A classroom whiteboard is a must-have when you’re teaching. This is a place where you can share notes, reminders, diagrams, and other helpful information. The right one for you will vary depending on your teaching style, the number of students you have, and the size of your classroom.
When it comes to teaching whiteboards, not every model will work for every teacher. We’ve put together a list of our favorite whiteboards for classrooms, along with some tips on picking the best option for you.
Our top pick overall is the Viz-Pro Magnetic Dry Erase Board. At 3 by 2 feet in length, the board is large enough to hold many notes, but small enough for easy mobility. You can pin reminders to the surface using magnets, and the markers easily wipe away when you’re done with a lesson.
The Best Classroom Whiteboards for Teachers
Viz-Pro Magnetic Dry Erase Board (36 x 24 in)
This larger model has a 1 inch finished aluminum frame that is connected with ABS corner brackets with holes for screw mounting the board. There are also fixing kits included to help in mounting.
The actual writing area is 34 inches by 22 inches, but it is a lacquered steel board with a smooth writing surface due to the coating. The entire white area is magnetic and can be used with any type of magnetic accessories.
What we liked
- Nice looking strong frame
- Complete magnetic surface
- Easy to hang either vertical or horizontal
What we did not like
- Only accessory was the pen tray
- Pen tray is pretty small and cheap plastic
Office Pro Ultra-Slim Magnetic Dry Erase Board (24 x 36 in)
This 24 by 36 inch classroom whiteboard is fully magnetic and the writing area goes almost right to the edges of the board. The thin aluminum frame means it hangs nice and snug against the wall without protruding into the space of anyone walking by.
Also included in the package is a light aluminum pen tray that is perfect if you are using pens that are not magnetic. There are also 2 hanging brackets included. Office Pro offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.
What we liked
- Lifetime guarantee
- Slim and super lightweight
- Pen, eraser and magnet accessories
What we did not like
- Can only be hung horizontally
- Cheap hanging tabs
Vis-Pro Double-Sided Magnetic Mobile Whiteboard (48 x 36 in)
Vis-Pro makes a few rolling whiteboards in various sizes, but all with some great features – let’s look at the larger 48x36in model.
Like the previous Vis-Pro whiteboard, this one comes with a solid aluminum frame that is connected with ABS attachments. The board is magnetic on both sides and the rotary handles on each side lock into place when you are not turning them to keep the board stable.
Four casters are attached to the floor frame. Two of the castors are lockable so when you find the perfect position you just need to lock the castors in place.
What we liked
- Nice strong frame
- Mobility is easy
- 360-degree rotation is easy and smooth
- Pen tray is included for the base
What we did not like
- Height of the mobile base cannot be changed
- Castors are of lower quality and can be easily broken with misuse
Board Geeks Premium Dry Erase Lapboards (9 x 12 in)
These lapboards come in a package of three or twelve and are single sided. They are just slightly larger than a standard letter size sheet of paper.
It’s also sturdy enough to be used right in your lap. Any standard dry erase markers and erasers can be used here, but sadly none are included with the set. They are also not magnetic, so no need for special magnet caps to keep writing tools on the board.
What we liked
- Perfect for children or students
- Safe with no sharp edges
- Environmentally friendly and can help save paper
What we did not like
- Lack of magnetism and accessories
Mead Dry Erase Board (24 x 18 in)
Mead uses a melamine surface for their classroom whiteboard which means these are not magnetic and can only be used for writing. It is constructed with a thin aluminum frame and can attach to the wall by opening the corner attachments and screwing directly to the surface.
The package will also include a single dry erase marker and an adjustable pen tray that attaches easily to the bottom of the whiteboard.
What we like
- Nice aluminum frame is simple but attractive
- Very easy to mount onto a wall
What we do not like
- Whiteboard material is not as smooth as some others
- Can be damaged easily
Maxtek Mobile Dry Erase Board (40 x 28 in)
This is a magnetic teaching whiteboard that comes on a five-wheeled mobile base. The board is attached to the base at a slight angle, making it easier to write on. The base can also have its height adjusted up to 78.5 inches tall.
Five fully independent rotating castors are attached to the base. It also comes with a marker tray that can be attached to the bottom of the whiteboard if desired.
What we like
- Great mobility
- Angled for easy writing
- Good accessories
What we did not like
- Pricey
Magjoy Large Dry Erase Whiteboard
To use this, simply unroll the EVA foam whiteboard and with the included sticky tape and attach it right to your wall. You can even turn a curved surface into a classroom whiteboard as long as it is a flat even curve.
Along with the whiteboard and the double-sided adhesive, this set comes with decorative tape. You could even get a few of these and install them right next to each other to create a massic whiteboard wall.
