20 Best Mural Alternatives Reviewed in 2024
Best Mural Alternatives Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the top 10 tools from the 20 reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Mural is a valuable tool for teams who require a more collaborative software for visual projects. However, it may not be the right fit for every team. Whether you're looking to enhance real-time collaboration, improve design thinking workshops, or simply want a tool that fits better with your team's unique workflow, there are numerous alternatives worth considering.
To help you find the best Mural alternatives, I researched and reviewed various software, accounting for things such as pricing, pros and cons, and overall effectiveness. Using my in-depth reviews, you will be able to find the ideal tool to foster creativity and efficiency in your team and successfully win at work.
What is Mural?
Mural is a digital workspace for visual collaboration, designed to enhance team creativity and productivity through virtual whiteboarding. It allows users to create, share, and collaborate on visual content such as diagrams, flowcharts, and sticky notes in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
Why Use a Mural Alternative
While Mural is a valuable tool for remote collaboration and design, it may not exactly fit your team’s needs. You might be looking for an alternative to Mural if you’re concerned about:
- Cost: Mural's pricing structure may prove to be beyond the budgetary constraints of your team or organization, potentially making it a less viable option for cost-conscious businesses.
- Features: If Mural does not include certain key features essential for your workflows, such as advanced data analytics or customizable templates, it might not fully meet your project needs.
- User Interface: You might find Mural’s user interface to be less intuitive or visually appealing compared to other collaborative tools on the market.
- Integration: Mural may not integrate as seamlessly with other tools you use daily, such as project management software or CRM systems, leading to inefficiencies in your workflow.
- Performance: Should you encounter performance issues with Mural, such as slow load times or glitches during high-volume interactions, it can significantly disrupt your team's collaboration efforts.
Alternatives to Mural can provide unique features, better integration, and improved performance that align with your specific needs and preferences. They can also offer more budget-friendly options and different user interfaces that might suit your workflow better.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As digital project managers, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.
Best Mural Alternatives Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Figma | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Airtable | From $20/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ProofHub | From $79/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Coda | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Evernote Teams | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Milanote | From $12.50/user/month | Website |
| Microsoft Whiteboard | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Miro | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Lucidspark | From $7.95/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Smartsheet | From $26/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available. | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare Software-
ClickUp
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Mural Alternatives Reviews
Below, I will provide an in-depth analysis and overview of each Mural alternative. I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each tool, their features, and their best use cases.
Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that allows teams to design, prototype, and collaborate in real-time. It’s best for collaborative interface design due to its robust real-time collaboration features and advanced design tools.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Figma is a good alternative to Mural for design teams that require precise design tools along with collaborative features. It offers a wide-range of interface design capabilities, from wireframing to prototyping. This makes Figma particularly effective for teams engaged in UX/UI projects where detailed design work is crucial, yet the need for real-time collaboration is equally important.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include vector graphics editing, real-time collaboration, prototyping, component library, responsive design, auto layout, version control, plugins, drag-and-drop interface, and cloud storage.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Dropbox, Zeplin, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Teams, Notion, GitHub, and Google Drive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive plugin and integration support
- Comprehensive design and prototyping tools
- Real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Steeper learning curve for new users
Airtable is a next-gen app-building platform that allows teams to create custom business apps without coding. It’s best for building custom business apps without code due to its intuitive interface and powerful features that enable non-developers to create sophisticated applications.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Airtable offers a highly customizable platform that can be tailored to various business needs. Its no-code app-building capabilities stand out, allowing teams to create and manage workflows efficiently. Airtable is a good Mural alternative because it combines the functionalities of a database with the flexibility of a spreadsheet, enabling teams to organize and manage projects visually and collaboratively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates, real-time collaboration, drag-and-drop interface, powerful filtering and sorting, automated workflows, attachment handling, Kanban boards, calendar views, form creation, rich field types, revision history, detailed permissions, and mobile app support.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Salesforce, Jira, Zendesk, Dropbox, Box, GitHub, Asana, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful automation features
- Extensive integration options
- Highly customizable without coding
Cons:
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Can be expensive for larger teams
ProofHub is an advanced project management and team collaboration tool designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. It's best for unified communication because it integrates task assignment, file sharing, discussions, and real-time chat, ensuring that all team members stay aligned and informed.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
ProofHub provides a detailed suite of project management tools. Its integrated approach combines task management, scheduling, file sharing, and communication within a single platform. This cohesion allows teams to efficiently manage entire projects from initiation to completion, including detailed planning and tracking, which is important for teams requiring precise project oversight and effective coordination among various project components.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include task management, time tracking, custom workflows, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, collaboration tools, file sharing, online proofing, project templates, reports and analytics, discussions, notes, calendar, milestones, project manager's overview, real-time notifications, and mobile app support.
