Why look beyond Mural

Mural is a established digital whiteboard platform used for visual collaboration, supporting activities like brainstorming, design sprints, and agile planning. Its core offerings include an infinite canvas, a template library, and integration options. However, teams may seek alternatives for several reasons. Some users might find Mural's pricing structure, particularly for larger teams, to be a significant factor, prompting a search for more cost-effective solutions or platforms with different licensing models. While Mural offers a REST API for programmatic integrations, the depth and breadth of its developer ecosystem might be a consideration for organizations requiring extensive customizability or integration with a wider array of specialized tools.

Other considerations include specific feature sets. While Mural provides robust whiteboarding capabilities, some alternatives might offer more specialized tools for diagramming, project management, or advanced data visualization, which could be critical for certain workflows. Performance on large or complex murals, or the availability of specific mobile or desktop applications, could also influence a team's decision. Additionally, the user interface and overall user experience can vary significantly between platforms, leading some to prefer an alternative that aligns better with their team's preferences or existing toolsets. Evaluating these factors can help determine if an alternative platform better meets an organization's specific collaborative and operational requirements.

Top alternatives ranked

  1. 1. Miro — A comprehensive visual workspace for team collaboration

    Miro is a widely used online whiteboard platform offering an expansive canvas for collaboration, brainstorming, and project management. It provides a broad set of tools including sticky notes, shapes, drawing, and a large template library for various use cases such as agile workflows, design thinking, and strategic planning. Miro supports real-time collaboration with features like video chat, presentation mode, and voting, facilitating engagement in remote and hybrid environments. Its integration ecosystem is extensive, connecting with popular tools like Jira, Slack, and Google Drive, which can streamline workflows for development and design teams. Miro also offers a developer platform with APIs and SDKs for custom integrations and extensions, allowing teams to build tailored solutions on top of the platform. The platform emphasizes security and compliance, holding certifications like SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance.

    For teams seeking an alternative to Mural, Miro presents a robust option, particularly for those requiring a highly flexible and scalable visual workspace with deep integration capabilities. Its user interface is designed for accessibility across different technical proficiencies, from non-technical stakeholders to developers. The platform's performance on large boards with many collaborators is a key consideration for high-volume use cases.

    Best for: Large enterprises, agile development teams, design agencies, and remote teams requiring extensive integrations and template variety.

  2. 2. Figma (FigJam) — A collaborative online whiteboard for ideation and workshops

    FigJam is Figma's online whiteboard tool, designed for brainstorming, diagramming, and conducting workshops directly within the Figma ecosystem. It provides a simplified interface with essential tools like sticky notes, markers, shapes, and connectors, making it accessible for quick ideation sessions and collaborative sketching. A key advantage of FigJam is its tight integration with Figma's design tool, allowing seamless transitions between ideation and design execution. This makes it particularly appealing for product design and development teams that already use Figma for UI/UX work. FigJam supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same board simultaneously, with features such as audio chat, emotes, and stamps to enhance interaction.

    As an alternative to Mural, FigJam offers a streamlined experience with a focus on simplicity and integration within the design workflow. While it might not have the same breadth of specialized templates or complex features as some dedicated whiteboarding tools, its strength lies in its ease of use and its position within a comprehensive design platform. For teams deeply embedded in the Figma ecosystem, FigJam provides a natural extension for early-stage ideation and cross-functional collaboration. Its free tier and transparent pricing can also be attractive for smaller teams or individuals.

    Best for: Product design teams, UI/UX designers, and development teams already using Figma for design, seeking integrated ideation tools.

  3. 3. Lucidspark — A virtual whiteboard for freeform ideation and structured collaboration

    Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard that facilitates real-time collaboration, ideation, and visual organization. It offers a range of features including sticky notes, freehand drawing, shapes, and a template library designed for brainstorming, agile ceremonies, and project planning. Lucidspark emphasizes a structured approach to collaboration, providing tools like assisted grouping, voting, and a timer to guide discussions and decision-making processes. It integrates with other popular platforms such as Slack, Google Drive, and Jira, enabling a connected workflow for teams. The platform also focuses on enterprise-grade security and compliance, offering features like SAML SSO and SCIM provisioning.

    For teams considering alternatives to Mural, Lucidspark stands out with its balance of freeform ideation and structured facilitation tools. Its emphasis on guided collaboration can be beneficial for teams looking to ensure productive meetings and workshops. Lucidspark is part of the broader Lucid Software suite, which includes Lucidchart for diagramming, allowing for seamless transitions between whiteboarding and more formal diagram creation. This integration can be a significant advantage for organizations that require both types of visual communication. Its user interface is designed to be intuitive, supporting quick adoption across diverse user groups.

    Best for: Teams needing structured brainstorming and decision-making tools, enterprises using Lucidchart, and organizations prioritizing security and compliance.

  4. 4. Microsoft Whiteboard — A freeform digital canvas for Microsoft 365 users

    Microsoft Whiteboard is a freeform digital canvas integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It enables real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to draw, write, and add content to a shared whiteboard from various devices. The tool includes features such as sticky notes, shapes, images, and templates, designed to support brainstorming, planning, and teaching. Its deep integration with Microsoft Teams makes it a natural choice for organizations already utilizing Microsoft's suite of productivity tools, enabling users to launch and share whiteboards directly within team meetings. Microsoft Whiteboard supports inking with digital pens and offers AI-powered features like ink beautification and shape recognition.

