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What Are Google Meet Whiteboard Tools?
Google Meet does not have a built-in whiteboard feature. If you need to draw, take notes, or brainstorm during a meeting, you must install a third-party whiteboard add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Several whiteboard tools can be opened directly within Google Meet, with the most common being Whiteboard for Google Meet and Collaborative Whiteboard. These tools share a common feature: no need to open a separate tab or share a link with colleagues—the host simply clicks from the Activities panel, and all participants enter the same whiteboard.
For most users, the decision usually comes down to three things: whether the free plan is sufficient, whether you'll suddenly be asked to pay, and whether the whiteboard content can be saved after the meeting ends.
Overview of 3 Google Meet Whiteboard Options
Before comparing, here's a quick rundown of the positioning and pricing of the three tools.
| Tool | Positioning | Free Plan | Paid Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteboard for Google Meet | Jamboard alternative | Viewers always free | Permanent storage, no extra account needed |
| Collaborative Whiteboard | Interactive collaborative whiteboard | Installable and usable | Storage and export features |
| Google Jamboard | Google's native whiteboard | Was free | Discontinued; not recommended for new users |
It's important to note that Google Jamboard is being phased out. If you're just starting to look for a Google Meet whiteboard solution, it's best to skip Jamboard and choose an add-on that is still actively updated.
Dimension 1: Installation and Activation Process
Whiteboard for Google Meet has a simple installation process: install it once from the Marketplace, then click it from the Activities panel in each meeting to launch. It emphasizes being "native within Google Meet," so there's no need to switch tabs or create an additional account.
Collaborative Whiteboard is also accessed via the Activities button in the bottom-right corner of Meet. After selecting the add-on, click "Start a whiteboard" to begin. However, one detail from the source is worth noting: if you're logged into multiple Google accounts in your browser, you may need to log out of the others and keep only the one you want to use for the add-on to work properly.
Google Jamboard, while previously well-integrated with Meet, is now in its sunset phase and is not recommended as a primary option.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet has the most straightforward activation process and is more user-friendly for the average person.
Dimension 2: Collaboration Barrier
Whiteboard for Google Meet's biggest selling point is that "all participants enter the same board together," with no need to share links or confirm "can everyone see my screen?" This saves a lot of back-and-forth time in meetings where you need to quickly gather ideas from everyone.
Collaborative Whiteboard also supports simultaneous collaboration for all participants, running directly in the browser without requiring additional software. The FAQ clearly states that all meeting participants can operate on the whiteboard at the same time, so there's little difference here.
Both tools are sufficient for basic collaboration; the real differences emerge in storage and management.
→ This dimension: It's a tie—both enable real-time collaboration during meetings.
Dimension 3: Storage and Post-Meeting Use
Whiteboard for Google Meet emphasizes "permanent storage for every whiteboard," directly addressing the biggest concern for Jamboard users—whether years of accumulated content will disappear overnight when the service shuts down. Permanent storage, plus the fact that viewers are always free, is very friendly for people who are occasionally pulled into meetings and only need to view content.
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Collaborative Whiteboard offers storage and export features, but its description doesn't emphasize a "permanent storage" promise as strongly. If you care about long-term retention of whiteboard content, this is something you'll need to verify further.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet is clearer in its storage commitment and edges ahead.
Dimension 4: Suitable Use Cases
Whiteboard for Google Meet is clearly designed for team co-creation: brainstorming, sprint retrospectives, decision ranking, and remote or hybrid meeting collaboration. It positions itself as a Jamboard replacement, making the transition easier for teams that previously used Jamboard for visual note-taking.
Collaborative Whiteboard feels more like a lightweight interactive canvas, suitable for quickly drawing diagrams or marking key points during meetings. Its feature description doesn't emphasize agile ceremonies or workshop scenarios, making it more general-purpose.
→ This dimension: Whiteboard for Google Meet offers more refined use-case alignment and is more practical for teams with established meeting workflows.
What Are the Unique Advantages of Each?
Unique advantages of Whiteboard for Google Meet:
- Natively integrated into the Meet Activities panel—no tab switching or extra account creation.
- Every whiteboard is permanently stored, reducing the risk of content loss after Jamboard's shutdown.
- Viewers are always free, so people pulled into a meeting at the last minute won't be blocked from seeing content due to payment.
- Its lightweight interface and fast loading make it a non-intrusive addition to meeting flow.
Unique advantages of Collaborative Whiteboard:
- Provides clear step-by-step guidance, from launching to using the toolbar.
- Runs directly in the browser, so participants don't need to install any software.
Summary: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you're looking for a Jamboard alternative and care about long-term whiteboard content retention → Whiteboard for Google Meet
- If you want everyone to jump in with one click during meetings, without dealing with links or tabs → Whiteboard for Google Meet
- If you only occasionally need a simple online canvas and don't have strong needs for permanent storage → Collaborative Whiteboard is also worth considering
- If you're still using Jamboard → It's best to export your content soon and switch to a tool that's still being updated
In a nutshell: For most Google Meet users, Whiteboard for Google Meet is the more complete choice at this stage. We recommend installing the free version and running a real test in your next meeting to see if the collaboration flow works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Google Meet have a built-in whiteboard feature?
No. Google Meet itself doesn't provide a whiteboard; you need to install a third-party add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Do I need to pay extra to use these whiteboard tools?
Whiteboard for Google Meet is always free for viewers, and Collaborative Whiteboard can also be installed and used from the Marketplace. Advanced features and storage benefits may come with paid plans, so check each tool's official page for details.
Can all meeting participants use the whiteboard together?
Yes, both tools support simultaneous collaboration for all meeting participants, and no individual software installation is required.
Can whiteboard content be saved or exported?
Yes. Whiteboard for Google Meet emphasizes permanent storage for every whiteboard, and Collaborative Whiteboard also offers storage and export features.
Why can't I find the whiteboard option in Google Meet?
Make sure the add-on is installed, and look for it under the Activities button in the bottom-right corner of the meeting screen. If you're using Collaborative Whiteboard and run into issues, try logging out of other Google accounts and keeping only the one you want to use.
Is Jamboard still usable?
Google Jamboard is in its sunset phase, and it's not recommended for new users. If you still have content on Jamboard, export it as soon as possible and migrate to another whiteboard tool.
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