Top 5 Smart Board For Business: Reviews, Prices And Buying Guide

Nowadays, it’s common sense that if a company doesn’t have a smart board or interactive display, it can’t truly call itself modern. These tools have become as essential as computers in today’s business environment. At Ikinor, we are seeing a growing demand for smart boards, especially in meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces. Businesses are increasingly relying on interactive displays to boost productivity, improve communication, and support hybrid work.

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In this article, I will share my insights into some of the most popular smart board models for business use. Whether you’re upgrading your office tech or starting fresh, follow along and discover which models are best suited for professional settings and how they can enhance your team’s performance.

Popular Smart Board Models For Business

According to our statistics, 76.5% of smart board demand comes from regions such as Europe, the USA, and Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Therefore, we primarily recommend models that are well-suited to the needs and preferences of these markets.

SMART Board QX Pro Series 75″ (QX275-V2-P)

LG CreateBoard 86” (Model: 86TR3DJ-B)

Promethean ActivPanel 9 Premium

Newline Q-Series 86″ 4K Interactive LED Display

ViewSonic IFP-2ED 4K UHD Interactive Display (65″)

Which Configuration You Should Care About For Your Interactive Display For Business?

When choosing an interactive display for your business, several important factors can make or break the experience. First up is display quality and size. Imagine you’re in a big meeting room, but your screen is small or low resolution—everyone struggles to see the details on the slides or data charts. That’s frustrating and wastes time. A crisp 4K UHD display at a suitable size ensures everyone sees clearly and stays engaged.

Next, touch and interaction capabilities are essential, especially for collaboration. A display that supports multi-touch lets several people interact at once—great for brainstorming or training sessions. Without features like palm rejection, accidental touches can disrupt the flow, as happened at one training center where users kept triggering unintended actions.

Performance and audio are just as critical. A laggy screen or weak speakers can kill the energy in a room. Remote teams have shared how slow response times and unclear sound made their meetings drag on unnecessarily, leading to misunderstandings.

Then there’s connectivity. Having multiple ways to connect—USB-C, HDMI, wireless screen sharing—means no one wastes time hunting for adapters or dealing with incompatible devices. One office found their meetings often started late because their display only had limited ports.

Finally, don’t overlook security. Displays that support secure logins and remote management help keep sensitive information safe. Without this, a company risked having confidential data visible to unauthorized people simply because the screen was left unlocked.

Choosing the right display means smoother meetings, better collaboration, and peace of mind.

Balancing Budget and Performance When Choosing an Interactive Display for Business

Balancing budget and performance when selecting an interactive display for business can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to focus on what most businesses actually need, rather than chasing every high-end feature. In fact, a standard basic configuration can easily meet about 80% of typical business use cases.

So, what does this standard setup look like? Generally, a 65” to 75” UHD 4K display offers a great balance between visibility and cost, fitting well in most conference rooms or classrooms. On the performance side, aim for at least 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage built into the device — enough to run interactive apps smoothly and save presentations or notes locally. If your business needs to run two operating systems or heavy applications, consider pairing the display with an OPS (Open Pluggable Specification) computer. This lets you upgrade computing power independently without replacing the entire display.

If you plan to purchase more than five interactive displays, sourcing from Chinese smart board manufacturers might be a cost-effective solution. These manufacturers often provide reliable products with competitive pricing and customizable options tailored to bulk orders. Just be sure to check reviews and certifications to ensure quality.

Ultimately, by understanding your core needs and avoiding unnecessary extras, you can find an interactive display solution that delivers solid performance without blowing your budget. This practical approach keeps your team productive and your business expenses reasonable.

Final Thoughts

Digital signage has become an innovative and powerful tool for communication and engagement. However, it goes beyond being just cool new technology; the best digital signage systems empower your business to connect with shoppers in fun and creative ways.

With panels making an appearance everywhere, from shopping malls to small-town bakeries, the question isn’t whether to adopt digital signage but how to do it right.

It’s also not just about choosing the most aesthetically pleasing or feature-rich solution. Instead, you should choose digital signage software that aligns with your goals, budget, and the unique aspects of your business.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we take a deep dive into the crucial steps of analyzing top digital signage systems and finding a solution that’s tailored to your needs.

Digital Signage Systems: Key Components

Before you start researching the top digital signage systems, first understand the key devices and software you will need. Complete systems will include:

1. Digital Signage Software – The best software solutions allow you to design, schedule, and manage your signage in one place. Costs can range from one-time licensing fees to monthly subscriptions.

2. Digital Signage Hardware – This includes the actual signage screens, digital signage media players, and any additional equipment like mounts and cabling. Costs vary, based on the quality of the equipment.