    As an alternative to Mural, Microsoft Whiteboard offers a compelling option for teams heavily invested in the Microsoft 365 environment. Its native integration simplifies access and reduces context switching, providing a familiar user experience. While it may not offer the same extensive template library or advanced facilitation features as some dedicated whiteboarding platforms, its core collaboration capabilities are robust. The accessibility across different devices and platforms, coupled with the security and compliance frameworks of Microsoft 365, makes it a practical choice for many enterprises and educational institutions. Its cost-effectiveness, often being included with existing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, is also a significant advantage.

    Best for: Microsoft 365 users, teams heavily reliant on Microsoft Teams, and organizations seeking an integrated, cost-effective whiteboarding solution.

  5. 5. Google Jamboard — A collaborative digital whiteboard for Google Workspace users

    Google Jamboard is a digital whiteboard designed for collaborative ideation and brainstorming within the Google Workspace ecosystem. It provides a simple, intuitive interface with tools like sticky notes, pens, shapes, and images, enabling real-time collaboration across various devices. Jamboard integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace applications, such as Google Meet and Google Drive, allowing users to share and access Jamboards directly from their existing workflows. The physical Jamboard device offers a dedicated touchscreen experience, though the software is also available as an app for web, iOS, and Android. It focuses on facilitating quick, informal brainstorming sessions and visual communication.

    For teams looking for a Mural alternative, Google Jamboard is particularly suitable for organizations already using Google Workspace. Its straightforward design and deep integration simplify the collaborative process for users familiar with Google's ecosystem. While it emphasizes simplicity and might not offer the advanced project management or template variety of more specialized whiteboarding tools, its ease of use and accessibility are key strengths. The ability to save Jams directly to Google Drive ensures continuity and easy sharing within the workspace. Its cost-effectiveness, often included in Google Workspace subscriptions, also makes it an attractive option for many teams.

    Best for: Google Workspace users, educational institutions, and teams prioritizing simplicity and seamless integration with Google's productivity suite.

Side-by-side

Feature Mural Miro Figma (FigJam) Lucidspark Microsoft Whiteboard Google Jamboard
Core Focus Visual collaboration, agile, design thinking Comprehensive visual workspace, ideation, project management Collaborative ideation, brainstorming, design workshops Structured ideation, visual organization, guided collaboration Freeform digital canvas, Microsoft 365 integration Simple collaborative whiteboard, Google Workspace integration
Template Library Extensive and specialized Very extensive and diverse Good for ideation, growing Comprehensive, focused on structured activities Basic to moderate, expanding Basic, focused on simplicity
Integrations Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Asana, Confluence Figma, Slack, Jira (via plugins) Slack, Jira, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Asana Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 suite Google Meet, Google Drive, Google Classroom
API/Developer Tools REST API for content and user management Developer Platform, APIs, SDKs for custom apps Plugins API for custom tools and integrations API for integrations (part of Lucid Software) Limited public API, primarily via Microsoft Graph Limited API, primarily for Workspace integration
Best For Remote team brainstorming, design thinking Large enterprises, agile development, design agencies Product design teams, UI/UX designers Structured brainstorming, enterprises using Lucidchart Microsoft 365 users, Microsoft Teams Google Workspace users, educational institutions
Free Tier Available Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (with Microsoft account) Yes (with Google account)
Compliance SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA ready SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA ready SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, CCPA SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, CCPA, ISO 27001 Microsoft 365 compliance (GDPR, ISO, etc.) Google Workspace compliance (GDPR, ISO, etc.)

How to pick

Selecting the right digital whiteboard alternative depends on several factors specific to your team's needs, existing toolset, and collaboration style. Consider these aspects during your evaluation:

Existing Ecosystem Integration

  • Microsoft 365 users: If your organization is heavily invested in Microsoft 365, including Microsoft Teams, then Microsoft Whiteboard offers the most seamless integration. It provides a familiar interface and direct access within your existing communication channels.
  • Google Workspace users: For teams operating within the Google Workspace environment, Google Jamboard is a natural fit. Its simplicity and integration with Google Meet and Drive can streamline workflows for quick ideation sessions.
  • Figma users: Product design and UI/UX teams already utilizing Figma for design work will find Figma (FigJam) highly beneficial. Its native integration allows for smooth transitions between ideation and design, reducing friction in the creative process.

Collaboration Style and Features

  • Comprehensive and versatile: For teams requiring a broad range of templates, advanced facilitation tools, and extensive integration options, Miro is a strong contender. It supports various methodologies from agile to design thinking and scales well for large enterprises.
  • Structured collaboration and diagramming: If your team benefits from guided brainstorming, decision-making tools, and the ability to transition from whiteboarding to formal diagramming, Lucidspark offers a balanced solution, especially if you also use Lucidchart.
  • Simple and quick ideation: For less formal, ad-hoc brainstorming sessions where ease of use and quick setup are paramount, Google Jamboard or the basic functionalities of Microsoft Whiteboard can be sufficient.

Developer Extensibility

  • Custom integrations and apps: If your organization requires deep customization, building custom applications, or extensive integration with proprietary systems, platforms like Miro's Developer Platform or FigJam's Plugins API offer more robust options for developers to extend functionality. Mural also provides a REST API for programmatic interaction, which can be sufficient for many integration needs.

Pricing and Scalability

  • Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the pricing models. Some tools are included with existing subscriptions (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace), offering a cost-effective solution. Others, like Miro and Lucidspark, have tiered pricing that scales with the number of users and required features. Most alternatives offer a free tier for individuals or small teams, allowing for initial evaluation.
  • Enterprise features: For large organizations, consider features like enterprise-grade security (SSO, SCIM), compliance certifications (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA), and dedicated support, which are typically available in business or enterprise plans of platforms like Miro, Lucidspark, and Mural itself.

By carefully weighing these factors against your specific requirements and team dynamics, you can identify the digital whiteboard alternative that best supports your collaborative workflows and strategic objectives.