Padlet is a cloud-based productivity software that’s user-friendly and allows for collaboration across different devices.
It works by allowing individuals and teams to organize and collaborate on not just ideas or thoughts but also upcoming events, notes, media files, and crucial documents.
If you’re like me and have been using a Padlet for quite some time, you’ll notice it isn’t an all-sweet journey. For one, it isn’t completely free to use, especially if you need to access its advanced features.
There’s also the issue of privacy as you always can’t control what may pop up on the board as a result of too many collaborators using the tool’s URL link. Hence, there is a need for alternatives that work as well as Padlet or even better.
Thankfully, there are a lot of tools that can work in place of Padlet and I’ve compiled a list of them for you to check out.
So, without much ado, let’s dive in!
Top Padlet Alternatives We Recommend Trying
1. Wakelet
Described as ‘The Complete Learning Platform‘, Wakelet is a productivity tool that allows people to organize, share, and collaborate on fun and memorable learning experiences.
It is a free tool that works by allowing you to create and organize a collection of thoughts and ideas in the form of visual content.
Whether as a document, images, videos, website links, and even GIFs, you can create your board exactly how you want by using any of its five layouts for presentation.
Wakelet also lets you share these resources with anyone. Team members and students get to view your board the moment it is shared. Just like Padlet, you also get to collaborate in real-time with anyone who has access to your board and they can contribute to your content at any time.
One of the numerous reasons why I like Wakelet is that it is very secure as it comes with multiple visibility options. It is also certified to be CSPC, FERPA COPPA, and GDPR compliant meaning you can create content and collaborate and be guaranteed your privacy and security.
Wakelet is easy to use and flexible. It surpasses Padlet in the sense that it is completely free to use.
Users can access this tool by signing up for free via its browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. It is also available for download as a mobile app on Google Play Store, iOS App Store, and Amazon Appstore.
2. Lino
Lino is another fun and colorful organization tool that allows you to organize important details using virtual sticky notes. That way, you get more work done in less time.
One thing to like about this tool is that it allows you to post videos, images, and stickers online at any time. You can also set reminders on important notes or deadlines and share your board with friends, family, and colleagues.
All you need to do is create a Lino group for collaboration and the fun part is that you can attach personalized stickers to each file before sharing.
I especially like that you can arrange your board how you want, choosing from a variety of layouts that works best for you. You can access Lino from anywhere whether with a PC, Android, iPhone, or iPad.
Lino is perfect if it is your first time using productivity software for brainstorming and idea organization. The user interface is quite colorful, bright, and easy to navigate. Unlike Padlet, it is completely free to use at any time.
The signup process is free and can be done via Facebook or Google. Users can access Lino only through a web browser and it works for most devices.
3. Stormboard
Another impressive productivity whiteboard that can work in place of Padlet is Stormboard. It is mostly used as a digital workspace where individuals, professionals, and even students can carry out group projects, create discussion boards, hold meetings, and carry out other collaborative activities regardless of their location.
This tool transforms and improves your work process by allowing you to add content in multiple file formats and create ideas with the whiteboard’s sticky notes.
You also get to group your ideas into types and sections, choose from a variety of over 250 templates for presentation, and it can be integrated with other software and apps.
You can also export in different formats and monitor the activity of your storms. I like that this tool comes with a guide useful for both creator and team members, allowing you to take your team through processes in a simplified manner.
The difference between Stormboard and Padlet is that the former is free and highly secure. In fact, it uses AWS (Amazon Web Services) to host its service, and AWS is known as the gold standard for web hosting providers.
Users can sign up for free via its official site or via a mobile app available for PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
4. Infolio
Infolio is another Padlet alternative to consider if you want a task management, team collaboration, and organization tool that’s free to use. One of the reasons why Infolio makes it to this list is that it is very easy to use.
You don’t have to be techy to figure this tool out: it takes user-friendliness to another level. Rather than make use of several tools at once for organization and collaboration, Infolio allows you to save time as it literally integrates many useful features in one.
I like its lightweight CRM as well as its smart task filter alongside its easy project workflow process that can be set up in just seconds. You also get to create tags, add attachments to files, collaborate with multiple assignees, create subtasks, and even custom fields.
Gone are the days of missed deadlines or events, as there’s a calendar view that allows you to set reminders. Whether you work in the HR, design, marketing, or management industry, or are even a freelancer, all it takes is signing up for free and you’re on your way to a seamless workflow.
I like Infolio a lot because it’s very easy to use regardless of your technical know-how. Coupled with the fact that it doesn’t require a subscription to access all of its features, it is a worthy replacement for Padlet.
Users can access this tool via its official site via a laptop, Android, or iOS device However, Infolio is available as a mobile app only for iOS devices.
5. Spacedeck
Spacedeck is another simplified tool that helps you streamline your thoughts, ideas, or concepts on the go, keeping you productive at all times.
It works as a browser-based tool that lets you brainstorm and organize concepts called Spaces in the form of texts, videos, pictures, and even audio, all of which are done on a blank canvas. You can even draw, highlight shapes, and create annotations.
