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 wins this matchup. ClickUp is our overall Whiteboard pick. ClickUp is our free Whiteboard pick. Pick Microsoft Whiteboard if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Microsoft Whiteboard requires payment)
Microsoft Whiteboard
Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time
Best for you if:
- • You want included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
| At a Glance | Excalidraw | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free Free plan |
Category | Whiteboard Diagramming | Whiteboard Productivity |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.5 31 reviews | 4.2/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.0 209 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | No mention of storage limits on paid plans | n/a |
Choose Excalidraw or Microsoft Whiteboard?
Choose Excalidraw if
- You want a fully free tool (Microsoft Whiteboard requires payment)
- You want free to use
- You want simple UI
Choose Microsoft Whiteboard if
- You want included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
- You want deep integration with Teams for in-meeting whiteboarding
In-Depth Analysis
Excalidraw
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
Excalidraw's pricing is very generous, especially with its robust free tier offering full whiteboard features and collaboration.
Watch out
No mention of storage limits on paid plans
Strengths
- Pro: Free to use
- Pro: Simple UI
- Pro: Sketch aesthetic
Weaknesses
- Con: Basic features
- Con: No rich templates
Key features
Microsoft Whiteboard
Collaborate and brainstorm visually in real time
Microsoft Whiteboard's pricing is incredibly generous, effectively offering a robust digital canvas for free to anyone with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Strengths
- Pro: Included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions
- Pro: Deep integration with Teams for in-meeting whiteboarding
- Pro: 60+ templates cover common business workflows
- Pro: Copilot AI helps generate and organize ideas
- Pro: Works across all major platforms and devices
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires Microsoft 365 for full functionality
- Con: Fewer templates and integrations than Miro or Mural
- Con: Feature set is basic compared to dedicated whiteboard tools
- Con: Can feel sluggish with very large boards
- Con: Limited third-party app integrations
Key features
Pricing: Excalidraw vs Microsoft Whiteboard
| Plan | Excalidraw | Microsoft 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.
Key Takeaways
Excalidraw
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Whiteboard
- Larger review base (209 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Excalidraw wins this matchup. ClickUp is our overall Whiteboard pick. ClickUp is our free Whiteboard pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Excalidraw or Microsoft Whiteboard better in 2026?
Excalidraw wins this matchup. ClickUp is our overall Whiteboard pick. ClickUp is our free Whiteboard pick. Pick Excalidraw for whiteboard workflows (main strength: free to use). Pick Microsoft Whiteboard for whiteboard workflows (main strength: included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions).
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 free. Microsoft Whiteboard pricing is on their site.
What's the main difference between Excalidraw and Microsoft Whiteboard?
Excalidraw's main strength: free to use. Microsoft Whiteboard's main strength: included free with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.