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Best Interactive Displays for Classrooms in 2022

  • BenQ
  • 2022-11-07

Many schools are looking to take advantage of the latest innovations in smart board interactive displays, without breaking the budget. While BenQ, Smart, and Promethean all have feature-rich premium classroom displays, we will take a look at how these three market leaders’ 2022 midrange models compare for schools transition from interactive whiteboards to interactive displays that don’t require a PC.  We will try to provide a fair and honest comparison between these three products.

Touch & Whiteboard Functionality

Various top-tier educational institutions (e.g. Oxford University) are pioneering the use of interactive displays to improve student performance in hybrid learning environments. Such systems, often called “Interactive Flat Panel” are provided by various companies. While they share certain features, some stand out from the crowd thanks to their unique advantages.


Each of these displays comes with advanced touchscreen software that allows teachers to create and load interactive whiteboard (.IWB) lesson files so teachers can reuse lessons from their old interactive boards.


What are the new features – and the differences between the BenQ, Promethean, and SMART Technologies MX displays?

Teachers can import IWB files on EZWrite 6 on BenQ Board to reuse lessons from their old interactive boards

Available to import PowerPoint, Word, Excel,  PDF, and IWB files

Touch Sensor Technology

To better simulate the experience of using a real marker, BenQ, SMART, and Promethean interactive displays use advanced infrared (IR) touch systems that enable near-instant response and a smooth, intuitive writing experience.


BenQ displays use a system called Fine IR, that is optically bonded to the glass and supports up to 40 touchpoints. It’s available on models such as the RM03 Board Master series. SMART and Promethean call their technology HyprTouch and Vellum, respectively. Both support 20 or more points of touch and handwriting recognition.

BenQ displays use a system called Fine IR

The BenQ RM series packs Fine IR sensors that are optically bonded to the glass and supports up to 40 touchpoints

Cloud Whiteboarding


All SMART Board MX075, Promethean ActivePanel Nickel, ViewSonic IFP52, and BenQ RM03 interactive displays come with built-in whiteboarding software that can open any lesson stored in the standard .IWB format. However, the innovative cloud-based whiteboarding enables teachers and students to actively participate in class and co-create the class content from any location, on any network.


BenQ developed the world’s first dynamic cloud whiteboarding system in a classroom display. Using this feature, a teacher can also allow the student to either watch or interact with the board remotely from their own device. The system is network- and software-agnostic, which enables unprecedented flexibility to both teachers and students that complement other common classroom systems such as Zoom or Teams. There are no additional licensing fees for this software for the life of the display.


The other classroom displays such as the SMART MX do not come with any integrated cloud whiteboarding software but may offer separate PC software programs where students can access a lesson online. These may have additional subscription costs that should be factored into the display.

Whiteboard Functionality BenQ Board RM03 

SMART Board MX

Promethean ActivPanel Nickel

ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C

Whiteboard Functionality
Touch Sensor
BenQ Board RM03 

Fine IR

Zero Bond Optical Touch Sensor

SMART Board MX

HyprTouch

Zero Bond Optical Touch Sensor

Promethean ActivPanel Nickel

Vellum

Zero Bond Optical Touch Sensor

ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C

Zero Bond Optical Touch Sensor

Whiteboard Functionality
Touch Points
BenQ Board RM03 

Up to 40

SMART Board MX

Up to 20

Promethean ActivPanel Nickel

Up to 15

ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C

Up to 33
Whiteboard Functionality

Cloud Whiteboarding

BenQ Board RM03 

Included at no cost

SMART Board MX

1 Year Subscription
to SMART Learning Suite
$59 per year per display

Promethean ActivPanel Nickel

Optional Class Flow for Schools Subscription

ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C

Not in

cluded

Classroom & Lesson Recording Functionality

Research at the University of Albany showed that students who have used recorded lessons do substantially better than those who don’t. So what should you look for to ensure your teachers can easily store and share their lessons?