You also get to share your canvas with students, colleagues, and even clients who can contribute and make changes in real-time. The similarity between Padlet and Spacedeck is simply the fact that they’re both useful for collection and organization.
However, there are notable differences between both. Unlike Padlet, Spacedeck is designed for professional brainstorming and project management.
Spacedeck is also completely free to use although the hosted version of Spacedeck is in beta and users can only use the tool if invited. However, you can self-host when you decide to participate in the open source development.
To sign up, you simply have to input your email address, choose a password, and confirm the password. After confirming your password, you then create a username and input your beta invite code, and voila, you are free to use the tool.
6. Netboard
If you need an easy-to-use tool that helps you gather and organize thoughts, ideas, and other details, check out Netboard. This tool is user-friendly and works perfectly for collecting, organizing, and sharing web content in multiple formats.
You can create your web page using links, text/documents, images, presentations, RSS feeds, videos, and other file types. All it takes to add content to your web page is a single click when you use a browser extension for Google Chrome or Firefox.
You not only create web pages but also choose to combine them into a single page if you wish. Another interesting feature Netboard has is that you can edit and personalize your page however you want, by creating unique themes.
You can even decide to use personal media files for your customized page. You also get to share your page with other people for collaboration and the best part is that you get to decide and monitor your collaborators.
While the idea of Netboard is similar to Padlet, it is a less technical tool that is recommended for new users. It carries pretty much the same function as Padlet but in a simpler manner.
It is also free to use with two free account options which are creating a personal account or an organization account. Signup requires an email address, username, and password or you can simply create an account via Facebook.
7. Pinside
If you’re looking for an organization and collaborative tool that will help stay productive with more mundane tasks, Pinside is what you need.
This tool is perfect for not just conceptualization or sharing. It also works for creating to-do lists, setting reminders, planning events, and even managing your shopping list.
With intuitive features that are very easy to use, this online pinboard is perfect for personal use and also for collaboration if you ever decide to share with friends.
Pinside works by allowing you to create boards that can be private or public, where everyone can see whatever is being done on the board. You also get to create Pinside notes which can be placed anywhere on the board.
These notes once shared with friends or colleagues can be commented on at any time. Aside from the fact that Pinside is a lot easier to use compared to Padlet, it is completely free to use.
Users simply have to sign on to its site via a web browser and all that is required is an email address and password.
8. Dotstorming
As its name connotes, Dotstorming is a collaborative tool that allows teams to brainstorm ideas and organize them according to the level of priority.
It works by allowing users to create walls which are typically whiteboards used to conceptualize ideas, plan projects, and carry out crucial decisions via the use of virtual sticky notes.
Aside from creating walls, you can also create voting boards that allow you to organize ideas or projects according to their scale of importance and allows collaborators to view how each is being handled.
The creation of collages that enable collaborators to draw on both individual and collective canvases is also another important feature of Dotstorming that I like a lot.
The reason why Dotstorming ranks on this list is its ease of use which lets you get more work done in less time while fostering a healthy environment for everyone through collaboration.
Like Padlet, Dotstorming helps individuals and groups tackle tasks without missing out on anything important no matter the location. You can use this tool for free as you simply need to input a name, email address, and password to sign up.
9. Ideaflip
Ideaflip is another productivity tool that takes simplicity a notch higher. In the form of online sticky notes, Ideaflip works exactly how a physical note does.
It is perfect for brainstorming, jotting down ideas and thought processes as they come in, as well as organizing all of these for easy access and decision-making. Location doesn’t matter when it comes to joint tasks, as you can share these notes with your team and collectively work on tasks.
You also get to edit using the different templates provided as well annotate your virtual sticky notes. You and team members can also create a voting board in order of priority and exporting these notes is a breeze.
One thing I like about Ideaflip is that aside from team members, you can invite guests to your board from anywhere if you need an extra eye or a different perspective on what has been created.
Padlet and Ideaflip carry out the same functions but Ideaflip is great for simplified work processes. The flexibility of Ideaflip is another reason why it appears on this list. There are unlimited options when it comes to the use of these virtual sticky notes.
Whether for professional or personal use, these work perfectly to keep everything organized. Users can access this tool through a Web browser and sign up for free using Google or your email address alongside a password.
10. Productivity Lab
Another incredible tool for collaboration and project planning/management is Productivity Lab. From the name alone, you’ll know that this tool will boost your productivity level, especially in your organization.
It is an online whiteboard that allows its users to create visual notes, think up unlimited ideas, and carry out collective work with teammates.
You can break down processes and ideas into simpler units via the use of sticky notes which in turn keeps you abreast of all being collected and organized. If you’ve never been a fan of collaborative work with teammates due to differences, Productivity Lab eliminates that feeling.
This is because it allows for easy collaboration with minimal fuss as everyone is carried along and you can see what each person is working on. With several customized templates available, you can organize and present your board in the most professional way possible.
