If you tutor online, a whiteboard isn't optional — it's essential. Talking through a problem while sharing a blank screen doesn't work. Students need to see your work, and you need to see theirs.
But which online whiteboard should you use? There are dozens of options, from free built-in tools to dedicated platforms. Here's a practical comparison based on what actually matters for tutoring.
What tutors need in a whiteboard
Not every whiteboard feature matters for tutoring. Here's what does:
Drawing and writing. You need to write equations, draw diagrams, and annotate text. Pen/stylus support is critical.
Low latency. When you draw, the student should see it instantly. Lag kills the teaching flow.
Easy sharing. The student should be able to join without downloading software or creating an account.
Saving work. You want to save boards for reference — both for yourself and to share with students after the session.
Math tools (for math tutors). Grid backgrounds, shapes, graph axes, and equation editors make a big difference.
Simplicity. You're a tutor, not a graphic designer. The tool should be intuitive enough that you spend zero time figuring it out during a lesson.
The best online whiteboards for tutoring
1. Zoom Whiteboard — Best free built-in option
Price: Free with Zoom (free plan includes unlimited 1-on-1 meetings)
Best for: Tutors already using Zoom who need basic whiteboard functionality
If you're already on Zoom, the built-in whiteboard is the simplest option. No extra apps, no extra links — just click "Whiteboard" during your call.
Pros:
- No extra cost or setup
- Both tutor and student can draw simultaneously
- Basic shapes, text, and sticky notes
- Works on all devices
Cons:
- Limited drawing tools — feels clunky compared to dedicated whiteboards
- No math-specific tools (no graph paper, no equation editor)
- Boards are lost after the meeting unless you save them manually
- Pen/stylus support is basic
Verdict: Fine for occasional whiteboard use. Not great if whiteboard is central to your teaching (math, science, diagrams).
2. Google Jamboard / Google Meet Whiteboard — Best for Google ecosystem
Price: Free
Best for: Tutors using Google Meet who want simple collaboration
Google's whiteboard (formerly Jamboard, now integrated into Meet) offers basic collaborative drawing during Google Meet calls.
Pros:
- Free and integrated with Google Meet
- Simple interface
- Saves boards to Google Drive automatically
- Students don't need an account to view
Cons:
- Very basic tools — limited shapes, no grid, no equation support
- Google has been transitioning this product — features may change
- Less responsive than dedicated whiteboard apps
Verdict: Good enough for basic annotation. Not sufficient for math-heavy tutoring.
3. Miro — Best for visual and project-based tutoring
Price: Free (3 boards) / $8/mo (unlimited)
Best for: Tutors who create complex diagrams, mind maps, or project-based lessons
Miro is a professional collaboration tool that happens to work beautifully for tutoring. Infinite canvas, rich templates, and excellent pen support.
Pros:
- Infinite canvas — never run out of space
- Excellent pen/stylus support
- Templates for mind maps, flowcharts, timelines
- Real-time collaboration
- Saves everything automatically
- Works in browser — no download needed
Cons:
- Free plan limited to 3 boards
- Can feel overwhelming for simple whiteboard needs
- No math-specific tools built in
- Overkill for basic "let me draw this equation" needs
Verdict: Excellent for tutors who teach visually — essay planning, science diagrams, history timelines. Overkill for basic math tutoring.
4. BitPaper — Best for math and science tutoring
Price: Free (limited) / $8/mo (Pro)
Best for: Math and science tutors who need grid backgrounds and equation tools
BitPaper was built specifically for online tutoring. It includes features that general whiteboards lack: grid paper backgrounds, graph axes, and math notation.
Pros:
- Designed for tutoring
- Grid and graph paper backgrounds
- Good pen/stylus support
- Share via link — student doesn't need an account
- Boards save automatically
- Upload PDFs and images to annotate
Cons:
- Free plan is limited
- Interface is functional but not beautiful
- Smaller user base means fewer updates
Verdict: The best purpose-built option for math and science tutors. If you need graph paper and equation writing, start here.
