Think there are no 'best' whiteboard markers? Think again. There are countless different options for whiteboard markers - some write on different materials, some have differently shaped tips, and some are just plain fancier than others. Thankfully, we've compiled a detailed overview on how to find the best whiteboard markers for your needs, whether you're in an office, classroom, or just at home.
Let's dig in.
In a hurry? Here's our overall winner
For a high-quality, all purpose dry erase marker that works on glass surfaces, melamine surfaces, and porcelain surfaces, we recommend the BIC Intensity Advanced Dry Eraser Marker, Chisel Tip, 4 Count, at $4.99.
This ACMI approved non-toxic marker has long-lasting liquid ink with a visible ink level, so you'll never be shocked by a dried-out whiteboard marker again.
Of course, there are also other factors to take into consideration. If you’re buying whiteboard markers for a classroom, for example, you’ll need to find ones that are easy for children to use. This likely means easy to grip, slow-drying, and washable.
Keep in mind what you’ll use your whiteboard markers for, how much use they’ll get, and who will be using them. This will help you choose the correct products. Our helpful whiteboard marker guide will help you discover which products are the best for you.
Click here to go straight to our specialty picks:
- The Best Glass Whiteboard Markers
- The Best Whiteboard Markers for Children
- The Best Mini Whiteboard Markers
- The Best Dry Erase Paint Markers
- The Best Colored Dry Erase Markers
What Makes the Best Whiteboard Markers?
You may still be thinking that a whiteboard marker is just a whiteboard marker. But these tools tend to get a lot of use in offices and classrooms, so you want to choose a product that will hold up. So what are the qualities of a good whiteboard marker?
Good ink quality. Whiteboard markers are used to write and draw on whiteboards. These are usually seen at from afar. It is vital that your audience can see what you are writing.
What Features Should You Consider When Buying Whiteboard Markers?
When you are buying whiteboard markers, consider the following:
Size (both of the tip and the entire marker)
What material the markers will write on
Whether they are washable
Options for buying and storing in bulk
Odor, since some whiteboard markers have a strong odor. While this is not an issue for many people, extended exposure can induce nausea or headaches
Seal of Safety Approval
The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) exists to certify safety in art and creative materials. Its AP Seal (Approved Product Seal) “identifies art materials that are safe and that are certified in a toxicological evaluation by a medical expert to contain no materials in sufficient quantities to be toxic or injurious to humans, including children, or to cause acute or chronic health problems.”
You should always look for this seal when buying dry erase markers or writing tools of any kind to ensure all health standards are being met!
What Kinds of Whiteboard Markers Are Available to You?
You can buy several kinds of whiteboard markers. Some have special features, such as being made to write on a specific kind of material. Whiteboards can be made from glass, porcelain, or melamine, so you will need to make sure you buy a marker that is compatible with your board.
There is also a range of whiteboard marker sizing. This is important to consider for both those using the markers (such as children, who may have a difficult time gripping smaller sizes) and their intended use. There are also options for fine-tip dry erase markers and mini dry erase markers that work best with smaller whiteboards.
Glass Whiteboard Markers
Glass whiteboard markers are intended for use with glass-surface whiteboards. Their ink is formulated to wipe off of glass smoothly and easily without leaving streaks. They are often thick and heavily inked. This makes them the perfect choice for a classroom or boardroom setting where many people need to clearly see a whiteboard.
If you have a glass whiteboard, you need to make sure you are using the best markers for a glass whiteboard. Specialized markers ensure you won’t damage your whiteboard with streaks or residue over long-term use.
When comparing the best dry erase markers for glass, make sure you look for ones with an ergonomic shape. This ensures that you can use them comfortably for long periods of time.
Our pick for the best glass whiteboard markers:
Quarter Premium Glass Board Dry Erase Markers
4 Count, $10.50
Whiteboard Markers for Children
If you are planning to use whiteboard markers in a classroom setting, you should consider a few things. If your students are a little older, they can handle standard dry erase markers that are suited to your whiteboard. However, if you have younger children using dry erase markers, you will need to make some provisions. These will depend largely on your classroom needs and the age of your students.
The best dry erase markers for kids are washable. Children tend to draw on their own hands and clothes Luckily, there are many options for children’s whiteboard markers that wash off with regular soap and water.
Depending on the age of your students, you may also want to consider the size of your dry erase markers. Very young children are still learning to write and may have a difficult time holding a small or fine-tip dry erase marker. For this reason, the best whiteboard markers for young students may be larger and easier to grip. You can also find child-friendly whiteboard markers in bulk for classroom needs.
Our pick for the whiteboard markers for children:
Crayola Fine Line Washable Dry Erase Markers
12 Count, $6.99
Mini Whiteboard Markers
You may not think mini whiteboard markers are necessary. After all, why use a small marker when a large one could work just as well? However, whiteboard markers can be used in professional, educational, and home settings. Many people use washable markers on a dry erase board on the front of their refrigerator. Schools have also begun to use small dry erase boards for classroom assignments. These require the best fine-tip dry erase markers in smaller sizes for easy use.
Mini whiteboards can come in a variety of materials, just like their bigger counterparts. For this reason, you may want to make sure you are buying dry erase markers for glass boards, porcelain boards, or melamine boards, no matter what their size.
If you use a small whiteboard at home or in the classroom, you may want to look into the best fine-point dry erase markers in your preferred size.
Our pick for the best mini whiteboard markers:
Ubrands Mini Dry Erase Markers
6 Count, $3.99
Other Types of Permanent and Washable Whiteboard Markers
The above markers are the main types of dry erase markers. However, you should also consider some special types of whiteboard markers depending on your needs.
Dry Erase Paint Markers
Dry erase paint markers have thick, paint-like ink that is heavily layered. They are intended for long-term or permanent use. For this reason, they aren’t suitable for actual whiteboards, unless you don’t intend to use those whiteboards again!
Although these are not suitable as dry erase markers for glass boards, they have many uses in crafting and other classroom projects. They are also well-suited for drawing and writing on materials like stone, paper, and building materials.
Our pick for the best dry erase paint markers:
Quartet Fine-Tip Dry Erase Markers
12 Count, $9.99
Colored Dry Erase Markers
Whiteboards, as the name implies, are usually white. However, you can find dry erase boards in other colors, similar to traditional chalkboards. If you have a darker board, you may find yourself wondering where you can find the best markers for a black dry erase board. Fortunately, you can find many markers that are suited for writing on any color surface.
Our pick for the best colored dry erase markers:
Expo Chisel Tip Dry Erase Marker Pack in Assorted Colors
16 Count, $22.49
Need a whiteboard?
If you’re still in the market for a classroom, office, or home whiteboard, check out our array of whiteboards in several sizes and combination boards with whiteboard and corkboard.
Finding the best dry erase markers for your needs may be challenging. However, by familiarizing yourself with your needs and the material of your dry erase board, you can find the best whiteboard markers available. There are hundreds of options that are both affordable and high-quality. Choosing the right products for your situation will save you money both in the short and long term.
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1 comment
noah enholm
These markers got the job done and did a very good job. I wanted bright colors for all the parades we participated in quarantine. They really stand out, especially on tinted windows. Easy to wash off with a clean window cleaner and paper towel.