3. Content Creation Tools – Top digital signage systems include free design tools (as part of your subscription). However, you might also use a third-party tool like Canva or Photoshop.

How Much Does a Digital Signage System Cost?

Your biggest cost will be digital signage hardware (see our recommendations for budget-friendly and top digital signage displays below). Hardware costs range from $200 to $ for a display screen and media player.

Digital signage software, however, tends to be affordable. A cloud-based system allows you to start on a month-to-month plan, and top platforms offer free templates and design tools so you can keep content creation costs low. Software for digital signage typically starts at just $10-$25 / month.

Lastly, you’ll want to consider installation and ongoing maintenance. The best digital signage systems, particularly cloud-based systems, are plug-and-play and come with on-call support. This limits IT installation and maintenance costs. Installation costs, on average, about $100-$500.

Digital Signage Software: Features & Top Solutions

User-friendly software makes it easier for businesses to create and manage amazing marketing content.

To find the best solution, you’ll want to consider cloud-based vs. on-premise digital signage solutions:

• Cloud-Based: Known for its high flexibility and user-friendliness, cloud-based software is typically subscription-based. It suits businesses looking for a straightforward, ready-to-use solution that requires minimal IT support. Cloud-based digital signage is best for retail.
• On-Premise: Provides full control and can be more cost-effective over the long term for larger deployments. It’s the choice of businesses with specific security and operational requirements. On-premise digital signage is best for offices and event venues.

Fortunately, many of the top digital signage software platforms are cloud-based, which reduces costs and enables real-time remote management. We recommend cloud systems for retailers like vape shops, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

What Digital Signage Features Do You Need?

When you’re looking for the best digital signage system for your business, pay attention to these key factors:

• Check out content creation and scheduling tools that not only have user-friendly interfaces but also pack a punch in features to meet your needs effectively.
• See remote content management solutions that let you update and tweak things seamlessly without having to be near the screens, so you can control your content like a boss from wherever you are.
• Dive into different playback options, like single-screen, multi-screen, and playlists, to craft engaging visual experiences that keep your audience hooked.
• Keep user access control and top-notch security features in mind to protect your content from prying eyes and security risks.
• Also, think about software solutions with great integration capabilities. For example, FTx Digital Signage integrates with FTx POS, allowing retailers to manage their POS and digital signage from the same dashboard.

Best Digital Signage Software Platforms

Here are some top-rated digital signage platforms with the essential features businesses need:

1. FTx Digital Signage

FTx Digital Signage has an intuitive interface, making it easy for anyone to use, even without prior experience with digital signage. The software is user-friendly, featuring drag-and-drop functionality and a clear layout for easy access to features.

• Choose from thousands of free digital signage templates to customize or create your own designs from scratch.
• Ideal for multiple locations, it has a mass update feature to easily add or update promotions and ads in one click.
• No need for third-party integration! You can manage your POS and digital signage with the same login.

Cost: $25 per TV each month; $10 for each additional TV each month; $10 per customer-facing display each month

2. TelemetryTV

TelemetryTV has a user-friendly interface, which simplifies creating playlists, uploading content, and managing digital signage. It includes features like scheduling, remote management, and real-time updates. However, lower pricing plans come with limited support options and shorter support hours. Additionally, there are no discounts for managing a large number of screens.

Cost: Entry plan: $8 per device/month; Core plan: $13 per device/month; Elite plan: $16 per device/month

3. Yodeck

Yodeck is known for its easy-to-use interface and intuitive design, making it ideal for beginners and non-tech users. It supports various content formats like images, videos, social media feeds, and live streams. While Yodeck has a free tier, it only allows you to manage one screen; you’ll need to pay for more screens. Customer support is mainly via , though some users might prefer or live chat options.

Cost: Free plan: Manage one screen forever with access to all features (ideal for testing the platform before committing to a paid plan); Standard plan: $8 a screen/month; Premium plan: $11 a screen/month; Enterprise plan: $15 a screen/month

4. NoviSign

NoviSign offers pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality, allowing anyone to create displays without design experience. Its cloud-based platform lets you manage and update content from anywhere with an internet connection. However, some users find NoviSign’s interface outdated. While it’s user-friendly, those seeking advanced customization or in-depth editing features might find it limiting.

Cost: Business plan: $20 per screen/month; Business Plus plan: $29 per screen/month; Premium plan: $49 per screen/month; Enterprise plan: must contact NoviSign

5. OptiSigns

OptiSigns is known for its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, making it perfect for businesses with limited technical experience. You can use OptiSigns’ design tools or integrate with other design software. While easy to use, the design options are somewhat limited compared to more advanced signage software. It’s also been reported that features like managing news feeds or integrating external content may require more technical knowledge.

