Think about the job first: each Miro alternative is strongest at something different. Mural and FigJam suit workshops and brainstorms, Microsoft Whiteboard and Canva whiteboards suit you if you already use those tools, Lucid and Whimsical suit diagrams and flowcharts, and Excalidraw is a free, open source option for quick sketches.
Miro does a lot. That's the reason some small teams look elsewhere. They open it for a simple brainstorm and find a toolbox of templates, plug-ins and plan limits they never asked for.
So here's how I'd choose. Don't start by comparing feature lists. Start with the job you need the board to do, and then pick the lightest tool that does it well. Always check each provider's current plans for limits on boards, collaborators and exports before you commit.
Job one: workshops and brainstorms
If your main use is running a session with a group, you want sticky notes, voting, timers and an easy way to keep everyone focused.
Mural
Mural is built for facilitated workshops. It has templates for planning and ideas sessions, and tools that help a facilitator guide people through an exercise. It suits consultants and teams that run structured sessions with clients. The limit is that it's more than you need for a casual sketch.
FigJam
FigJam is the whiteboard from the team behind Figma. It's friendly, fast and designed for team brainstorms, with stickers, stamps and simple voting. It suits teams that already work with Figma, and anyone who wants a light, playful board. The limit is that it's less deep for complex diagrams than dedicated diagram tools.
If you're planning a session and want ideas on how to run it, my tips for a successful brainstorming session apply to any of these boards.
Job two: use what you already have
The easiest tool to adopt is the one your team already has open all day. Before you pay for another subscription, check whether one of these does the job.
- Microsoft Whiteboard. It sits inside the Microsoft world and works with Teams meetings. It suits organisations already using Microsoft tools. The limit is that its templates and features are simpler.
- Canva whiteboards. If you already design in Canva, its whiteboard lets you brainstorm and then drop in graphics. It suits small businesses and marketers. The limit is that it's less suited to formal facilitation.
- ClickUp whiteboards. If your tasks live in ClickUp, a whiteboard in the same place means ideas can turn into tasks quickly. The limit is that it's tied to that tool.
- Notion. If your notes live in Notion, you can embed a board from another tool in a page, so it all sits in one place.
Job three: diagrams and flowcharts
If your boards are mostly boxes and arrows, such as process maps, site maps or customer journeys, look at a tool made for diagrams.
Lucid
Lucid (the company behind Lucidchart and Lucidspark) covers both diagramming and whiteboarding. It suits teams that need detailed flowcharts and org charts as well as brainstorming. The limit is that it's heavier than a quick sketch tool.
Whimsical
Whimsical is known for being quick and tidy. It covers flowcharts, wireframes and mind maps in a clean interface. It suits owners and small teams who want neat diagrams without fuss. The limit is that it's less of an open canvas for freeform workshops.
If you're mapping out how prospects become customers, a visual map helps. See my guide on how to mind map prospects and turn them into customers for a practical way to use these boards.
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Job four: free and open source
Excalidraw
Excalidraw is an open source whiteboard that runs in your browser. Its hand-drawn look is friendly, and it's great for quick sketches and sharing a link. It suits solo owners, developers and anyone who wants something simple without an account. The limit is that it has fewer structured features for big workshops, so it's best for light collaboration.
How to run a remote brainstorm on any board
The tool won't save a messy session. Here's a simple process that works whichever board you pick.
- Set the question. Write one clear question at the top of the board, such as how we can get more repeat customers.
- Share the board first. Send the link before the session so people can open it and check it works on their device.
- Think alone first. Give everyone a few quiet minutes to add their own sticky notes before anyone discusses anything.
- Group the ideas. Together, drag similar notes into clusters and give each cluster a name.
- Vote. Let each person pick their favourites, using the voting feature if the tool has one or dots and stickers if it doesn't.
- Choose next steps. End with who does what, and by when. Copy the actions into your task manager.
- Save the result. Export the board as an image or PDF so people can find it later.
Keep sessions short. If people are staring at a blank board, it usually means the question was too big. Break it down and try again. It also helps to have one person own the board, tidy it as you go, and keep an eye on the time, so the session ends with decisions and not just a pile of notes.
Miro alternatives at a glance
| Tool | Suits | Main strength | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mural | Facilitated workshops | Structured session tools | More than you need for sketches |
| FigJam | Friendly team brainstorms | Fast and playful | Lighter for complex diagrams |
| Microsoft Whiteboard | Microsoft-based teams | Works with Teams | Simpler features |
| Canva whiteboards | Marketers and small businesses | Design tools alongside the board | Less formal facilitation |
| Lucid | Detailed diagrams | Flowcharts and whiteboards in one | Heavier to learn |
| Whimsical | Tidy diagrams and maps | Quick and clean | Less open for freeform work |
| Excalidraw | Quick free sketches | Simple, open source | Fewer structured features |
To compare more options, see my roundup of the best online whiteboard tools. Whichever you pick, run a real session on it with two or three colleagues before you move everything across. That quick trial will show you what feels slow or confusing far sooner than a feature list will.
Make a whiteboard tool? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free alternative to Miro?
Excalidraw is a free, open source option that runs in your browser. Many tools above also have free plans, so check the current limits on boards and collaborators.
Is FigJam better than Miro?
It depends. FigJam is lighter and friendlier, which suits quick team brainstorms. Miro has a much bigger toolbox. Choose based on whether you want simplicity or depth.
Can I use Microsoft Whiteboard instead of Miro?
Yes, for many everyday sessions, especially if your team already works in Microsoft apps and Teams. It has simpler features, so check it covers what you need.
Which whiteboard is best for flowcharts?
Lucid and Whimsical are made for diagrams. Lucid goes deeper, and Whimsical is quicker and tidier for small teams.
Can I move my boards out of Miro?
You can usually export boards as images or PDFs, but check what your plan allows. Do a test export before you leave so you know what you'll keep.