Student learns from the recorded class remotely

Recorded lessons enhance the  student learning experience

How easy is it to record the lesson from the BenQ, SMART, and Promethean displays?

The BenQ RM03 interactive display enables instant recording directly on the board from any application with a single two-finger tap. This intuitive user interface enables a teacher to record any lesson without having to open another application. Just tap the screen and hit record – it’s that simple. These lessons can be saved on the display storage or on a cloud/network drive using Account Management System (Learn more about Tap ‘N Teach technology here).


SMART, ViewSonic, and Promethean ActivPanel Nickel do not come with screen recording functionality as part of the display. Teachers may need to instead switch to their PC (if they are not using an OPS- a slot-in computer), open an app, and configure the settings to record a lesson.


Teachers have known the most effective lessons combine both visual and audio information. So how well do these new mainstream interactive displays capture the teacher’s voice?

BenQ EZWrite 6 floating tool

A two finger tap on the screen enables BenQ's Floating Tool to instantly start recording

Array Microphone and Speakers



The BenQ RM03 interactive display comes with a 6-microphone array built-in, capable of recording the teacher’s voice from 15 feet away (learn more about array microphones here). This system features an advanced sound recognition software similar to a smartphone that cancels out background noise and “follows” the teacher as they move around the room. 


While ViewSonic applies a similar system to their product, neither the SMART Board MX nor the Promethean ActivPanel Nickel come with any built-in microphone. This means a school will need to make an additional investment in audio capture technology for hybrid learning, which enables the microphone to be moved with the display.

Classroom and Lesson Recording BenQ Board RM03 SMART Board MX Promethean ActivPanel Nickel ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Classroom and Lesson Recording
Recording method
BenQ Board RM03
Simple Two Finger Tap from any application
SMART Board MX
The teacher must open and set up the PC app to record
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
The teacher must open and set up the PC app to record
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
The teacher must be using a PC app to record
Classroom and Lesson Recording
Integrated microphone
BenQ Board RM03
Noise Cancelling Array microphone
SMART Board MX
None
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
None
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Noise Cancelling Array microphone
Classroom and Lesson Recording
Speakers
BenQ Board RM03
32 Watt Soundbar
SMART Board MX
40 Watt Soundbar
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
30 Watt Soundbar
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
30-Watt Soundbar w/ Sub-woofer

Teacher & Student Safety Features

The best classroom displays carry a variety of important safety features on each display such as anti-glare heat-tempered hardened glass that is designed to shatter into small pieces if broken to reduce the hazard of a student suffering a deep cut on exposed glass. Here are the other major safety features commonly found in classroom interactive displays

To enhance eye comfort, the BenQ interactive display RM series comes with an anti-glare screen, low blue light filter, and flicker-free technology

To enhance eye comfort, the BenQ Board RM series comes with an anti-glare screen, low blue light filter, and flicker-free technology

Antimicrobial Coatings

Antimicrobial coatings are used in surgical lighting and other sensitive areas to keep germs from growing on the display. These antimicrobial coatings must be carefully applied and baked onto the glass.


The BenQ RM03 series has been certified by Europe’s TÜV against the five most common types of bacteria, including e. Coli, Salmonella, and pneumonia. The BenQ display is also certified as classroom safe and toxin-free under Japan’s SIAA standard tests for potential risks such as long-term touch and oral toxicity. BenQ offers the same antimicrobial protection on the pens for enhanced student and teacher safety.

Blue Light Protection


Integrating an interactive display as the main platform of a class increases exposure to digital screens, which traditionally generate blue light. Exposure to blue light causes eye fatigue and dryness, and may also lead to serious vision problems. The BenQ RM series features low blue light technology to protect students and teachers’ eyes. This technology is also certified by TÜV, and can be easily toggled and controlled from display settings.



The SMART Board MX and Promethean Nickel do not have any blue light reduction technology certifications.