Cost: Standard plan: $10 per screen/month; Pro plan: $12.50 per screen/month; Pro-Plus plan: $15 per screen/month; Engage plan: $30 per screen/month; Enterprise plan: $45 per screen/month

With competitive price and timely delivery, COSUN Digital Signage sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Choosing Digital Signage Hardware: Types & Costs

Selecting the best digital signage hardware is crucial because it directly affects the appearance, performance, and lifespan of your digital signage system.

Types of Digital Signage Displays (with Recommendations)

Different display types are best for specific needs, and each has its own perks.

1. Consumer-Grade TVs

A budget-friendly choice made for indoor use, it gives businesses top-notch display features for vivid presentations, digital signs, and more.

Pros

• Variety of Screen Sizes: Consumer TVs come in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs.
• Excellent Picture Quality: Many consumer TVs offer high resolution and vibrant colors for a great viewing experience.
• Readily Available: Consumer TVs can be easily found in electronics stores or online retailers.

Cons

• Durability: Consumer TVs are not built for continuous use (24/7) and may not hold up in high-traffic areas.
• Limited Features: They typically lack features like scheduling and content looping specifically designed for digital signage.

Best Use

• Shorter-Term Content: Consumer TVs are suitable for temporary promotions or sales displays.
• Low-Traffic Areas: They are a good option for waiting rooms or other areas with minimal foot traffic.

Recommendation

• Insignia 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
• Samsung 65” Class Q80C QLED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV

2. Professional-Grade Displays

They excel in high-demand environments where top-notch performance and reliability are supreme, making them the ideal choice for businesses seeking exceptional visual solutions.

Pros

• Built to Last: Designed for continuous operation without overheating or screen burn-in, ensuring long-term performance.
• Sharp Design: Slim bezels and an industrial aesthetic create a professional look suitable for commercial settings.
• Excellent Visibility: Maintain clear, crisp visuals even in brightly lit environments.

Cons

• Higher Cost: Typically more expensive upfront compared to consumer-grade TVs.
• Mounting Considerations: May require additional costs for specialized mounting solutions.
• Limited Size Options: May not offer the same variety of screen sizes as consumer TVs.

Best Use

• Professional Signage: Perfect for retail stores, lobbies, and other locations requiring long-term display operation.
• High-Traffic Areas: Engineered to withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic environments.
• Frequently Updated Content: Handles frequent content changes without issue.

Recommendation

• ENVISION Peripherals 55BDLQ Philips Signage Solutions Q-Line 55BDLQ, Black
• Samsung QET Series 65″ Display for Digital Signage (QE65T)

3. Tablets and iPads

Provide a flexible platform for interactive and touch-screen apps, boosting user engagement and improving the overall experience with user-friendly interfaces and smooth operation.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than dedicated digital signage displays.
• User-Friendly: Easy to set up and use with familiar touch-screen interfaces.
• Flexible: Available in a variety of screen sizes to fit your needs.

Cons

• Durability: Not designed for continuous use like professional displays. May require screen protectors and more frequent replacements.
• Power Management: Requires careful power management to stay operational for extended periods.
• Security: May lack security features like those of commercial displays, increasing the risk of tampering or theft. Consider using a kiosk enclosure for added security.

Best Use

• Waiting rooms, break rooms, and lobbies
• Short-term promotions or campaigns
• Interactive displays in retail stores or trade shows

Recommendation

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
• iPad (latest model)

4. Video Walls

Offer a cool way to create immersive large displays that grab attention with stunning visuals, perfect for events, retail spaces, and eye-catching ads.

Pros

• Attention-Grabbing: Their large size and high-quality visuals make them impossible to ignore.
• Content Versatility: Display images, videos, live feeds, and more, keeping your audience engaged.
• Stunning Picture Quality: High resolutions deliver crisp and clear visuals.

Cons

• Ongoing Maintenance: Video walls require regular cleaning and calibration.
• Content Creation: High-quality content can be expensive to produce and time-consuming to create.
• Portability: They are typically fixed installations and not easily moved.

Best Use

• Retail: Showcase promotions, product launches, and brand messaging.
• Events: Create impactful presentations and backdrops.
• Lobbies: Impress visitors and provide information.

Recommendation

• Philips Signage Solutions Video Wall Display
• Samsung VMB-U Series 46″

Additional Digital Signage Hardware

In addition to the screen, you’ll also need these components:

• Media Players: These devices play your digital content. They range from simple media sticks to powerful PCs, depending on your needs. We recommend BrightSign, a dependable and user-friendly media player. These players come in various models to suit different needs.
• Mounts & Enclosures: These secure and protect your displays and media players. They come in various styles to fit different needs.
• Other Accessories: This includes all other essentials for setting up and using your digital signage system, like cables, adapters, and surge protectors.

