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Excalidraw vs Microsoft Whiteboard: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Excalidraw and Microsoft Whiteboard comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.

Bottom line: Excalidraw is our overall pick for whiteboard workflows. Pick Microsoft Whiteboard if you need a free tier to start with.

··Methodology
Editor reviewed0 verified reviews comparedPricing checked May 2026

Short on time? Here's the quick answer

We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:

Excalidraw

Virtual whiteboard for sketching

Best for you if:

  • • You need something completely free
  • Open-source virtual whiteboard for hand-drawn style diagrams and sketches.
  • Features real-time collaboration, voice chat, and export to PNG, SVG, and PDF.

Microsoft Whiteboard

Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time

Best for you if:

  • Digital whiteboard included free with Microsoft 365
  • Real-time collaboration with Teams integration and 60+ templates
At a Glance
ExcalidrawExcalidraw
Microsoft WhiteboardMicrosoft Whiteboard
Starts at
7/moExcalidraw+ Monthly
Free tier + paid plansFree tier available
Best For
WhiteboardWhiteboard
Rating
--

Choose Excalidraw or Microsoft Whiteboard?

Excalidraw

Choose Excalidraw if

Virtual whiteboard for sketching

  • Free to use
  • Simple UI
  • Sketch aesthetic
  • You want a fully free tool (Microsoft Whiteboard requires payment)
Microsoft Whiteboard

Choose Microsoft Whiteboard if

Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time

  • Included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
  • Deep integration with Teams for in-meeting whiteboarding
  • 60+ templates cover common business workflows
FeatureExcalidrawMicrosoft Whiteboard
Pricing ModelFreeFreemium
User RatingNo ratings yet
4.4/5
156 reviews
Categories
WhiteboardDiagramming
WhiteboardProductivity

In-Depth Analysis

ExcalidrawExcalidraw

Virtual whiteboard for sketching

Strengths

  • +Free to use
  • +Simple UI
  • +Sketch aesthetic

Weaknesses

  • -Basic features
  • -No rich templates

Key features

Hand-drawn diagramsReal-time collaborationOpen sourceLibraries supportDark modeExport options
Starts at 7/mo

Microsoft WhiteboardMicrosoft Whiteboard

Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time

Strengths

  • +Included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
  • +Deep integration with Teams for in-meeting whiteboarding
  • +60+ templates cover common business workflows
  • +Copilot AI helps generate and organize ideas
  • +Works across all major platforms and devices

Weaknesses

  • -Requires Microsoft 365 for full functionality
  • -Fewer templates and integrations than Miro or Mural
  • -Feature set is basic compared to dedicated whiteboard tools
  • -Can feel sluggish with very large boards
  • -Limited third-party app integrations

Key features

Infinite digital canvas for freeform collaboration60+ templates for meetings, planning, and brainstormingReal-time collaboration with cursor trackingSticky notes, shapes, text, and drawing toolsInking support for pen, stylus, and touchscreenMicrosoft Copilot AI integration for ideation
Starts at Free tier + paid plans

Pricing: Excalidraw vs Microsoft Whiteboard

PlanExcalidrawMicrosoft Whiteboard
Tier 1
0
Free
N/A
Tier 2
7
Excalidraw+ Monthly
N/A
Tier 3
6
Excalidraw+ Yearly
N/A

Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Excalidraw pricing and Microsoft Whiteboard pricing.

Who Should Use What?

On a budget?

Excalidraw is free. Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium.

Go with: Excalidraw

Want the highest-rated option?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Excalidraw

Value user reviews?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Go with: Excalidraw

3 Questions to Help You Decide

1

What's your budget?

Excalidraw is free. Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium. Go with Excalidraw if free matters most.

2

What's your use case?

Both are whiteboard tools. Compare their specific features to decide.

3

How important are ratings?

Neither has user reviews yet.

Key Takeaways

Excalidraw

  • Completely free
  • Our pick for this comparison

Microsoft Whiteboard

  • Choose if you want collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time

The Bottom Line

Excalidraw is our pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Excalidraw or Microsoft Whiteboard better?

Excalidraw is rated in our evaluation. Excalidraw is free and Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium.

What are Excalidraw and Microsoft Whiteboard used for?

Excalidraw: Virtual whiteboard for sketching. Microsoft Whiteboard: Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time.

What does Excalidraw cost vs Microsoft Whiteboard?

Excalidraw is completely free. Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.

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