Why are smart boards so expensive?
Here is how much you should plan to spend to get a touch screen TV for your classroom or meeting room.
Smart boards are touch screen TV’s that are replacing projectors and whiteboards in most classrooms and meeting rooms. While it may look like a TV on the wall, a smart board enables you to write on the screen over your presentation, capture and distribute brainstorming sessions, and even email the session directly from the TV. Typical smart boards sold in 2022 have 4K resolution, built-in Android computers, and speakers. Although prices will vary based on features, warranty, and brand, here is a general guideline of the initial purchase price based on screen size.
- 65-inch smart board - $2000 - $3000
- 75-inch smart board - $2800 - $4000
- 86-inch smart board - $4200 - $6000
This article will detail the most important things you should look for when choosing your smart board and a guideline to how much the most popular features and accessories cost.
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
August 23, 2023
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa
Smart board cost
A smart board costs $2,000 to $6,000 for a mid-sized panel. Smart board prices are $4,000 to $10,000 for larger boards. The price of a smart board depends on the size, features, and brand. BenQ smart board prices are $3,000 to $5,000, with added safety features for classroom use.
Smart board cost - ChartSmart board cost calculator Board size Average unit cost* Best for Small smart boards(under 55 inches) $1,000 – $2,000 Home offices and small meeting spaces Medium smart boards
(55 – 65 inches) $2,000 – $6,000 Classrooms, conference rooms, and training centers Large smart boards
(75 – 96 inches) $4,000 – $10,000 Lecture halls and auditorium spaces
*Unit price does not include installation or setup.
Smart board uses
A smart board is a large interactive display that combines the features of a whiteboard and a computer. Users can write or draw directly on the touchscreen with a stylus or their fingers or input information through another device like a keyboard or pad. Common smart board uses include:
Classroom instruction
Work training sessions and teleconferences
Communal workspaces for scrums or other presentations
Group brainstorming sessions
Smart boards are also known as "smart whiteboards" and "digital whiteboards".
A businesswoman giving a presentation with a smart board during a meeting.Get free estimates from math tutors near you.
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Smart board cost factors
The smart board's size, screen resolution, features, installation method, brand quality, and add-ons all impact the total price.
Screen size & shape
The size of the smart board is one of the biggest factors affecting its price. While smaller screens are available, most consumers are looking for smart board sizes from 55" to 96" for optimal viewing in classrooms or office spaces.
Smart board cost by screen size - ChartSmart board costs by screen sizeSizeAverage unit cost*Up to 55"$1,000 – $2,00055" $2,000 – $4,00065"$3,000 – $5,00075"$4,000 – $6,00086"$5,000 – $9,00096"$7,000 – $10,000*Unit price does not include installation or setup.
Most smart boards include a wide screen and produce a picture that's visible across 178 degrees so the screen can be seen from nearly any angle in front of the display.
Screen resolution
Screen resolution is another consideration when selecting a smart board. The most common resolution is 3840 x 2160 or 4K UHD. This ultra-high resolution provides sharp, clear images ideal for presentations and other visual content. Higher resolutions are even sharper but also more expensive.
Another consideration is the screen's aspect ratio. The most common aspect ratio for HD content is 16:9, making it a good choice for watching movies. A 16:10 ratio provides more vertical space, which can be helpful for presentations with a lot of text or graphics.
A teacher using a smart board in a classroom.Features and functionality
Generally, the more features a board has, the more it will cost. Certain features make the touch board more user friendly and functional, whether for classroom or office use. The following table details common features you may want to consider adding when you are smart board shopping.
Smart board features and functions Feature Details Touch technology- Drives the interactive element of the display
- Automatically saves input to the cloud
- Provides access to your files from the smart board for convenience when doing presentations and collaborative work, but storage capacity is limited
- Can be more secure than other methods of file sharing, like USB drives and cloud storage
- Can be cost-effective since you don't need to purchase additional hardware or software
- Bluetooth connections limit the need for cords and cables.
- Provides plug-and-play access via a single cable for better speed and efficiency
- Replaces multiple cables with a single reversible cable for power, audio, and video
- Allows easy access when plugging in devices like laptops
- Allows multiple students or employees to work at the same time
- Standard screens allow 20 pens and fingers to process simultaneously
- More advanced screens offer 33-point touchpoint capabilities
- A built-in HD camera captures clear images for those attending meetings remotely.
- Built-in speakers eliminate additional cables.
- Front-facing speakers provide better sound.
- Subwoofers provide a more immersive sound experience.
- A series of microphones work to capture a surround sound effect for a better audio experience.
- Features like voice detection and noise cancellation also improve audio clarity.
- An ethernet port provides the most reliable wired connection for a smart board.
- Wi-Fi allows you to connect the smart board to your network and access the internet wirelessly.
- The bandwidth of your network will affect the smart board performance. If you have a lot of users on your network, make sure the smart board has the bandwidth to support them.
- The smart board should have encryption and authentication features to protect your data.
- Allows you to connect your printer and print directly from the screen
- Displays with blue light filters and flicker-free technology reduce eye strain and drowsiness with long periods of use.
- These products are manufactured or substantially transformed in the US.
Installation method
Another factor that impacts the installation costs is whether you choose a wall mount or rolling floor stand installation method. A wall mount costs $150 to $850 while a rolling floor stand costs $250 to $1,500 for the hardware alone.
Another cost to consider is the service charge for mounting and configuring the smart board system, which runs $100 to $500, depending on the system size and configuration. Some systems are simple plug-and-play, while others require hardwiring and integration with existing AV systems and remote access.