What we like
- Can turn any wall or large flat surface into a teaching whiteboard
What we did not like
- Not magnetic…but then that is pretty minor compared to a whiteboard wall
AmazonBasics Magnetic Dry Erase Board, 24 x 36 in
AmazonBasics has created an affordable dry erase board with a sturdy aluminum frame. This 24 x 36 inch option is ideal for people who want a semi-large board that’s also portable. The magnetic design allows you to collaborate on ideas with your students, get organized at home, and plot your lessons.
The dry-erase surface is built out of durable painted steel, so the product will last for several years. Meanwhile, the aluminum frame resists warping and cracking. The surface resists ghosting and staining from markers, and it’s easy to clean when need be.
The product comes with a dry erase marker and several magnets. You can use it vertically or horizontally for extra versatility. Since it doesn’t mount permanently to the wall, you can also place it wherever you want in the classroom. A one-year warranty is included as part of the Amazon Basics package.
What we like
- 24 x 36 inch size is good for large displays with mobility
- Comes with a marker and magnets
- Painted steel surface is resistant to stains
- Durable metal construction includes a dent-resistant aluminum frame
- 1 year warranty included with the purchase
What we don’t like
- Very basic whiteboard design without many extra accessories
Large Mobile Whiteboard Maxtek 48 x 36 in
This mobile classroom whiteboard is a great choice for teachers who want a massive, rolling surface. The double-sided design can rotate 360 degrees on its frame, allowing you to flip easily from one side to the next mid-sentence. Included with the purchase is an easel stand mounted on four wheels.
In addition to the easel, the whiteboard comes with a variety of accessories. You get several markers, magnets, a magnetic eraser, a pen tray, and paper hooks. The durable surface erases without staining or ghosting and a protective coating keeps the board from rusting, even in damp conditions. There is also ABS reinforcement on the corners to prevent damage in a collision.
The sturdy easel can lock in place whenever you’re ready which means the board won’t shake or wobble when in use. Maxtek is so confident in their product that they have given a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and if you have any issue with the whiteboard, you can get them resolved through customer service right away.
What we like
- Large mobile whiteboard with easel stand and locking wheels
- Sturdy design doesn’t wobble and is protected from collisions
- 360-degree rotation lets you flip between both whiteboard sides with ease
- Multiple accessories including markers, magnets, eraser, and pen tray
- Satisfaction guarantee and excellent customer service from the manufacturer
What we don’t like
- A little unwieldy if you’re looking for a smaller option
Dry Erase Whiteboard Sticker Wall Decal
This dry erase wall decal is one of the more unique options on our list. Instead of being a durable whiteboard, it comes with a self-adhesive peel backing. You simply take the backing off and stick the decal to the wall. From there, you can write on the surface with dry erase markers just like a normal whiteboard.
This is an extremely long model, with a total length of 78 inches and a width of 17.7 inches. As such, it might work best for teachers who want their students to be able to write on the whiteboard, too. You can turn your classroom walls into a work of art! Markers should be wiped away within 24 hours to prevent staining.
The PVC material is durable and becomes stronger with time. As the decal stays stuck to the wall, the viscosity increases. But when you’re ready to take it down, you can smoothly roll it off the surface.
Each package comes with the decal and a black or blue pen.
What we like
- Decal sticks to your wall without needing bulky backing
- Long design gives students room to draw and work on the board
- Viscosity increases with time, but removal is easy when you want to redecorate
- Multifunctional and great for any classroom wall
What we don’t like
- Adhesive wears off if you unstick it, so it’s not a mobile option
ARCOBIS Small Magnetic Portable Dry Erase Board
This miniature white board is built to mount on your desk. If you want a personal board to keep students updated on their tasks, your schedule, or anything else, this is a good choice. Rather than being a place to write entire lessons, it functions as a good spot for reminders or 1 on 1 study sessions.
The foldable design is also ideal because it’s highly portable. You can set the board up on your desk and then pack it away at the end of the day. If you want your students to have their own whiteboards, this is a great model, since it’s versatile in the classroom and easy to bring home. You can adjust the aluminum alloy to whatever angle you need.
A handle on top makes transportation even easier. The kit also includes three pens, three magnets, and a dry eraser. You can store these accessories inside the folded whiteboard to keep them from getting lost. The triple-painted surface is smooth, durable, and easy to clean over time.
