Quick Overview
- 1#1: Miro - Infinite online whiteboard for team collaboration, brainstorming, and visual planning.
- 2#2: Mural - Digital workspace for visual collaboration, agile retrospectives, and strategic planning.
- 3#3: Lucidspark - Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, and real-time team planning.
- 4#4: FigJam - Collaborative whiteboard integrated with Figma for design ideation and planning.
- 5#5: Microsoft Whiteboard - Digital canvas for freehand drawing, sticky notes, and collaborative planning in Microsoft Teams.
- 6#6: Canva Whiteboards - Infinite visual canvas for creating mood boards, mind maps, and team planning templates.
- 7#7: Stormboard - Sticky-note-based online whiteboard for remote team brainstorming and action planning.
- 8#8: Whimsical - Visual collaboration tool for mind maps, flowcharts, wireframes, and project planning.
- 9#9: Milanote - Visual board platform for organizing research, ideas, and creative project planning.
- 10#10: Trello - Kanban-style board tool for task management, workflow visualization, and simple planning.
We ranked these tools based on a balanced assessment of feature set, user experience, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects both functionality and practical utility for modern planning needs.
Comparison Table
Navigating board planning software—from Miro and Mural to Lucidspark, FigJam, and Microsoft Whiteboard—requires careful evaluation. This comparison table simplifies the process by outlining key features, collaboration tools, and usability, helping you identify the best fit for your team’s workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miro Infinite online whiteboard for team collaboration, brainstorming, and visual planning. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 2 | Mural Digital workspace for visual collaboration, agile retrospectives, and strategic planning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Lucidspark Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, and real-time team planning. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | FigJam Collaborative whiteboard integrated with Figma for design ideation and planning. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Microsoft Whiteboard Digital canvas for freehand drawing, sticky notes, and collaborative planning in Microsoft Teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 6 | Canva Whiteboards Infinite visual canvas for creating mood boards, mind maps, and team planning templates. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | Stormboard Sticky-note-based online whiteboard for remote team brainstorming and action planning. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 8 | Whimsical Visual collaboration tool for mind maps, flowcharts, wireframes, and project planning. | creative_suite | 7.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Milanote Visual board platform for organizing research, ideas, and creative project planning. | creative_suite | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Trello Kanban-style board tool for task management, workflow visualization, and simple planning. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
Infinite online whiteboard for team collaboration, brainstorming, and visual planning.
Digital workspace for visual collaboration, agile retrospectives, and strategic planning.
Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, and real-time team planning.
Collaborative whiteboard integrated with Figma for design ideation and planning.
Digital canvas for freehand drawing, sticky notes, and collaborative planning in Microsoft Teams.
Infinite visual canvas for creating mood boards, mind maps, and team planning templates.
Sticky-note-based online whiteboard for remote team brainstorming and action planning.
Visual collaboration tool for mind maps, flowcharts, wireframes, and project planning.
Visual board platform for organizing research, ideas, and creative project planning.
Kanban-style board tool for task management, workflow visualization, and simple planning.
Miro
enterpriseInfinite online whiteboard for team collaboration, brainstorming, and visual planning.
Infinite digital canvas for boundless, zoomable board creation and organization
Miro is a powerful online collaborative whiteboard platform designed for visual planning and team collaboration, offering infinite canvases for creating Kanban boards, roadmaps, strategy maps, and retrospectives. It supports real-time editing, voting, timers, and sticky notes, making it ideal for agile planning and workshops. With extensive templates and integrations like Jira, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, Miro transforms static planning into dynamic, interactive experiences.
Pros
- Infinite canvas allows unlimited flexibility for complex board layouts
- Rich template library and integrations streamline board planning workflows
- Real-time collaboration with voting and commenting enhances team alignment
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for users needing simple, rigid board structures
- Performance may lag on very large boards with heavy content
- Advanced features require paid plans, increasing costs for scaling teams
Best For
Distributed teams and creative professionals who need highly visual, customizable planning boards for agile workflows and brainstorming.
Pricing
Free plan for basic use; Starter at $8/user/month, Business at $16/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Mural
enterpriseDigital workspace for visual collaboration, agile retrospectives, and strategic planning.
AI-powered features like sticky note generation and content summarization, enabling rapid ideation and synthesis for board-level strategy sessions
Mural is a visual collaboration platform featuring an infinite digital whiteboard for teams to brainstorm, strategize, and plan visually. In the context of board planning software, it excels at creating interactive strategy maps, OKRs, roadmaps, and agendas using customizable templates, sticky notes, voting, and timers. It supports both real-time remote meetings and asynchronous collaboration, making it ideal for distributed boards to align on long-term goals and initiatives.