5. Excalidraw — Best free unlimited whiteboard
Price: Free (open source)
Best for: Tutors who want a free, no-signup whiteboard for quick sketches
Excalidraw is a free, open-source whiteboard with a unique hand-drawn aesthetic. It's incredibly simple and works instantly in the browser.
Pros:
- Completely free, no account needed
- Real-time collaboration via shareable link
- Clean, simple interface
- Shapes, text, arrows, and freehand drawing
- Export to PNG or SVG
- Works offline
Cons:
- No grid/graph paper backgrounds
- No math equation support
- No built-in save (need to export manually or use Excalidraw+)
- Hand-drawn style isn't ideal for precise diagrams
Verdict: Best for quick, informal sketches and diagrams. Perfect for tutors who need a whiteboard occasionally, not every session.
6. Explain Everything — Best for recording lessons
Price: Free (1 project) / $6.99/mo (Pro)
Best for: Tutors who want to record whiteboard explanations for students to review
Explain Everything combines a whiteboard with screen recording. You can draw, annotate, and record everything — then share the video with the student for review.
Pros:
- Record your whiteboard session as a video
- Good drawing tools with pen support
- Upload and annotate PDFs, images, documents
- Share recorded explanations with students
- Available on iPad (excellent with Apple Pencil)
Cons:
- Free plan limited to 1 project
- Collaboration features are limited compared to Miro
- Video recording can be distracting to manage during a live session
Verdict: Ideal if you want students to rewatch your explanations after the session. Great for complex topics that need multiple reviews.
7. FigJam — Best for interactive activities
Price: Free (unlimited)
Best for: Tutors who create interactive, engaging activities
FigJam (by Figma) offers a collaborative workspace with widgets, stickers, stamps, and interactive elements. It's more engaging than a standard whiteboard.
Pros:
- Free for unlimited boards
- Fun, interactive features (voting, reactions, timers)
- Templates for brainstorming, sorting, and planning
- Excellent collaboration — student can interact fully
- Works in browser
Cons:
- Not designed for writing/drawing (better for dragging and organizing)
- No math tools
- No pen/stylus optimization
Verdict: Great for English, writing, and planning-based tutoring. Not ideal for math.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Price | Best for | Math tools | Collaboration | Save boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom Whiteboard | Free | Quick sketches | ❌ | ✅ | Manual |
| Google Meet WB | Free | Google users | ❌ | ✅ | Auto (Drive) |
| Miro | Free–$8/mo | Visual learners | ❌ | ✅ | Auto |
| BitPaper | Free–$8/mo | Math/science | ✅ | ✅ | Auto |
| Excalidraw | Free | Quick diagrams | ❌ | ✅ | Export |
| Explain Everything | Free–$7/mo | Recorded lessons | ❌ | Limited | Auto |
| FigJam | Free | Interactive | ❌ | ✅ | Auto |
My recommendation
Math/science tutors: Start with BitPaper. The grid backgrounds and math-friendliness justify the small cost.
English/writing tutors: Google Docs (with screen share) is better than any whiteboard. Use Excalidraw or FigJam for occasional diagrams.
General tutors: Zoom or Google Meet's built-in whiteboard is fine for most sessions. Add Excalidraw when you need more space.
Budget of $0: Excalidraw (unlimited, free, no signup). Use it for everything.
Hardware matters too
The best whiteboard software is useless without good input. If you're writing on a whiteboard regularly:
Good: Mouse (workable but clunky)
Better: Drawing tablet like Wacom Intuos ($50–80) — massive improvement over a mouse
Best: iPad with Apple Pencil — the most natural writing experience for online tutoring
If you tutor math or science more than 5 hours/week, a drawing tablet pays for itself in better lesson quality.
Beyond the whiteboard: manage everything else
The whiteboard handles your lessons. But what about scheduling, payments, reminders, and student management?
Zutor handles the business side of tutoring: calendar with recurring lessons, payment tracking, automated Telegram and email reminders, a booking page, and analytics. So you can focus on what happens on the whiteboard.