If using premade templates isn’t your thing, you can choose to create your unique template from scratch. Whether for meetings, discussion boards, or project management, there’s a time tracker available to ensure that you are right on track. You wouldn’t see this feature with Padlet.
Also, users can quickly sign up using their name, email address, and password on the official site.
11. Trello
Easily a favorite among many organizations, Trello is one of the most popular collaborative tools that functions as an online digital workspace.
With Trello, you can always create and organize projects as well as share them with the team irrespective of where they’re located.
Like Padlet, you can use cards and lists to stay at the top of your game when it comes to deadlines, task assignments, and overall project management.
Also, you get to monitor activity on each project, whether individual or group projects, and view what each collaborator is up to.
A useful feature that I like is the Trello Butler Automation function which lets you automate projects with just a few clicks.
Another thing to love about this tool is that you can improve your workspace by integrating your favorite tools or even those of your team members with Trello plugins to boost productivity.
You can decide to integrate Trello with Slack, Microsoft Team, and even Google Drive if you want. There are also premade templates from successful organizations and individuals within the Trello system that you can work with.
Trello helps you and your team stay organized and at the same time transform your workspace by providing ways to improve output.
Registration is free as you simply need to sign up via Google or an email address. You can download the mobile app for PC and also for smartphones via Google Play store or App Store.
12. Miro
Miro is a digital whiteboard platform that makes the organization of ideas and processes as well as sharing of these a lot easier.
Known for having a large number of users, this tool doesn’t just allow you to create a board with text, images, video, or links, but you can also draw out whatever you think and turn it into visual reality.
Among its many useful features is its drag-and-drop function which lets you drag and drop shapes to create unique designs. You can note important details using the tool’s virtual sticky notes.
There are several templates readily available for you to choose from, which is great if you want to carry out a presentation and don’t have time to create a template from scratch. I like that you can integrate this tool with other software and useful apps.
Regardless of the type of device used, you can share your board with your team and collaborate on these without having to be in the same location.
If you’re big on security and privacy, then Miro is great for you as it comes with some advanced user controls and top-notch security that ensures whatever you do on the tool is safe and protected, unlike Padlet.
Find out more tools like Miro here.
13. Pearltrees
Pearltrees is another Padlet alternative that’s worth checking out especially if you need a tool that lets you organize and share your favorite web content with your friends.
Put simply, Pearltrees works as a social bookmarking and organization tool that lets you save web content at any time.
You can save images, texts, videos, articles, links, and sites with just a few clicks. You can then decide to organize all of this saved content into some sort of ‘tree’ that can be shared with others for collaborative purposes.
That is, Pearltrees works by allowing you to drag and drop content from the Internet to your Pearltrees browser extension which is then organized via ‘Pearl folders’ into a tree of information or web content.
Pearltrees is a simple tool that is great to use for a personal organization as a learning platform for younger children. Signing up is extremely easy and it’s free.
You simply have to add the official site to your browser extension.
14. Microsoft OneNote
Working just like a physical notebook, OneNote performs a variety of functions all geared towards writing and organizing your needs.
You can decide to divide your bite into sections and pages, each containing your thoughts and important information, making it easy to access them whenever you want.
With the Microsoft OneNote Web Clipper, you can save any web content to your note with just a single click. You can also customize your notes by highlighting, using ink annotations, and adding video, images, texts, and other files to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.
This in turn makes it very easy if you ever need to revise your notes or want to reference an important page. With its collaborative function, you can share your notes with others who can contribute and share their thought processes with you as well.
All notes, whether edited or not, are immediately saved courtesy of Microsoft cloud storage.
Users can access this tool for free via its website or an app version for Android and iOS devices.
15. EdrawSoft
Also known as MindMaster, EdrawSoft is a tool that helps you structure your ideas and work processes in the best way possible.
It is a cross-platform software that lets you create what are called mind maps, each mirroring your thoughts, concepts, ideas, tasks, or projects.
With 12 different structures, you can also create concept maps, timelines, fishbones, treemaps, bubble maps, and several others. You also get to choose from 33 themes and over 700 aesthetic clip arts to make sure your mind maps stand out.
Collaboration is a lot easier and more productive as everyone can participate in major decision-making processes as well as carry out assigned tasks that are monitored. You can edit the shapes, fill, branch color, and line, and there are connection styles to suit your specific needs.
I like that there are different modes on MindMaster such as Project Management, Gantt Chart mode, and Brainstorming Mode as well as other useful addons like slideshows, presentations, and full-screen options as well as a variety of export options.
Wrapping Up
All of these tools are great alternatives to Padlet.
However, a personal favorite is Stormboard because it has advanced features similar to Padlet, it is free, and is also very easy to use. The database is secure and you never have to worry about intrusion from unauthorized users.
On top of that, this tool transforms and improves your work process by allowing you to add content in multiple file formats and create ideas with the whiteboard’s sticky notes.
Cassie Riley has a passion for all things marketing and social media. She is a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, language, music, writing, and unicorns. Cassie is a lifetime learner, and loves to spend time attending classes, webinars, and summits.