Pros
- Highly flexible infinite canvas for complex visual planning
- Rich library of board-relevant templates (e.g., strategy canvases, SWOT analysis)
- Seamless real-time and async collaboration with integrations like Microsoft Teams and Slack
Cons
- Lacks specialized board governance tools like automated minutes or compliance tracking
- Steeper learning curve for non-visual users or traditional board members
- Higher pricing tiers may not justify value for small boards with basic needs
Best For
Mid-to-large boards and executive teams seeking visual, collaborative tools for strategic planning and workshops over rigid document-based systems.
Pricing
Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/user/month (Starter), $17/user/month (Business), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Lucidspark
enterpriseVirtual whiteboard for brainstorming, diagramming, and real-time team planning.
AI Sparks, which generates ideas, content, and structures directly on the canvas to accelerate board brainstorming.
Lucidspark is a cloud-based virtual whiteboard platform that excels in visual collaboration, enabling teams to brainstorm, map strategies, and plan on an infinite canvas using sticky notes, shapes, and templates. For board planning, it supports dynamic sessions with real-time co-editing, voting, timers, and facilitation tools like grouping and frameworks for SWOT analysis or roadmaps. While not a dedicated board governance tool, its integration with Lucidchart adds diagramming power for complex strategic visualizations. It fosters interactive board meetings but lacks native features for agendas, minutes, or secure portals.
Pros
- Intuitive infinite canvas perfect for visual strategy sessions and board brainstorming
- Real-time collaboration with voting, timers, and grouping tools enhances meeting productivity
- Extensive templates and seamless Lucidchart integration for professional diagrams
Cons
- No specialized board governance features like automated minutes, consents, or D&O tracking
- Pricing per user can add up for infrequent board use
- Overwhelming for users preferring structured document-based planning over visual canvases
Best For
Boards and executive teams seeking interactive, visual collaboration for strategic planning sessions rather than formal governance compliance.
Pricing
Free for individuals; Team at $9/user/month (annual billing); Business at $13.25/user/month (annual billing), with Enterprise custom pricing.
FigJam
creative_suiteCollaborative whiteboard integrated with Figma for design ideation and planning.
Infinite canvas with Jambot AI for instant idea generation and content creation
FigJam, from Figma, is a collaborative online whiteboard tool designed for visual brainstorming, diagramming, and planning sessions. It provides an infinite canvas with sticky notes, shapes, timers, and real-time multiplayer editing, allowing teams to map out strategies, agendas, and ideas dynamically. While versatile for creative board planning like SWOT analyses or timelines, it lacks specialized governance features found in dedicated board management software.
Pros
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration with video/audio integration
- Vast library of customizable templates for planning visuals
- Intuitive, drag-and-drop interface with AI assistance via Jambot
Cons
- No built-in governance tools like voting, minutes automation, or compliance tracking
- Limited file and document management for formal board records
- Unstructured format can overwhelm users needing rigid agenda structures
Best For
Creative teams or informal boards seeking visual, collaborative planning over formal governance workflows.
Pricing
Free plan for basics; Professional at $3/user/month (annual); Organization at $5/user/month.
Microsoft Whiteboard
enterpriseDigital canvas for freehand drawing, sticky notes, and collaborative planning in Microsoft Teams.
Native Microsoft Teams integration for instant whiteboarding during meetings
Microsoft Whiteboard is a free digital canvas application designed for real-time collaborative drawing, note-taking, and visual brainstorming. It supports infinite canvases, sticky notes, shapes, templates, and integration with Microsoft Teams and 365 apps, making it suitable for team planning sessions. For board planning, it excels in creating visual agendas, mind maps, and flowcharts but lacks specialized governance tools like voting or minutes automation.
Pros
- Seamless real-time collaboration with unlimited participants
- Deep integration with Microsoft Teams and 365 ecosystem
- Infinite canvas and responsive touch/pen support for intuitive sketching
Cons
- Lacks board-specific features like agenda builders, voting, or action item tracking
- Limited advanced templates compared to dedicated board software
- Occasional performance lags with large boards or many users
Best For
Microsoft 365 teams seeking a simple, visual tool for collaborative board brainstorming and planning without complex governance needs.
Pricing
Free with a Microsoft account; full features included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions (starting at $6/user/month).
Canva Whiteboards
creative_suiteInfinite visual canvas for creating mood boards, mind maps, and team planning templates.
Integrated access to Canva's massive template and element library for instant professional-grade planning visuals
Canva Whiteboards is a visual collaboration tool offering an infinite digital canvas for brainstorming, planning, and team ideation. It integrates Canva's extensive library of templates, shapes, stickers, and design elements to create customizable boards for mind maps, flowcharts, and planning visuals. Real-time multiplayer editing and easy sharing make it suitable for remote teams, though it prioritizes creative visualization over structured task management.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with minimal learning curve
- Vast library of planning templates and visual assets
- Strong real-time collaboration and presentation modes
Cons
- Lacks native task assignment, deadlines, or agile-specific tools
- Can become cluttered on large boards without structure
- Limited integrations with dedicated PM software
Best For
Creative teams and designers needing visually engaging boards for brainstorming and high-level planning without deep project tracking.
