The Best Dry Erase Boards

The Best Dry Erase Board Options — Photo: amazon.com Photo: amazon.com

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Also known as whiteboards, dry-erase boards hit the market in the ’60s, but they didn’t gain widespread popularity until several decades later. Today, they’ve not only replaced blackboards in many American classrooms, but they are also commonly used in conference rooms and other work spaces. At home, whiteboard-style calendars and weekly planners are excellent tools for organizing a hectic schedule.

While choosing the best dry-erase board may sound simple, shoppers actually must consider a number of different characteristics. This guide covers the important features to look for as you shop and provides product choices by category in some of the top dry-erase boards on the market.

BEST OVERALL: Quartet Glass Whiteboard, Magnetic Dry Erase
RUNNER UP: Mead Dry Erase Board, Whiteboard
BEST BUDGET: U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board
BEST WEEKLY PLANNER: cinch! Magnetic Dry Erase Weekly Calendar
BEST PORTABLE: KAMELLEO Magnetic Mobile Whiteboard – 46″ x 32″
BEST WALL-MOUNTED: VIZ-PRO Dry Erase Board/Whiteboard
BEST WITH BULLETIN BOARD: maxtek Cork Board White Board Combo 24 x 18
BEST FOR KIDS: Scribbledo 6 Pack Dry Erase Small White Board

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dry-Erase Board

Although it may seem that all dry-erase boards are the same, a number of factors affect their functionality, including size, material, magnetization, additional features, and more.

Size

First, consider the dry-erase board’s size. Although size varies widely, from small handheld models to large boards, generally, dry-erase boards measure from 11 inches by 8 inches to 96 inches by 48 inches.

Material

Dry-erase boards are usually made of one of the following materials:

Melamine, a resin-infused paper, is used to make inexpensive dry-erase boards. It’s typically mounted to particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Melamine whiteboards vary in quality and their resistance to ghosting, which is the buildup of chemical residue on the surface. Because melamine whiteboards may stain with use, they aren’t the best choice for institutional settings.
Painted steel dry-erase boards, which use a multilayer coating to achieve a dry-erase effect, also allow the use of magnets.
Porcelain whiteboards, both durable and scratch resistant, also are magnetized. Marks from dry-erase markers wipe away easily on porcelain whiteboards.
Tempered glass dry-erase boards, which are usually expensive, are quite durable. Marker ink is easy to erase on glass.

Magnetization

Steel and porcelain whiteboards and some glass boards are magnetized, so they can double as bulletin boards. Magnetization allows users to attach paper documents, photos, and other notices to the board.

Additional Features

Dry-erase boards sometimes come with additional features to increase their convenience and functionality.

A storage ledge provides a place to keep markers, erasers, and other desk accessories.
A calendar-style dry-erase board displays fixed days of the week or month.
While many dry-erase boards include a single black marker, additional markers in multiple colors are handy for organization.
A grid design can display graphs and architectural drawings.
Markers with a built-in eraser make purchasing a separate eraser unnecessary.
Some styles of dry-erase board are reversible, providing double the writing surface.

Mounting Style

Mount a dry-erase board in one of several ways:

Magnetic backing allows the user to place the whiteboard directly on a fridge.
Mobile dry-erase boards are mounted on a frame and have wheels, allowing users to transport them from room to room. They’re ideal for educational and workplace environments.
Double-sided Velcro strips make it possible to mount lightweight whiteboards to walls without causing any damage—a smart pick for renters and college dorm rooms.

While most dry-erase boards include all the hardware needed for mounting, you may want to double-check the product’s description before making a final purchase.

Our Top Picks

The top picks consider all these features as well as the overall quality and value of each product. Keep reading to discover some of the best dry-erase boards on the market in a variety of categories to get organized at home, school, or work.

Best Overall

Quartet Glass Whiteboard

For use in the classroom, boardroom, or at home, this glass whiteboard from Quartet features the brand’s Brilliance Glass, a high-contrast surface that allows writing to show up clearly. It’s designed with durability in mind, with a dent- and scratch-resistant surface that also prevents stains and ghosting. The tempered glass is completely opaque.

The board comes with a removable accessory tray, a marker, and two high-power glass board magnets. This model is 4 feet wide by 3 feet high.

Product Specs

Size: 3 feet by 2 feet
Mounting: Pass-through mounting, horizontal or vertical
Features: Magnetized surface with removable tray

Pros

Made from durable tempered glass
Multiple sizes available
Three color choices
Magnetic surface for hanging documents

Cons

Larger sizes are difficult to install

Runner Up

Mead Dry Erase Board

This lightweight wall-mounted Mead dry-erase board is a good choice for an office, staff room, or homeschooling space. This dry-erase board has an aluminum frame and a melamine surface, and the package contains all the mounting hardware to install the board either vertically or horizontally. An accessory tray attaches to the frame and provides storage space for markers and erasers.

The manufacturer recommends extending the life of the whiteboard by cleaning the surface regularly with a board cleaning solution. Markers and erasers are sold separately.

Product Specs

Size: 24 inches by 18 inches
Mounting: Drywall screws, horizontal or vertical
Features: Accessory tray

Pros

Sturdy aluminum frame
Made in the USA
Easy to mount

Cons

Feels quite flimsy
Erasing can leave marks behind

Best Budget

U Brands Contempo Magnetic Dry Erase Board

This compact dry-erase board by U Brands is constructed of durable painted steel that resists staining and ghosting. The surface is magnetized, allowing it to double as a bulletin board. The board comes with a single magnet and a medium-point, black dry-erase marker with a built-in eraser.

