How much does a smart board cost for a school?

With their transformative influence on learning and collaborative work environments, smart boards have been increasingly adopted in schools, offices, and other settings.

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These interactive displays, often seen as an investment in enriched communication and education, lead potential buyers to enquire about the cost of smart boards.

This article aims to shed light on the costs of smart boards, their installation, and the numerous factors that influence these expenses.

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Understanding the Cost of a Smart Board

When contemplating the cost of smart boards, one must recognize that the cost isn’t a one-size-fits-all number.

Prices vary significantly, depending on several factors, including the display screen size, model, brand, and the additional features the smart board offers.

Breakdown of Smart Board Pricing

A basic smart board model may start at the entry-level and be as low as $500. However, these simpler models are often smaller and come with limited features. The price rises considerably as you move towards higher-end models with larger screens, enhanced resolutions, and sophisticated functions.

For example, a modest 65-inch smart board may cost around $1,500, offering standard functionality suitable for most common uses.

However, if you’re looking for more advanced features – a larger 75-inch display screen, 4K resolution, multi-touch functionality, and integrated software – the price can soar to as much as $6,000.

Check out the difference between 1080p and 4K resolution.

Factors Affecting Smart Board Prices

Size & Resolution

Like with televisions or computer monitors, the display screen size and resolution of smart boards greatly influence the price. Larger boards with higher resolutions provide better clarity and larger interactive surfaces, particularly beneficial in larger classrooms or conference rooms.

For instance, a 75-inch 4K model can cost up to $6,000, whereas a standard 65-inch HD smart board might be priced around $1,500. The best smart boards in the interactive display market tend to cost more in proportion to their performance.

Features & Functionality

The more features an interactive whiteboard has, the higher its price. Basic interactive whiteboards may only offer touch response with a digital pen, whereas advanced models may provide multi-touch capability, allowing multiple users to interact with the board simultaneously.

Moreover, boards with integrated software, onboard operating systems, or wireless connectivity will charge a higher price.

Brand & Quality

Like many products, brand reputation and quality play a role in determining the price of smart boards. Trusted brands like SMART Technologies and Promethean are known for their high-quality products and superior customer support.

Many brands often offer proprietary software and extended warranties, which can justify a higher price tag than lesser-known brands.

Diving Deeper into Smart Board Installation Costs

Understanding the smart board cost extends beyond the cost of the equipment itself. Installation costs can contribute significantly to the total expense of implementing a smart board system, typically falling from $150 to $500. However, these costs can fluctuate based on several crucial factors.

The Intricacies of Installation

The complexity of the installation process is one of the main factors that impact the final cost of a smart board setup. Different setups demand different resources, and this variety is reflected in the cost.

For instance, you can wall mount or link the smart board to a nearby computer. This relatively simple setup will cost on the lower end of the spectrum. These are common in smaller conference rooms or classrooms, where space is premium and mobility is not a priority.

On the other hand, if the smart board is installed on a rolling stand, it provides the benefit of mobility, allowing the board to be shared across various rooms or spaces.

However, this flexibility comes at increased prices due to the device and installation complexity.

Similarly, smart boards installed in larger meeting rooms or auditoriums might require a more complex setup. This could involve running cables through walls or ceilings, integrating with existing AV systems, or setting up remote access for offsite participants. These scenarios present additional challenges and thus will typically be on the higher end of the cost scale.

Whatever your setup needs, discussing the installation requirements with the installer beforehand is essential to get an accurate cost estimate.

Factors such as room size, mobility needs, integration with existing systems, and accessibility for all potential users should all be considered when planning the installation of a smart board.

Maintenance & Repair Costs of a Smart Board

Software Maintenance

Smart boards rely heavily on software for interactive and collaborative functions. This software must be updated regularly to ensure the smart board runs smoothly and benefits from the latest features and security patches.

While some whiteboard updates may be free, significant upgrades often come at a cost. On average, you might expect to budget around $100-$200 per year for software maintenance, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Hardware Maintenance

Physical cleaning and minor repairs, such as replacing pens or erasers, form part of the digital pen, stylus, and maintenance of other devices.

Depending on usage, you should budget around $50-$100 annually for these minor upkeep tasks.

Major Repairs

Major repairs, such as replacing the projector bulb or fixing the touch sensitivity, can be costly. For instance, a new projector bulb could cost between $200 and $300.

If the touch functionality becomes erratic, the smart board or whiteboard may require professional repair, potentially costing several hundred dollars. Thankfully, major repairs are not frequent, especially if the board is well-maintained.

Warranty & Service Plans

Many manufacturers offer warranties or service plans to help cover some of these costs. These warranties can range from one to three years and may cover hardware failures and software issues.

Some companies also offer extended warranties or annual service plans for an additional cost, providing further peace of mind.

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Smart Boards: More Than Just a Digital Device

A smart board, often called an interactive whiteboard, is a pioneering tool that brings an element of interactivity to traditionally static environments.

The digital device converts a large display screen into an interactive display, where users can manipulate images, use digital markers, and even control a computer with a mere touch.

It’s not just a piece of hardware to purchase; it’s a technology enabler that enhances how we learn, teach, present, and collaborate in the business industry.