Pricing
Free plan with core features; Pro at $14.99/user/month for advanced tools and unlimited storage; Teams at $30/user/month for admin controls.
Stormboard
specializedSticky-note-based online whiteboard for remote team brainstorming and action planning.
Perspectives feature, allowing multiple customized views of the same board for different stakeholders
Stormboard is a collaborative online whiteboard platform that enables teams to visually plan, brainstorm, and organize ideas using infinite canvases filled with sticky notes, drawings, and multimedia elements. It supports real-time collaboration, making it ideal for agile retrospectives, strategic planning sessions, and Kanban-style board management. With built-in voting, timers, and templates tailored for board planning, it streamlines group decision-making and workflow visualization.
Pros
- Highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick setup
- Real-time collaboration with voting and timers for efficient sessions
- Extensive library of planning templates including Kanban and roadmaps
Cons
- Limited advanced automation and reporting compared to dedicated PM tools
- Some key features like unlimited storage locked behind higher tiers
- Can become pricey for large teams with per-user billing
Best For
Creative teams and agile groups needing visual, interactive planning boards for workshops and ideation rather than complex project tracking.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $8.33/user/month (billed annually); Business at $16.67/user/month; Enterprise custom.
Whimsical
creative_suiteVisual collaboration tool for mind maps, flowcharts, wireframes, and project planning.
Infinite canvas with seamless switching between mind maps, flowcharts, and docs for fluid visual planning
Whimsical is a visual collaboration platform designed for creating mind maps, flowcharts, wireframes, sticky notes, and docs on an infinite canvas. It supports real-time team collaboration, making it suitable for brainstorming and visualizing ideas. While versatile for general planning, it can be adapted for board planning through custom visual agendas, strategy maps, and meeting notes, but lacks specialized governance tools.
Pros
- Extremely intuitive drag-and-drop interface with keyboard shortcuts
- Real-time multiplayer editing for collaborative sessions
- Versatile visual tools like mind maps and sticky notes adaptable for agendas
Cons
- No dedicated board portal features like secure voting, e-signatures, or compliance tools
- Limited advanced security and access controls for sensitive board documents
- Not optimized for formal meeting management or minute-taking workflows
Best For
Creative teams or small boards seeking a lightweight, visual tool for informal strategic planning and brainstorming rather than formal governance.
Pricing
Free plan for individuals; Pro at $10/user/month; Organization at $20/user/month (billed annually).
Milanote
creative_suiteVisual board platform for organizing research, ideas, and creative project planning.
Infinite canvas with seamless blending of images, notes, and embeds for unrestricted visual storytelling
Milanote is a visual collaboration tool designed for organizing ideas, projects, and research on customizable infinite boards. It allows users to drag-and-drop notes, images, links, videos, and other media to create mood boards, planning layouts, and visual workflows. Ideal for brainstorming and early-stage planning, it supports real-time collaboration and exports for presentations.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick visual organization
- Beautiful, aesthetic boards that enhance creative planning
- Strong support for multimedia content and infinite canvas
Cons
- Limited advanced project management features like timelines or dependencies
- Free plan has restrictive limits on board size and storage
- Fewer integrations compared to dedicated kanban tools
Best For
Creative professionals and small teams needing a visually intuitive tool for brainstorming and idea mapping rather than rigid task tracking.
Pricing
Free plan with limits; Pro at $9.99/user/month (billed annually); Teams at $19/user/month.
Trello
enterpriseKanban-style board tool for task management, workflow visualization, and simple planning.
Flexible Kanban boards with seamless drag-and-drop reorganization
Trello is a visual project management tool that uses Kanban-style boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize tasks, workflows, and projects. It enables drag-and-drop planning, collaboration in real-time, and customization through labels, checklists, attachments, and integrations via Power-Ups. While excels in simplicity for board-based planning, it may lack depth for complex enterprise needs.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for effortless board planning
- Generous free plan with unlimited boards and cards
- Highly customizable with labels, due dates, and Power-Ups for integrations
Cons
- Limited native reporting and analytics capabilities
- No built-in Gantt charts or advanced dependency management
- Power-Ups and advanced automations require paid plans
Best For
Small teams, freelancers, and visual thinkers seeking simple, collaborative board planning without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free plan available; Standard at $5/user/month; Premium at $10/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
When comparing top board planning software, Miro emerges as the clear winner, thanks to its versatile infinite whiteboard and strong collaboration features that suit a range of planning needs. Mural and Lucidspark closely follow, each offering unique strengths—Mural excels in agile retrospectives and strategic alignment, while Lucidspark stands out for real-time diagramming and brainstorming. Together, the top three redefine effective team planning, with Miro leading for its all-encompassing capabilities.
Ready to enhance your board planning? Try Miro today and experience why it’s the top choice for fostering creativity, clarity, and collaborative success—your team’s next impactful plan could start with a shared whiteboard.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
