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.
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 |  Excalidraw | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Whiteboard | Whiteboard |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Excalidraw or Microsoft Whiteboard?
Choose Excalidraw if
Virtual whiteboard for sketching
- Free to use
- Simple UI
- Sketch aesthetic
- You want a fully free tool (Microsoft Whiteboard requires payment)
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
| Feature | Excalidraw | Microsoft Whiteboard |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 35 reviews | ★4.4/5 156 reviews |
| Categories | WhiteboardDiagramming | WhiteboardProductivity |
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
Yearly discount requires annual commitment
Strengths
- +Free to use
- +Simple UI
- +Sketch aesthetic
Weaknesses
- -Basic features
- -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.
Watch out
Full features require Microsoft 365 subscription
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
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.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Excalidraw is free. Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium.
Go with: Excalidraw
Want the highest-rated option?
Excalidraw: 4.6/5 (35 reviews). Microsoft Whiteboard: 4.4/5 (156 reviews).
Go with: Excalidraw
Value user reviews?
Excalidraw: 35 reviews (4.6/5). Microsoft Whiteboard: 156 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Microsoft Whiteboard
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Excalidraw is free. Microsoft Whiteboard is freemium. Go with Excalidraw if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are whiteboard tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Excalidraw is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Excalidraw
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft Whiteboard
- Larger review base (156 reviews)
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.