A whiteboard is one of the most practical tools in any office, but the wrong type creates more friction than it solves. A magnetic whiteboard suits everyday budget-conscious use in a fixed meeting room. A glass whiteboard suits premium spaces where appearance and low maintenance matter. A mobile whiteboard suits flexible environments where the board needs to move between rooms or be stored away. This whiteboard buying guide covers all three types so you can match the right option to your office setup, room size, and budget before you buy.
Here is a side-by-side summary of the three main whiteboard types to orient your decision.
| Feature | Magnetic Whiteboard | Glass Whiteboard | Mobile Whiteboard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday use, fixed rooms | Premium spaces, client areas | Flexible, multi-purpose rooms |
| Surface | Steel-backed melamine or porcelain | Tempered glass | Melamine or porcelain on frame |
| Magnetic | Yes | No (most models) | Varies by model |
| Maintenance | Moderate, can ghost over time | Low, wipes clean easily | Moderate |
| Price range (AUD) | Most accessible | Higher investment | Mid-range |
Whiteboards with a magnetic surface are the most widely used option in Australian offices. The steel-backed surface accepts magnets, which makes them useful for pinning documents, notes, and visual aids alongside written content. This dual function adds practical value in meeting rooms, training spaces, and team areas where information needs to be displayed as well as written.
Melamine-surface magnetic whiteboards are the most affordable entry point and suit light to moderate use. Porcelain-surface models cost more but resist ghosting and staining significantly better, making them the right choice for boards that will be used heavily every day.
Wall-mounted magnetic whiteboards are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact 600 x 900 mm options for small offices to large 1200 x 2400 mm boards for training rooms and open-plan spaces. Most include a basic aluminium frame and a tray for markers and erasers.
Glass whiteboards use a tempered glass surface that is non-porous, which means marker ink sits on the surface rather than being absorbed into it. The practical result is that they wipe clean with minimal effort and do not ghost or stain over time the way melamine surfaces can.
The visual appearance is also distinct. Glass whiteboards have a sleek, frameless look that suits boardrooms, client-facing meeting rooms, and executive offices where the aesthetic of the space matters. They are available in clear, white, and coloured glass options, with frosted and tinted finishes also common.
The trade-off is price and magnetic function. Glass whiteboards are a higher upfront investment than magnetic alternatives, and most models are not magnetic. If you need to pin documents to the board, a magnetic whiteboard or a separate pinboard is a better fit.
Mobile whiteboards are mounted on a wheeled frame that allows them to be moved between rooms, repositioned within a space, or stored away when not in use. This makes them the practical choice for offices that do not have a dedicated meeting room, or for spaces that serve multiple purposes throughout the day.
Most mobile whiteboards are double-sided, which effectively doubles the usable writing surface without increasing the footprint. The frame typically includes locking castors to keep the board stable during use and allow it to be secured in position when needed.
Mobile whiteboards are available in both melamine and porcelain surface options. For offices that move the board frequently and use it heavily, a porcelain surface is worth the additional cost for its durability and resistance to ghosting.
The right size depends on the room dimensions and how many people will be viewing the board at once. As a general guide, allow at least 900 mm of width for a small meeting room of four to six people, and 1200 mm or more for larger groups. Wall-mounted boards require a solid fixing point and should be positioned at a height that is comfortable for both seated and standing viewers. Mobile boards offer more flexibility but need adequate floor space to manoeuvre.
Melamine whiteboards are the most affordable option but require more regular cleaning and are more prone to ghosting over time. Porcelain surfaces cost more upfront but last longer and maintain their writing quality with less effort. Glass whiteboards sit at the premium end and offer the lowest ongoing maintenance. For more on setting up a productive workspace without overspending, see these office desk accessories that improve productivity.
Fixed meeting rooms with a consistent layout suit wall-mounted magnetic or glass whiteboards. Flexible or shared spaces suit mobile whiteboards that can be repositioned as needed. Client-facing boardrooms and executive spaces benefit from the clean aesthetic of a glass whiteboard. Training rooms and team areas where documents need to be displayed alongside written content are best served by a large magnetic whiteboard. For a broader look at the accessories that make a real difference in daily office use, see must-have office accessories that enhance productivity.
EasyMart delivers Australia-wide, with warehouses in VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, and SA. That five-state network means shorter transit times for most metropolitan and regional addresses, with free warehouse pickup available if you prefer to collect in person.
For businesses fitting out multiple meeting rooms or ordering whiteboards alongside other office furniture, custom bulk-order quotes are available. Payment is straightforward, with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay all accepted. Our 24/7 customer support team is available if you need help at any stage.
Ready to find the right board for your space? Browse our office accessories range to compare whiteboards and other workspace essentials.
What is the difference between a magnetic and a glass whiteboard?|||A magnetic whiteboard has a steel-backed surface that accepts magnets, allowing you to pin documents and notes alongside written content. A glass whiteboard uses a tempered glass surface that does not accept magnets in most models, but offers a cleaner aesthetic and is easier to maintain over time. The right choice depends on whether magnetic function or low maintenance is the higher priority for your space.@@@Are mobile whiteboards easy to move between rooms?|||Yes. Mobile whiteboards are mounted on a wheeled frame with locking castors, which makes them straightforward to move across flat surfaces. Most standard office floors, including carpet tiles, polished concrete, and timber, are suitable. The locking castors keep the board stable during use and prevent it from rolling when you need it to stay in position.@@@How do I clean a glass whiteboard without streaking?|||Use a dry microfibre cloth for everyday cleaning after erasing. For a deeper clean, a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth removes residue without streaking. Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough cloths, which can scratch the glass surface over time. Glass whiteboards are significantly easier to clean than melamine alternatives and rarely require anything beyond a dry wipe.@@@What size whiteboard is best for a small meeting room?|||For a small meeting room of four to six people, a whiteboard between 900 mm and 1200 mm wide is generally sufficient. The board should be visible from all seats in the room without requiring viewers to strain or reposition. If the room is used for presentations or training as well as meetings, a larger board in the 1200 to 1500 mm range gives more usable writing space.@@@