Smart board installation hardware prices Component Average price* Pros Cons Wall mount $150 – $850- Take up less room spaceEasier to clean and maintain
- Less likely to be damaged by bumps or knocks
- Can be mounted at any height
- More difficult to install
- Not as portableLimited viewing angles
- Easy to install
- More portable
- Easy to move and rotate for better viewing in the space
- Take up more room space
- More difficult to clean and maintain
- More likely to be damaged from accidental bumps
*Hardware prices do not include installation labor.
Two designers reviewing ideas on a smart board mounted on a floor stand.Add-ons
In addition to the cost of the smart board and mount, you also need to budget for tools, cables, software, shipping, and taxes, which increase the total purchase price.
Smart board add-on costs Component Average cost Purpose HDMI cables $5 – $30 Digital cables that carry audio and video signals between devices Stylus / annotating tools $25 – $200 Add notes and drawings to the smart board display Eraser tool $5 – $15 Erase notes from the board Whiteboard software Free – $600 per year Create and share whiteboards on the screen Presentation software Free – $150 per year Create and share presentations on the screen Interactive learning software Free – $2,000 per year(Limited number of users) Create interactive learning experiences for students Shipping and sales tax Free – $200 Costs vary depending on your location
Maintenance and repair costs
Smart boards are relatively easy to maintain and repair, and some repairs may be covered by the warranty depending on the time and cause of damage. Most manufacturers include a 3-year limited warranty on the interactive display and a 1- to 3-year warranty on the pen, eraser, and software.
Smart board maintenance and repair costs Maintenance Average cost per year Includes Minor repairs $50 – $100 Replacing lost or damaged pens or erasers Major repairs $200 – $300+ Replacing the projector bulb or fixing the touch sensitivity Software updates Free – $200 Some software updates and security patches are free, while some upgrades come at a cost, depending on the manufacturer. Extended warranty $100 – $500 Extends a regular warranty for up to 5 years depending on the brand, model, and regular warranty length.Warranties typically do not cover damage caused by:
Misuse or abuse
Power surges or lightning strikes
Damage caused by software defects
Smart board brands
There are many brands of smart boards available with different price points and features. The best brand for you depends on your budget and which features are important to you. The following table compares the prices and pros and cons for some well-known brands.
Smart board costs by brand Brand Average base price* Pros Cons BenQ $3,000 – $5,000- Brighter display
- Powerful cloud whiteboarding software ecosystem included for free
- Advanced classroom safety features like blue-light filters and flicker-free screen
- Difficult to install
- More fragile than other brands
- Require good internet connection to function properly
- Easy-to-use cloud-based whiteboard
- Tools for presentations, brainstorming, and notes
- Doesn't support simultaneous app usage
- Limited integrations may adjust workflows
- Large, high-resolution boards
- Very responsive
- Compatible with a variety of software applications
- Pens can be finicky and easy to lose
- Shorter lifespan than some other boards
- No microphone included
- Powerful and versatile board
- Responsive display
- Collaboration-focused
- Expensive; best for enterprises with higher budgets
- Closed integration with the Microsoft ecosystem
- Similar to a big iPad, making it easy to get used to
- Created for the classroom with more connection points and pre-built lesson plans for teachers
- Not a budget brand
- Not as portable as some other models
- Easy-to-use by all ages and abilities
- Bright displayIncludes remote management
- Costly repairs
- Susceptible to damage from dust and fingerprints
- Simple user experience and navigation
- Robust suite of built-in integrations including, Google Drive, Slack, MS Teams, Zoom, Asana, and OneDrive.
- Powerful multitasker shifting from app to app seamlessly
- More affordable than some well-known competitors
- Not as durable as some other boards
- Fewer features than more costly boards
- High-quality and durability even in their lowest price points
- Good for education and business with built-in cameras, speakers, and a variety of software programs
- Bulky and heavy, making them difficult to transport
- Not as responsive as other brandsPen can be fussy
*Base unit price. Delivery and installation fees not included.
Smart board FAQs
How much does a smart board cost?
A smart board costs $2,000 to $6,000 for the average 55" to 65" size. Smaller boards can cost as little as $300, but those are basically just a large iPad. Larger boards for auditorium use can cost $10,000 or more and typically offer multi-touch features for additional users.
What is a smart board and how does it work?
A smart board is a large interactive touchscreen that combines the features of a whiteboard and a computer. The smart board is made of a high-resolution display, a projector, and a computer.
A smart board works by using a projector to project the image from the computer onto the display. Users interact with the image using a pen or their fingers on the touchscreen display.
Where can I buy a smart board?
Smart boards are available at local office supply and electronics stores as well as online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Can a smart board be used as a white board?
Yes, most smart boards can be used to write and draw on like a traditional whiteboard. Whiteboard functions require a stylus or annotating tool costing $25 to $200 each and a special eraser tool costing $5 to $15 each.
How should I clean a smart board?
Cleaning the screen regularly to prevent dirt and grime build-up will extend the life of your smart board. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers and alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners that can damage the screen. To clean the board, follow these simple steps:
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Turn off the smart board.
Wipe down the screen with a damp, lint-free cloth.
Use a mild soap solution for stubborn dirt or grime.
Wipe the screen dry with a clean, dry cloth.
Turn on the smart board and check to make sure it is clean.
Repeat the above steps, as necessary.
Tips for buying a smart board
Here are some tips to consider when buying a smart board for your home, school, or office:
Look for a smart board that fits within your budget.
Think about the size of the space and select a board that provides optimal viewing for everyone.
Consider whether a wall-mount or floor stand best suits your space.
Decide what features are important to you, such as screen resolution, touch sensitivity, built-in cameras or speakers, and software compatibility.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, read online reviews for different smart board brands.
Ask friends and colleagues with smart boards about their experiences and recommendations.
How we get this data
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.
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