Side by side
WBO vs Whimsical
Both stand on online whiteboards. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hostedWeb
WBO provides a free collaborative canvas with URL-based sharing and optional self-hosting. Its persistence, permission controls, and open-source license give teams deployment choices, while public-board content remains temporary.
Visit WBO Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Whimsical combines canvas-based planning with AI generation and team collaboration. The Free plan has monthly content limits, while paid plans add expanded allowances and controls.
Visit WhimsicalThe facts
| WBO | Whimsical | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Web | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro: $10 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | wbo.ophir.dev | whimsical.com |
| On online whiteboards | #37 of 58 | #33 of 58 |
WBO: what it does well
- Real-time simultaneous drawing
- Board state is persisted
- Supports private boards and guest collaboration
- Can be self-hosted with Docker or Node.js
- JWT roles include read-only access
What to know first
- Public board contents are ephemeral
- Private access depends on knowing link or name
- SVG renderer is not fully faithful
- Requires self-hosting for server-level controls
Whimsical: what it does well
- Infinite canvas supports several diagram and planning formats.
- AI generates flowcharts, mind maps, and editable wireframes.
- Real-time editing includes comments, templates, and version history.
- Desktop apps are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Boards can be embedded in several listed apps.
What to know first
- Free limits board objects and document blocks each month.
- Free exports include a watermark.
- Pro and Business prices are billed annually.
- File size and storage allowances differ by plan.
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