Smart Board Uses

The use cases of smart boards are broad and varied. A smart board transforms teaching in classrooms by enabling interactive lessons, video presentations, and even remote learning. They foster student engagement and make complex concepts more understandable.

In a corporate meeting room, smart boards facilitate dynamic presentations, brainstorming sessions, training programs, and video conferencing, promoting collaboration and enhancing communication.

Its Applications

Presentations

Premium smart boards offer direct control of presentations from the TV display screen, eliminating the need to click the mouse to switch slides in meetings and presentations.

Additionally, you can effortlessly draw arrows, write notes, deliver ideas, highlight and annotate the presentation directly on the board, and then email the updated file to everyone.

Training Sessions

The finest smart boards enable annotation of any document or picture on the screen, allowing you to draw attention with arrows, shape recognition, write notes, and even rotate 3D images directly on the display screen.

Touchscreen TVs with split-screen capability facilitate side-by-side comparisons for maximum impact in presentation training.

Teleconferences

Transform your smart board into a cost-effective video conferencing system by attaching a camera, offering functionality comparable to dedicated systems like Microsoft Smart Hub or Google Jamboard at a fraction of the cost.

Many smart boards like Google Jamboard can also be upgraded with a Windows OPS computer to serve as a video conferencing hub.

Advantages of Interactive Whiteboard

The advantages of a smart board, whiteboard, and multi-touch technology are manifold. A smart board or whiteboard encourages active participation, fosters collaboration, enhances understanding, and caters to different learning styles.

A whiteboard also allows real-time access to a wealth of online resources, making the environment for presentations and meetings richer and more dynamic.

FAQs

How is a smart board different from a traditional whiteboard or projector?

A smart board or whiteboard offers interactive features like touch-sensitive screens and digital annotation capabilities, whereas a traditional whiteboard relies on markers and erasers. 

Unlike projectors, smart boards allow direct content manipulation without casting shadows or requiring additional equipment. For pricing and other concerns, contact us and set a meeting. 

Can I connect devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones to a smart board?

Yes, smart boards typically support connectivity with various devices, enabling seamless integration for sharing presentations for meetings, documents, and multimedia content. 

Users can wirelessly or via cables connect other devices, such as a camera, to the smart board for collaborative interactions and content sharing.

Are smart boards easy to install and set up?

Yes, smart boards are designed for straightforward installation and setup solutions. 

Most models come with detailed instructions and user-friendly interfaces, allowing users to quickly mount the board, connect necessary cables, and calibrate the system for optimal performance.

The Bottom Line

The smart board cost and its installation can vary significantly based on the board’s features, the complexity of installation, and other factors.

A basic smart board installation might cost under $2,000, while a high-end model with a complex setup may cost over $6,500. It’s essential to understand these costs and their influencing factors when considering the integration of a smart board into your educational or professional environment.

Investing in smart boards offers invaluable collaboration, convenience, and productivity benefits. Contact us immediately to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more productive future with a smart board and multi-touch technology.

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Written by

Tamatha Hazen

August 23, 2023

Contact us to discuss your requirements of interactive display boards for schools. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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.

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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

Cloud-based collaboration

• Automatically saves input to the cloud

File storage and access

• 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

Cabling and connections

• Bluetooth connections limit the need for cords and cables.

USB-C connectivity

• 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

Front-facing ports

• Allows easy access when plugging in devices like laptops

Multi-touch capability

• Allows multiple students or employees to work at the same time

Touchpoint capability

• Standard screens allow 20 pens and fingers to process simultaneously
• More advanced screens offer 33-point touchpoint capabilities

Smart camera

• A built-in HD camera captures clear images for those attending meetings remotely.

Sound

• Built-in speakers eliminate additional cables.
• Front-facing speakers provide better sound.
• Subwoofers provide a more immersive sound experience.

Microphone array

• 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.

Networking and Wi-Fi

• 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.

Security

• The smart board should have encryption and authentication features to protect your data.

Printer connection

• Allows you to connect your printer and print directly from the screen

Eye-care technology

• Displays with blue light filters and flicker-free technology reduce eye strain and drowsiness with long periods of use.

TAA compliant

• 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

Floor stand $250 – $1,500

• 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

A teacher writing on a smart board in a classroom.

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

Google Jamboard $5,000 – $6,000

• Easy-to-use cloud-based whiteboard
• Tools for presentations, brainstorming, and notes

• Doesn't support simultaneous app usage
• Limited integrations may adjust workflows

LG CreateBoard $2,300 – $8,000

• 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

Microsoft Surface Hub $9,000 – $22,000

• Powerful and versatile board
• Responsive display
• Collaboration-focused

• Expensive; best for enterprises with higher budgets
• Closed integration with the Microsoft ecosystem

Promethean board costs $2,000 – $10,000

• 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

SMART $2,000 – $6,000

• Easy-to-use by all ages and abilities
• Bright displayIncludes remote management

• Costly repairs
• Susceptible to damage from dust and fingerprints

Vibe $2,500 – $3,500

• 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

ViewSonic $1,500 – $6,000

• 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.

Smart Board Cost & Installation Price Guide (2024)

How Much Does A Smart Board Cost? (2024 Prices)