Bottom line: A top digital signage system requires quality hardware, as that will ensure long-term performance.

Best Digital Signage Content Creation & Management Tools

Content creation is an ongoing process. Therefore, the best digital signage software includes content management and creation tools to help you get better results.

Choose a system with these features:

• Design & Editing: Built-in templates, drag-and-drop editing for layouts, and media libraries for easy image and video integration.
• Scheduling & Playlists: Ability to schedule content playback across displays, create playlists for sequenced content, and manage content expiration dates.
• Remote Access & Collaboration: Cloud-based access for creating and editing content from anywhere, with user permissions for team collaboration.
• Data Integration & Widgets: Tools to integrate real-time data feeds (e.g., weather, sales figures) and display them through customizable widgets.
• Content Analytics & Reporting: Track content performance metrics like impressions and engagement to optimize future content strategy.

Tips for Creating Better Digital Signage Content

With these features, you can take your digital signage to the next level. Here are some design tips for creating content:

• Short & Sweet: People glance at signs, so keep text concise and headlines clear. Benefit: Leverage the system’s content scheduling to ensure frequent updates with bite-sized info.
• Visually Stunning: Use high-quality images, videos, and animations. Benefit: Showcase the display’s resolution and vividness for maximum impact.
• One Message at a Time: Focus on a single clear message per slide. Benefit: Maintain a clean and uncluttered look, maximizing readability on any screen size.
• Big & Bold Text: Prioritize large, easy-to-read fonts. Benefit: Take advantage of the display’s scalability to reach viewers from afar.
• Contrasting Colors: Use high-contrast color schemes for optimal legibility. Benefit: Highlight the display’s vibrant color accuracy for a visually engaging experience.
• Calls to Action (CTAs): Include clear CTAs to prompt viewers. Benefit: Utilize the system’s content management tools to incorporate interactive elements like QR codes.
• Variety is Key: Mix up content types to keep viewers engaged. Benefit: Demonstrate the display’s versatility for handling text, images, and videos seamlessly.

Final Consideration: Digital Signage System Deployment & Installation

Choosing the best tools doesn’t guarantee success. You also need to plan your installation and deployment process. Fortunately, top providers can help with networking support.

Some installation considerations include:

Power and Network Connectivity

Ensure you have enough power outlets for the displays and any extra gear needed. For remote management and content updates, make sure the network connection is good. Think about using surge protectors or UPS to shield the system from power changes.

Mounting and Securing the Displays

Choose the right mounting hardware depending on the size and weight of the best digital signage displays for your business. Ensure the displays are securely fastened to the mounts to prevent accidents or theft. Also, make sure the mounting spot offers the best viewing angles for the audience.

Cable Management for a Clean and Professional Look

It’s smart to use cable management solutions like cable trays, raceways, or cable clips to tidy up cables. Planning cable routes to reduce visibility and tripping risks is key. And don’t forget to label cables for easy identification during maintenance or troubleshooting.

What Are the Costs of Digital Signage Installation?

Because most cloud-systems are plug-and-play, your biggest cost for installation will be mounting. This may include mounting hardware (if it’s not included with your displays), as well as labor for installation (on average about $50 / hour).

You may need some IT help as well to connect your displays and media player to your cloud-based system. However, if you pick a user-friendly platform, you will likely be able to do this in-house.

Next Steps: Request a Demo

Narrow your list down to platforms that include the digital signage features you need and hardware/software that fits your budget.

Next, you should request demos or a free trial. You want to access the user interface and see if it will fit your team’s tech expertise. Here are some tips:

• Schedule a demo to test drive the software and ask your most helpful questions
• Review any trainings or videos to determine if it’s user-friendly and does what you need it to do
• Understand if the software works with your existing hardware (if applicable)
• Ask for and access pricing

Try FTx Digital Signage Today

Choosing the best digital signage system is a significant decision. You need to find a platform that aligns with your budget and that offers the software and hardware options you need to maximize your efforts.

Add FTx Digital Signage to your short list. Here are some of the reasons we’re a top digital signage software for retail:

The company is the world’s best Digital Kiosk Display supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

• Free access to AdPro – Design tool with 1,000 free templates and drop-and-drag editor
• User-friendly scheduling tools – Create in real-time, or schedule days, weeks, or months in advance
• Simplified day-parting – Easily schedule cycles throughout the day
• Stock photo library – Access quality images in AdPro
• POS integration – Manage your digital signage and POS from a single login and use price and product data in your POS
• Multi-store support – Scale infinitely. Manage 1 or 100+ screens with ease