ProofHub integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, iCal, Outlook, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust reporting and analytics
- Comprehensive project management features
- Flat pricing with no per-user fee
Cons:
- Higher cost for monthly billing compared to annual billing
- No free plan available
Coda is a collaborative workspace that combines documents, spreadsheets, and apps into a single platform. It’s best for an all-in-one collaborative workspace with an AI assistant, offering tools to streamline work processes and enhance team collaboration.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Coda is valuable for transforming narrative documents into actionable and interactive tools, enabling everything from project management to creating dynamic data-driven documents. Its AI assistant and extensive integration capabilities make it stand out for teams looking to consolidate their workflow into one platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include interactive documents that support real-time data, formulas, and automation, customizable templates, and an AI assistant.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Slack, Figma, Jira, Zoom, Trello, GitHub, Salesforce, Dropbox, and Asana.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration capabilities
- AI assistant for enhanced productivity
- Versatile and customizable templates
Cons:
- Requires learning curve for new users
- Higher cost for larger teams
Evernote Teams is a productivity tool designed to help teams collaborate and manage tasks efficiently. It’s best for seamless collaboration and productivity due to its in-depth features that allow team members to manage notes, tasks, and schedules in one centralized place.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Evernote Teams provides an advanced suite of collaboration tools that can rival Mural's capabilities. Its ability to integrate with various productivity apps and provide real-time collaboration makes it a strong contender. Additionally, its focus on note-taking and task management adds a layer of functionality that is essential for team productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include shared notebooks, real-time note synchronization, document scanning, rich text note formatting, task management, advanced search capabilities, templates, note linking, offline access, and custom permission settings for team members.
Integrations include Google Drive, Slack, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Zapier, Trello, Asana, Dropbox, and Gmail.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- Robust security features
- Advanced search capabilities
Cons:
- Can be complex to set up initially
- Requires annual billing for the lowest price
Milanote is a collaborative whiteboard designed to help users organize and envision their creative projects. It’s best for organizing creative projects visually due to its flexible drag-and-drop interface that allows users to arrange notes, images, and links in a way that makes sense for their projects.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Milanote is a strong alternative to Mural, particularly for users seeking an intuitive and visually-oriented platform for organizing projects and creative workflows. It offers a flexible and user-friendly interface that allows for easy drag-and-drop of images, links, notes, and files, making it ideal for designers, writers, and marketers who need to visualize their ideas and projects comprehensively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a drag-and-drop interface, support for various file types, tagging and categorization, to-do lists, notes and comments, mobile app availability, and secure cloud storage.
Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Unsplash, Adobe Creative Cloud, Trello, Asana, Evernote, Microsoft OneDrive, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong collaboration features
- Supports various file types
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- Entirely cloud-based with no offline access
- Strong collaboration features
Microsoft Whiteboard is a digital whiteboard app designed for flexible work and learning. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for users already within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Microsoft Whiteboard serves as an effective alternative to Mural, especially for those integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, offering seamless collaboration across devices and platforms. Its integration with other Microsoft Office tools, such as Teams and OneNote, provides a cohesive and flexible digital workspace for collaborative projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates, inking, sticky notes, and Loop components that sync across chats, meetings, emails, and documents. It also supports collaboration in Microsoft Teams, making it easy to visualize ideas and work creatively with your team.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Outlook, OneNote, SharePoint, Surface Hub, Windows 11, iOS, Android, and Azure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Variety of templates and inking options
- Supports real-time collaboration in Microsoft Teams
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
Cons:
- Requires Microsoft 365 subscription for full functionality
- Limited features compared to some standalone whiteboarding tools
Miro is a visual workspace tool designed to foster innovation and collaboration among teams during brainstorming sessions. It’s best for visual workspace for innovation due to its extensive suite of features that support diagramming, real-time data visualization, and workshop facilitation.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Miro provides a valuable environment tailored for complex diagramming, mapping, and brainstorming, which is essential for in-person and remote teams who are all about innovation and creation. Miro stands out with its scalable workspace and extensive integration capabilities, helping you visualize and develop ideas more effectively than typical digital whiteboards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an infinite canvas, pre-built templates, real-time collaboration, sticky notes, drawing tools, presentation mode, voting, timers, chat, video conferencing, Kanban boards, mind maps, and project tracking capabilities.
Integrations include Jira, Azure DevOps, Asana, Zoom, Teams, Slack, Smartsheet, monday.com, and ClickUp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports real-time and asynchronous collaboration
- Integrates with over 130 tools
- Comprehensive suite of features for innovation
Cons:
- Higher learning curve for advanced features
- Can be overwhelming for new users
Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard tool designed for real-time collaboration and brainstorming. It excels in providing an intuitive platform for teams to ideate and share feedback dynamically.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Lucidspark enhances real-time interaction and collaboration, providing a smooth experience for teams to brainstorm and develop ideas together. Its specialized tools for facilitation, like voting and timers, make it a strong choice for structured brainstorming sessions, and a good alternative to Mural.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an infinite canvas for brainstorming, dynamic mind maps, and collaborative AI to identify key themes and summarize sessions. It also offers templates for various use cases like project planning and user research.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Jira, Confluence, Zoom, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaborative AI for summarizing sessions
- Strong integration with other tools
- Intuitive and easy to use
Cons:
- Some users find the export feature cumbersome
- Can be expensive for small teams
Smartsheet is a valued work management platform designed to manage projects, automate workflows, and build solutions at scale. It’s best for enterprise work management and automation due to its extensive features that support large-scale project management, team collaboration, and process automation.
