so you can keep them on the fridge, too.
The strong magnetic backing prevents sliding and will stick to any flat or curved surface without falling off. You’re not limited to the refrigerator if you want to use this black dry erase board in conjunction with a magnetic whiteboard or another magnetic surface.
It comes in 4 different sizes, so you can choose what works best for you, but not every size is black, so pay attention when ordering if you want the black option.
Pros
- Strong magnetic is perfect for the fridge
- Comes with 4 liquid chalk colors
- Comes in 4 different sizes
- Sleek, black appearance
- Stain resistant coating is easy to wipe clean
Cons
- Not every size is black
USA Creative Space double-sided whiteboard
If you’re looking for a freestanding whiteboard on wheels, this double-sided whiteboard is the perfect option. It’s portable and practical, with a double-sided board, a marker tray for storage, and plenty of accessories. You’ll get a set of markers and magnets, along with a magnetic ruler and a magnetic calendar.
The lockable casters are at the bottom of sturdy legs that make it easy to move but stable when you need to do some writing. It’s lightweight enough that anyone can move it, and it comes with all the hardware you need to put it together.
The surface is scratch-resistant and stain proof, so you won’t have to worry about ghosting, no matter how often you use it or how long you leave your markings on it.
Pros
- Lockable casters
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Sturdy legs
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Scratch-resistant and stain proof
- Double-sided
Cons
- Expensive
maxtek Easel Whiteboard
If you prefer a freestanding whiteboard that you can move around, this easel whiteboard offers a smooth surface with a sturdy tripod and adjustable heights. It also features steel clamps and two flip chart hooks so you can use it for other tasks.
This versatility means you can use this whiteboard for adults and children, sitting or standing, and for writing or displaying. The three-layered backing adds durability and it has an anti-scratch coating.
The steel pipe tripod is sturdy and durable while rubber feet prevent it from sliding on a bare floor. It comes with 3 markers, 6 magnets, a paper clip, and an eraser. The best thing about it is that it’s lifetime guarantee, so you won’t have to worry about it getting broken. If something does happen, they’ll replace it for free.
Pros
- Magnetic
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with accessories
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Adjustable height tripod
- Clamps and flip chart hooks
- Steel marker tray
Cons
- Expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions about whiteboards and we can’t get enough when it comes to answering them. Ask us about the things that confuse you about whiteboards in the comments section! For now, here are some of the questions we got from our readers:
Question: What are the characteristics that I should look for in the best whiteboards?
Answer: At its core, whiteboards should do two things:
• You should be able to read what’s written on them without having to squint.
• You should be able to erase what’s written on them.
• Readability and erasability are the only things that you should consider when choosing a whiteboard.
White surfaces are the best for readability. When writing with a black or dark-colored marker, the text just stands out.
However, black and dark-colored surfaces work too. That is if you have a light-colored marker that you can write with, as these are not always readily available to you.
When it comes to erasability, the material used for the whiteboard will affect this characteristic. The best ones are made with glass.
But if you’re kinda low on the budget, and an aluminum whiteboard that’s been coated with high-gloss paint.
Question: What material is the best for whiteboards?
Answer: This will sound contrived, but the best material for whiteboards is those that meet your needs. Most people will recommend glass whiteboards because they are easy to erase and looks rather good. However, it’s often the case that glass whiteboards are more expensive than products made with melamine and other materials. So if you only need your whiteboard occasionally, a melamine whiteboard will be an excellent choice. If you teach an online class or do presentations on a whiteboard almost daily basis, you should invest in a glass whiteboard that’s easy to erase, durable, and long-lasting. Porcelain whiteboards present a middle ground between these two. If you don’t want marker ink ghosting on your whiteboard but don’t want to spend a fortune on it either, porcelain can be a good material for you to work with.
Question: What are the best whiteboard markers out there?
Answer: The choice for the best whiteboard markers is just as diverse as whiteboards. If the markers included in your purchase are already empty, there are some products that we can recommend.
For somebody who is allergic to strong chemical smells, you might want to try a low-odor product, such as:
• EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, which come in a set of eight colors. You can now have different colors on your presentation or make it easier to assign tasks to a person just by using different colors.
• Amazon Basics Dry Erase White Board Markers, which comes in a set of 12 differently colored markers. If you’re always losing your markers, why not make sure that they can be stored somewhere where you’d most likely find them when you need them: on the whiteboard itself.
• The U Brands Low Odor Magnetic Double Ended Dry Erase Markers have a magnetic cap that allows you to put them on magnetic whiteboards.
What’s more, each marker has two colors and two built-in erasers. How’s that for convenience?
• There are also refillable markers that you can buy. Products like Pilot V Board Master Refillable Dry-Erase Markers make a lot of sense if you’re always using your whiteboards. This way, you don’t have to throw away empty plastic markers.
Question: How much is a good whiteboard?
Answer: The price of a whiteboard will depend on quality, size, and features. You can find versatile whiteboards for affordable prices on Amazon. If they’re small, they’re likely to be much more affordable, but even larger options can be affordable if they’re not made with high quality materials.
If you’re looking for a good quality whiteboard that will last, you could pay up to $500, but most will cost less than $100 unless you need an interactive whiteboard or something very large.
Question: Are porcelain whiteboards better?
Answer: Porcelain whiteboards are more expensive, but they’re much more durable and resistant to stains and scratches. It’s durable and easy to clean, but it’s also much heavier than melamine. It will require some help to mount and it’s not a great portable option.
Buy the Perfect Whiteboard for You!
The best whiteboard for you is not always the most expensive one. In fact, for those who occasionally use them, we recommend the cheapest whiteboards, such as melamine whiteboards. They serve the purpose without breaking the bank.
But for those who like writing down their ideas or do presentations on a whiteboard, it’s best to get glass whiteboards. There are porcelain whiteboards as well for those in the middle. And yes, even whiteboards that you don’t have to mount on your wall.
When you’re selecting the perfect whiteboard on Amazon, the best question to ask is how you will use it. It is now easier for you to know which products will fulfill those needs with this guide.