Install the whiteboard via its double-sided Velcro strips, which allow users to mount the board to nearly any flat surface. The board is a good size for a fridge, locker, or dorm room door.

Product Specs

Size: 11 inches by 14 inches
Mounting: Velcro strips
Features: Includes magnet and marker with eraser

Pros

Compact size can be handheld
Easy-to-mount Velcro strips
Comes with a dry-erase marker and magnet
Affordable

Cons

Difficult to remove colored marker

Best Weekly Planner

cinch! Magnetic Dry Erase Weekly Calendar

This cinch! dry-erase weekly calendar sticks directly to the fridge with a fully magnetized backing. The board comes with four fine-tip markers in red, blue, black, and purple, and an eraser, all of which are magnetized.

To help the ink flow easily, place the markers upside down. This planner is horizontally oriented, but a vertical version of the same size also is available.

Product Specs

Size: 17 inches by 12 inches
Mounting: Magnetic backing
Features: 4 magnetic markers included

Pros

Can stick to any metal surface
Helps keep a family organized
Colored magnetic markers included
Days are clearly laid out with comments section

Cons

Magnetic mounting only
Comes rolled up, difficult to flatten

Best Portable

KAMELLEO Mobile Whiteboard

This mobile dry-erase board from KAMELLEO has four caster wheels that glide smoothly and lock into place as needed. The coated steel board is double-sided and rotates 360 degrees with the push of a button and a simple flipping motion. The adjustable height and angle make the board comfortable for individuals of varying heights.

The iron frame comes in black, white, red, and blue and includes a full-length tray to ensure markers are always close at hand. Choose from five sizes: 46 by 32 inches, 48 by 36 inches, 60 by 46 inches, 70 by 36 inches, and 96 by 46 inches.

Product Specs

Size: 46 inches by 32 inches
Mounting: None, it’s on wheels
Features: Comes with flip chart, holders, eraser, and clock

Pros

Easy to move on four wheels
Flips over for additional writing space
Multiple accessories included
Height adjustable for kids and adults

Cons

Pricey

Best Wall Mounted

VIZ-PRO Dry Erase Board/Whiteboard

The VIZ-PRO dry-erase board uses durable melamine and comes in a wide range of sizes to offer options for home, school, or office use. The scratch-resistant aluminum frame includes a detachable clip-on marker holder for added convenience. It’s compatible with all dry-erase markers and wipes clean easily.

Choose from a variety of sizes, from 36 by 24 inches to 96 by 48 inches. Install the board vertically or horizontally with the mounting kit, which includes screws that attach to the frame’s plastic corners. Markers and erasers must be purchased separately.

Product Specs

Size: 72 inches by 48 inches
Mounting: Screw-fixing in corners, horizontal or vertical
Features: Pen tray

Pros

Wide range of sizes available
Simple to mount either horizontally or vertically
Lightweight aluminum frame
Wipes very cleanly

Cons

Nonmagnetic surface

Best with Bulletin Board

maxtek Combination White Board & Bulletin Cork Board

This multifunctional option performs as both a dry-erase board and a bulletin board, with magnetic-coated steel whiteboard on one side and natural cork on the other. Pin notes, photos, memos, or a calendar to the bulletin board side, and jot down notes on the dry- erase board.

The board includes 12 push pins, three markers, an eraser, six magnets, and a detachable marker tray. Wall mounting is easy—either vertically or horizontally—with the hardware kit, which includes wall anchors and movable hanging hooks.

Product Specs

Size: 24 inches by 18 inches
Mounting: Hanging hooks
Features: Includes eraser, 12 push pins, 3 markers, 6 magnets, and a detachable tray

Pros

Super-simple mounting hooks
Multiple accessories included
Portable design

Cons

Cork can start to disintegrate over time

Best for Kids

Scribbledo 6 Pack Dry Erase Small White Board

Each board in Scribbledo’s six-pack of dry-erase boards measures 9 inches by 12 inches and makes a good choice for the home or classroom. Kids can doodle to their heart’s content, erasing mistakes as they go. The boards also become a teaching tool to help with homework or practice penmanship.

Each board is thin, lightweight, and fits in a backpack, and they are single sided. The kit includes six whiteboard erasers, but markers must be purchased separately.

Product Specs

Size: 9 inches by 12 inches
Mounting: None, handheld boards
Features: 6 erasers included

Pros

Fits into a backpack
Lightweight and easy to hold
Great for interactive learning

Cons

Included erasers lack quality
Not a magnetic surface

Our Verdict

Our top pick, the Quartet glass whiteboard can be a great addition to any regular-use situation, with a durable surface that’s easy to wipe clean. Shoppers looking for a more budget-friendly option should consider the U Brands dry erase board, which comes with a magnet and a marker.

How We Chose the Best Dry-Erase Boards

Dry-erase boards come in a variety of sizes with endless combinations of additional features. Our list of recommendations spans these differences to offer a range of choices that stand out in their respective categories. We made sure to include several size options depending on what the boards are to be used for, from large boards for office presentations to handheld boards for kids in a classroom.

There are also multiple surfaces to choose from, so we have included our top picks for glass, painted steel, and melamine boards. Several of our recommendations are magnetized and come with a range of accessories such as markers, erasers, magnets, pen holders, and trays.

For families who like to stay organized, we have also included a few options to help plan schedules and pin reminders.