The Best Dry-Erase Boards

Buying Guide for Dry-Erase Boards

Why buy a dry-erase board?

For 20+ years, dry-erase boards have replaced old-fashioned, scratchy, dusty chalkboards as a brighter, more modern surface for conveying ideas and teaching students. They’re used in tandem with colorful dry-erase markers, which can be wiped away with one swipe of an eraser or cloth so that you can use them over and over again without extensive cleanup. Many offices supply dry-erase boards for employees to use during presentations or brainstorming sessions. Smaller dry-erase boards are popular with college students to hang on their dorm room walls and doors to communicate with other residents or decorate their living spaces. Some people even keep whiteboards at home as a convenient, reusable way to draft their grocery or to-do lists.

What should you consider in a dry-erase board?

• Size: Dry-erase boards come in a wide range of sizes. There are smaller ones that can be handheld by elementary school students or mounted on a door or refrigerator, enormous ones that take up most or all of a classroom wall, and many sizes in between. If you intend to mount yours on a wall or door, you may find measuring the space ahead of time useful. Whatever size you need, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a whiteboard that fits.
• Portable vs. Mounted: Consider how you plan to use your whiteboard and choose its portability (and size) accordingly. Some whiteboards are meant to be handheld and portable, some are designed for mounting, and some may be used either way. If you want a large dry-erase board that is also portable, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a rolling model that comes with castors and stands.
• Surface Material: Different brands and types of dry-erase boards can be made of different materials. Painted steel, painted aluminum, melamine, laminate, glass, and porcelain are all common. Some materials are more resistant to scratches and stains than others, and the type of material may affect the board’s price. If you want a scratch- and stain-resistant whiteboard, you’re better off going for laminate, porcelain, or glass models. Melamine is the most cost-efficient but is more prone to scratches. The surface material may also affect whether the dry-erase board is magnetic, which may be an important feature if you want to use your new board on your fridge or use magnetic strips in your presentations or lessons.

How long do dry-erase boards last?

Dry-erase boards can last anywhere from a year up to over 20. Cheaper plastic dry-erase boards have a shorter shelf-life, usually from one to five years, whereas boards made from higher-quality materials can last up to 20 years or more with proper care and regular cleaning.

Our Picks for the Best Dry-Erase Boards

Pros: First, we love that this big wall-mounted dry-erase board has strong magnetization. In fact, using a 1-inch refrigerator magnet, this board can even hold a folder with papers inside. Second, the board can be hung vertically or horizontally to fit your space and needs. And best of all, it cleans up easily and thoroughly. With an impressive size of 48 x 24 inches, you’ll have ample room to capture your ideas and plans. Mount the board either vertically or horizontally, according to your preference. Plus, the convenient pen tray ensures your markers and erasers are always at hand.

Cons: The packaging could be better to avoid dents. The overall construction of the board might not be up to par, impacting its durability and longevity.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a large dry-erase board with all the mounting supplies included, this may be an excellent choice. It’s easy to install this whiteboard yourself, as long as you follow the instructions. And for the price, it’s shockingly well-made.

 

Pros: This whiteboard is also a magnetic bulletin board, which adds versatility to your workspace. This set includes a specially designed dry-erase marker with a magnetic cap featuring a built-in felt eraser, making corrections swift and convenient. The contoured marker cap shape prevents unexpected rolling, ensuring your workspace stays organized. The sleek and modern frame design adds a touch of sophistication to any setting, whether it’s an office, home, or business. Installing the 11 x 14-inch board is a breeze, thanks to the hassle-free mounting hardware and clear instructions provided.

Cons: If your purpose involves more extensive writing or larger content, it’s worth considering that this particular board might not fully cater to your demands.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a smaller whiteboard that you can mount just about anywhere, this may be a great option. It’s affordable for most, and it comes with accessories included.

 

Pros: One thing we love about these boards is that they’re two-sided. Also, the bulk packs come in many sizes to suit your specific needs. They’re high-quality for the price, and they clean up easily. In addition, these whiteboards feature rounded corners to prevent any potential scratches or cuts from sharp edges. Plus, these come in a pack of 25, so they’re ideal for classrooms.

Cons: These come in a pack of 25, which may be more than you need.

Bottom Line: This may be the right product for you if you’re looking for a bulk pack of handheld whiteboards. This pack makes a fantastic gift for teachers, kids, or homeschool parents.

 

Pros: This is a high-quality refrigerator whiteboard, especially for the price. The included markers and eraser work well. And the magnets on the markers are strong enough to keep them firmly attached to the board, unlike some others that may slip down. Its robust grip on steel surfaces ensures it stays securely in place. It’s a perfect addition to your refrigerator, freezer, or other metal surfaces. With its finely finished rounded corners, removal is a breeze, providing a flexible and hassle-free experience.

Cons: This whiteboard arrives curled up and may need a few days to flatten properly. This can be a deal-breaker if you need to use the board right away. In addition, some found that the magnets were weak and did not have sufficient holding power.

Bottom Line: If you need a dry-erase board for your refrigerator, this may be an excellent choice. It comes with all the accessories, so you can use it right away. And there are many sizes available to fit your space.

 

Pros: This good-looking dry-erase board is durable and cleans up in a snap. The premium glass surface ensures no staining or ghosting, guaranteeing a pristine canvas every time. With its frosted white glass background, your writing stands out vibrantly, creating a striking contrast when used with both bright dry-erase and liquid glass markers. The sleek, frameless design not only exudes modern elegance but is also equipped with a tray that conveniently holds markers, ensuring easy accessibility for your creative endeavors.

Cons: This dry-erase board may be tricky to install. Even with the included instructions, installing this may require assistance.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a premium whiteboard that looks like a nicely appointed piece of wall decor, this product may be right for you. It’s sleek and tidy. And it comes in several different sizes and two colors.

 

Pros: First, this whiteboard is very well-packaged. The seller puts effort into ensuring that it arrives fully intact and undamaged. Second, it’s adjustable. You can raise the height to fit your needs for comfortable writing. Third, it’s large and double-sided, so you can fit a lot of writing on it. Fourth, it’s on wheels for easy moving. Lastly, it comes with several accessories, including markers and an eraser.

Cons: The included hardware isn’t the best, and a handful of previous buyers suggest purchasing higher-quality hardware before putting it together. In addition, this can be tricky to put together even with the best equipment.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a great swivel whiteboard on wheels, this may be an excellent choice. It’s a good quality board and works as it should. And it’s far less expensive than many other similar products.

Final Thoughts

Dry-erase boards or whiteboards have a multitude of uses around the house, office, or classroom. They’ve become a staple in classrooms, and you can find one in just about any size to perfectly suit your space.