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Whiteboard for Google Meet vs Collaborative Whiteboard: Quick Overview
Google Meet doesn't have a built-in whiteboard feature. In 2025, the most common way to draw, take notes, or brainstorm during meetings is to install an add-on. Currently, two options on the Google Workspace Marketplace are generating the most buzz: Whiteboard for Google Meet and Collaborative Whiteboard.
Whiteboard for Google Meet focuses on native integration—open it with one click from the Activities panel, and all participants are automatically taken to the same whiteboard without needing to open new tabs or share links. Collaborative Whiteboard, on the other hand, emphasizes a full-featured toolbar with multiple drawing tools and automatic sharing mechanisms.
This article compares them across four dimensions: installation and ease of access, real-time collaboration experience, storage and export, and free plan limitations—so you can quickly decide which one to install.
Dimension 1: Installation and Ease of Access
Collaborative Whiteboard works like this: join or start a Google Meet meeting, click the "Activities" button in the bottom-right corner, select Collaborative Whiteboard from the add-on list, and then click "Start a whiteboard" to begin collaborating. The process requires multiple clicks within the Activities panel, and first-time users may need a moment to find it.
Whiteboard for Google Meet also launches from the Activities panel, but its design is more straightforward—with one click, everyone in the meeting automatically joins the same whiteboard. No link sharing, no tab switching, and no asking "Can everyone see my screen?" This makes it significantly easier for participants who aren't familiar with add-ons.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet takes the edge with a more intuitive launch process.
Dimension 2: Real-Time Collaboration Experience
Collaborative Whiteboard's strength lies in its more complete toolbar, offering a variety of drawing tools that allow all participants to collaborate on the whiteboard simultaneously. It emphasizes running directly in the browser with no additional software installation, which is convenient for people joining meetings on the fly.
Whiteboard for Google Meet, meanwhile, focuses on being "lightweight" and "real-time." It loads quickly, has no heavy interface to learn, and all operations happen within the Meet window. For fast-paced meetings like sprint retrospectives and decision discussions, having fewer toolbar distractions makes it easier to stay focused on the content itself.
→ This dimension: It's a tie. If you need a rich set of drawing tools, go with Collaborative Whiteboard; if you prefer a lightweight, smooth experience, choose Whiteboard for Google Meet.
Dimension 3: Storage and Data Retention
Collaborative Whiteboard offers storage and export features, allowing users to save whiteboard content for later use. However, based on official documentation, there's no strong emphasis on permanent file management or long-term retention.
Whiteboard for Google Meet is more explicit in this regard. It positions itself as a Jamboard replacement, emphasizing that every whiteboard is saved permanently, so you don't have to worry about losing years of accumulated work if the service shuts down like Jamboard did. This provides significant peace of mind for teams with long-term brainstorming records or those who were caught off guard by Jamboard's discontinuation.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet clearly wins, as its promise of permanent storage better aligns with long-term team needs.
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Dimension 4: Free Plans and Pricing Logic
Collaborative Whiteboard doesn't disclose its pricing structure in search snippets; the boundaries of the free version and paid features need to be confirmed after installation.
Whiteboard for Google Meet's pricing logic is clearly stated: viewers are always free, and you won't be charged a seat fee just because someone needs to view the whiteboard content. This makes cost estimation easier for teams that occasionally invite external clients or cross-departmental colleagues to discussions.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet's transparency and free-viewer policy are more budget-friendly for cost-conscious teams.
What Are the Unique Advantages of Each?
Whiteboard for Google Meet's unique advantages lie in its native integration and Jamboard replacement positioning. It requires no additional accounts, no tab switching, and all whiteboards are automatically saved permanently. It's particularly well-suited for scenarios like sprint retrospectives, agile meetings, decision discussions, and remote brainstorming where you need to get into discussion mode quickly.
Another benefit is its lightweight nature. It loads fast, has no heavy toolbar to learn, and meeting hosts don't need to spend time teaching participants how to use it. For teams with varying levels of technical proficiency, this saves a lot of communication overhead.
Collaborative Whiteboard's unique advantage is its more complete toolbar with a wider range of drawing options. If you need more than simple lines and sticky notes—if you require more detailed visual expression—its tool richness will better meet your needs.
Summary: Which One Should You Choose?
• If you want one-click access where everyone automatically joins the same whiteboard without dealing with links and tabs → Whiteboard for Google Meet is the better fit
• If you've used Jamboard before and worry about losing whiteboard content, and want permanent storage → Whiteboard for Google Meet is the direct replacement
• If you need a more complete drawing toolbar and don't mind navigating a few extra menu layers → Give Collaborative Whiteboard a try
• If you only occasionally need to sketch a few things during meetings and don't want to pay for seats → Whiteboard for Google Meet's free-viewer policy is more cost-effective
In short, for most users conducting team brainstorming, sprint retrospectives, or decision discussions on Google Meet, Whiteboard for Google Meet is the more straightforward choice. We recommend installing the free version and trying it out in your next meeting to experience the smoothness of native integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Meet have a built-in whiteboard feature?
Google Meet doesn't have a built-in whiteboard. You need to install a whiteboard add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace to use one during meetings.
Can all participants use the whiteboard?
Yes. Both add-ons support all meeting participants collaborating on the whiteboard simultaneously without requiring additional software installation.
Can whiteboard content be saved?
Yes. Whiteboard for Google Meet emphasizes permanent storage, while Collaborative Whiteboard also offers storage and export features. We recommend confirming the save status before ending your meeting.
Do viewers need to pay?
Whiteboard for Google Meet's viewers are always free—you won't be charged a seat fee just for viewing whiteboard content. For Collaborative Whiteboard's pricing details, we suggest checking after installation.
Do I need to install additional software?
No. Both add-ons run directly within Google Meet in your browser; just open them from the Activities panel.
Can this replace Jamboard?
Whiteboard for Google Meet explicitly positions itself as a Jamboard replacement, emphasizing permanent storage of whiteboard content, making it suitable for teams that previously relied on Jamboard.
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