Why it's a good Mural alternative:
Smartsheet offers structured project management tools and automation capabilities that are essential for managing complex, enterprise-level projects. It provides detailed project tracking, automated workflows, and extensive reporting features necessary for comprehensive project oversight and execution.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include project management, team collaboration, dashboards, reporting, and automation. It also provides advanced capabilities for secure request management, data integrations, and intelligent workflows.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud, Power BI, Tableau, DocuSign, Salesforce, Jira, and ServiceNow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable for enterprise use
- Extensive integrations with other tools
- Robust project management features
Cons:
- Limited visualization options
- Can be complex for new users
Other Mural Alternatives
Below is a list of additional Mural alternatives that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
Related Project Management Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Mural Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting alternatives to Mural, it’s important to focus on functionality and meeting specific use cases that matter most. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Real-time collaboration
- Visual brainstorming
- Workflow management
- Integration with other tools
- Customizable templates
Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score
- Unique features and functionality not offered by the competition
- Tools that leverage new and innovative features
- Exploring and testing for functionality that goes beyond generic use cases
Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Power and complexity vs ease of use
- Interface design aesthetic
- Intuitive navigation
- Customizable user settings
- Accessibility features
Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Quick, simple, and easy onboarding
- Availability of training videos
- Templates and interactive product tours
- Chatbots and webinars
- Comprehensive documentation
Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Multiple support channels (email, chat, phone)
- Response time and resolution efficiency
- Quality of support resources (FAQs, knowledge base)
- User community and forums
Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Free trial or demo availability
- Cost vs. features offered
- Discounts for long-term commitments
Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Specific feedback on usability and functionality
- Commonly reported issues
- Praise for standout features
- Comparison with competitors
Key Features to Look for in Mural Alternatives
Here are some key features of Mural that your alternative software should be able to replicate or improve upon in order to be a good fit:
- Sticky Notes & Text: Sticky notes and text boxes are essential for adding ideas and action items during brainstorming sessions, making them customizable in color and size to suit different themes or priorities. This flexibility allows participants to express and organize their thoughts effectively within a collaborative environment.
- Infinite & Resizable Canvas: An infinite and resizable canvas is vital as it provides the space needed to expand ideas without constraints, accommodating everything from small teams to large-scale collaborative efforts. This adaptability ensures that all pertinent information and ideas can be captured and explored in one expansive workspace.
- Flexible Permissions: Implementing flexible permissions in a collaborative tool is important to manage who can view or edit content, ensuring that sensitive information remains controlled while still promoting collaboration. Settings like view-only, edit, and facilitator roles help manage contributions and maintain the integrity of the collaboration process.
- Mapping & Diagramming: Tools for mapping and diagramming are vital for visually representing workflows, processes, or organizational structures, making complex information easier to understand and share. These capabilities allow teams to create clear and actionable visualizations that enhance communication and planning.
- Icons, GIFs, & Images: Integrations with resources like the Noun Project, GIPHY, and Unsplash enrich the visual impact of collaborations, allowing users to express ideas more dynamically and engagingly. These visual elements help capture attention and convey messages more effectively within a digital workspace.
- Custom Templates: Custom templates save time and ensure consistency across projects by allowing organizations to standardize processes and workflows. This feature helps in quickly setting up new projects or meetings, ensuring all team members are aligned with the organization’s methodologies.
- Facilitation Tools: Facilitation tools such as timers, participant summoning, and private mode are essential for conducting effective and efficient meetings. These tools help manage time, engage participants, and maintain focus during collaborative sessions, ensuring that objectives are met smoothly.
- Commenting & Text Chat: Commenting and text chat features enable ongoing communication within a collaborative platform, allowing team members to leave feedback, clarify points, and discuss ideas asynchronously. This continuous interaction enhances the collaboration process, keeping everyone engaged and informed.
- Integrations: The ability to integrate with existing productivity tools is critical for enhancing workflows by ensuring seamless transitions between different platforms and minimizing disruptions. This connectivity supports a more streamlined and efficient work process, leveraging familiar tools within the collaborative environment.
- Security: Ensuring strong security measures is paramount to protect sensitive data and maintain trust among users. Robust security protocols safeguard information from unauthorized access and digital threats, important for upholding privacy and compliance standards in any collaborative tool.
What’s Next?
Subscribe to the DPM newsletter to get regular updates when we publish fresh how-to guides and articles on digital project management topics.