What we like
- Angle can be adjusted on your desk for whatever you need
- Transportation handle, folding design, and portable size for easy movement between places
- Great for students thanks to the built-in accessory storage
- Triple-layered paint can be easily wiped clean
What we don’t like
- Might be too pricey to give to every student in the classroom
Scribbledo 6 Pack Small Dry Erase White Board
This six-pack of small dry erase boards is perfect for teachers who want to buy bulk whiteboards for their students. Your students can use these to study, play trivia games, show their work, or doodle. Each lapboard is 9 x 12 inches and the single-sided design gives you a smooth, durable backing, which makes it easier to hold.
There’s also attention given to the weight of the board. The lightweight design is sturdy but easy to maneuver, even for young children. The dry erase design lets you save paper with your students, which makes it ideal for environmentally conscious teachers. Students can even bring them home to draw or study!
What we like
- 6-pack of affordable whiteboards to give to your students
- Easily held on desks or in laps
- Can be brought to and from the classroom
- Lightweight and durable, so they can be used by younger students
What we don’t like
- Not an ideal purchase for teachers seeking a large teaching whiteboard
Buying Guide for Classroom Whiteboards
Whiteboard vs Chalkboard
The difference between a white board for a classroom and a chalkboard is huge. Beyond the obvious chalk vs marker, a few other major differences stand out:
- Whiteboards can be used with a variety of markers thanks to a hack that allows you to put dry erase marker over most inks (including permanent) and easily erase it
- Whiteboards are infinitely easier to see thanks to the white background
- Whiteboards are easily cleaned compared to the endless dust you might find with a chalkboard
Portability
You’ll want to keep the portability of your whiteboard in mind. Whiteboards like the Viz-Pro Magnetic are large enough to hold a lot of information, but they’re also compact enough to move from place to place. This is especially important if you often move between classrooms during the day, or you take your work home with you.
Size
The size will have an impact on portability and classroom use. It will also impact the amount of space you have to fill, along with how large you can make your lessons. If you’re in a giant lecture hall, you’ll need a large whiteboard to reach the students in the very back. On the other hand, if you’re working with a small, intimate group, a smaller whiteboard will do the trick just fine (or boards for each student!).
Durability
An ideal classroom whiteboard will last through several years of school. Not only do you want the board itself to be sturdy, but you want the surface to erase cleanly after it’s marked. If the markers do begin to stain, you want to have a reliable cleaning solution to take care of it.
If you purchase a flimsy model, it might work for your budget in a pinch, but you could need to replace it after very little time, especially if you use it heavily. If you have the means, it’s better to invest a little more in a durable option instead.
Classroom Whiteboards FAQ
Do whiteboards make teaching easier?
Whiteboards make teaching easier no matter what subject or age group you teach. When you have a surface to write on and erase, it’s much easier to make visual demonstrations for your students, write down notes, and keep track of your lessons. You can also encourage more class participation, especially if students have their own boards.
Whiteboards are also more eco-friendly than many alternatives. Since they can be erased, you don’t have to waste paper or make a thousand copies. You’ll save money in the long run, since all you need to do is keep dry erase markers and cleaner on hand.
How should I clean a teaching whiteboard?
The easiest way to clean a teaching whiteboard is by removing ink quickly. The longer your dry erase ink sits, the greater the chances of staining. If you leave a note for too long, you might end up with a ghostly impression haunting the surface of your board.
Most products will include an eraser for cleaning but if there are streaks left behind, you can use other tools to get the surface working again. One trick is to write over every permanent stain using a dry erase marker, let the marker dry for a few seconds, and then wipe it all away.
You can also use household products like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and hand sanitizer to take care of the whiteboard surface. Just make sure you follow instructions for creating your cleaning mixture. You don’t want to cause accidental damage to your product.
What size classroom whiteboard do I need?
There are advantages and disadvantages to different whiteboard sizes. The right one for you will depend on your needs. How big is your classroom? How many students do you have? How much space do you have? Do you need a mobile whiteboard or a stationary one?
Mobile boards tend to be more compact. They might have dimensions of 2 x 3 feet or less. That gives you enough room to write, but it also lets you bring the board from lesson to lesson throughout the day.
Stationary boards are larger. If you have a big classroom, the biggest whiteboard priority is helping your students see. You want the students at the back of the classroom to know what you’re writing, and size is a good indicator of that. Wall-mounted boards often have dimensions of 4 x 6 or 4 x 8 feet.
Wrapping Up
Your classroom whiteboard should be big enough to see, small enough to fit in your room, and sturdy enough to stand the test of time. It’s also helpful if the board is magnetic, since that will let you use the product as a bulletin board.
Our top pick overall is the Viz-Pro Magnetic board. If you’re able to have a smaller board that can still be seen by your students, it’s hard to go wrong here. The magnetic surface makes it easy to clip papers and diagrams, and the dry erase design doesn’t leave streaks behind.
