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 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 needing extensive cleanup. Many offices supply dry-erase boards for employees to use during presentations or brainstorming sessions. Smaller dry-erase boards have become 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 good 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 lots of sizes in between. If you intend to mount yours on a wall or door, you may find it useful to measure the space ahead of time so that you know exactly how large a whiteboard it can accommodate and pick the board’s size accordingly. Whatever size you need, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a whiteboard that fits.
• Portable vs. Mounted: Dry-erase boards of all sizes can be either portable or mounted to a wall, door, or fridge, though obviously, the smaller the board, the more easily transported it will be. Consider how you plan to use your whiteboard and choose its portability 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 types of 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 your needs. And best of all, it cleans up easily and thoroughly.

Cons: The packaging could be better to avoid dents.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a large dry-erase board with all the mounting supplies included, this may be an excellent choice for you. It couldn’t be easier to install this whiteboard yourself, as long as you follow the instructions. And for the price, it’s shockingly well-made.

 

Pros: For most people, the adhesive strips work wonderfully well. They’re powerful enough to keep your whiteboard in place for a very long time, as long as you don’t live in a super humid area. It works well with most magnets. And it’s small enough to mount on a refrigerator.

Cons: The included eraser doesn’t work as well as others. We suggest purchasing a separate higher-quality eraser.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a smaller whiteboard that you can mount just about anywhere, this may be a great option for you. 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, so if you make a mistake or need to continue taking notes, you won’t need to rummage around for another board. Also, the bulk packs come in many sizes to suit your specific needs. Plus, they’re high-quality for the price, and they clean up easily.

Cons: Some buyers had received boards with damaged corners. So the protective packaging could use some sprucing up.

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. And with some creative effort, these can even make a decorative and useful wall display.

 

Pros: This is a high-quality refrigerator whiteboard, particularly for the price. The included markers write well, and the included eraser works 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.

Cons: This whiteboard arrives curled up and may need a few days to properly relax.

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

 

Pros: One thing we love about this whiteboard is how well it shows up on camera. It’s a fantastic accessory to have in your home office if you take a lot of Zoom or Teams meetings. Also, it’s durable, and it cleans up in a snap.

Cons: This dry-erase board may be tricky to install.

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.

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.