LED-Flicker


A unique feature of the BenQ and ViewSonic interactive displays is the use of flicker-free screen lighting makes long-term use of the board much easier on one’s eyes. Many LED-powered displays can have a nearly invisible flicker that can be harmful to the eyes. The BenQ has been tested and certified by TÜV for flicker-free performance. 


The SMART Board MX and Promethean ActivPanel do not have any flicker-free technology certifications.

BenQ interactive display anti-glare screen

Anti-glare

BenQ interactive display low blue light filter

Low blue light

BenQ interactive display flicker-free technology

Flicker-free

Teacher and Student Safety Features BenQ Board RM03  SMART Board MX  Promethean ActivPanel Nickel ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Teacher and Student Safety Features
Antimicrobial Glass Germ Certifications
BenQ Board RM03 

TÜV Certifications (5)

 SIAA Toxin Free

SMART Board MX 
No Antimicrobial glass is available
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No Antimicrobial glass is available
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
No Antimicrobial glass is available
Teacher and Student Safety Features
Antimicrobial Pens
BenQ Board RM03 
Yes
SMART Board MX 
No
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
No
Teacher and Student Safety Features
Blue Light Protection
BenQ Board RM03 

Yes

TÜV Certified

SMART Board MX 
No
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Teacher and Student Safety Features
Flicker-Free Backlight
BenQ Board RM03 

Yes

TÜV Certified

SMART Board MX 
No
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes

Device Management Systems

Managing a large number of classroom interactive displays requires an effective remote management software system or Device Management Systems (DMS). Both BenQ and SMART offer systems that permit admins to push settings, updates, apps, and campus-wide text messages to any or all boards in their network.


The BenQ board comes with an additional service called X-Sign Broadcast that has the ability to broadcast graphics as well as video streams to the display, making it a perfect tool for morning announcements.


In addition, for schools that have both projectors and interactive displays, the BenQ DMS will enable scheduling and control of nearly any projector in addition to the displays, making it easier for IT to manage their facilities. There are also no subscription fees with any BenQ display.

Use BenQ DMS to manage a large number of classroom interactive displays

BenQ Device management systems (DMS) make it easy for IT managers to remotely manage a large number of classroom interactive displays

Device Management System BenQ DMS & X-Sign SMART Remote Management  Promethean ActivPanel Nickel ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Device Management System
Interactive Display Control & Monitoring
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes
SMART Remote Management 
Yes
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Yes
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Device Management System
Remote App Management
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes
SMART Remote Management 
Yes
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Yes
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Device Management System
Multimedia Message Broadcast
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes
SMART Remote Management 
Text Only
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No – Requires third party SW
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Text Only
Device Management System
Task Scheduling
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes
SMART Remote Management 
Yes
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Yes
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Device Management System
Display Analytics
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes
SMART Remote Management 
Yes
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Yes
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Device Management System
Projector Support
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Yes – including Epson, NEC, and Maxell projectors
SMART Remote Management 
No
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Device Management System
License timeframe
BenQ DMS & X-Sign
Lifetime of Display
SMART Remote Management 
Not Specified
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Not Specified
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
5 Years

Teacher Log in & Cloud Access

For Teachers: Account Management and Logging-In

Out of the four compared models, only BenQ RM03 and the SMART MX can be set up to enable teachers to securely log into the display and access network and cloud files directly from the display. However, there is a substantial difference between the two, and the BenQ system makes it both easier to setup for the IT manager – and more secure for the teacher.


Here’s how it works:

The IT manager creates a teacher account in BenQ’s Account Management System software database by linking it to their Active Directory infrastructure. This enables the teacher to personalize their display, but restricts other settings (such as changing the network or installing age-inappropriate apps loaded on the panel).


Once set up, BenQ device accounts are set up for each teacher, and can be easily accessed with the help of Tap ‘N Teach technology (Learn more about Tap ‘N Teach here)


The best part about BenQ’s Tap N’ Teach is how easy and fast it is for a teacher to use. The teacher points their phone to the QR code on the screen, securely types in their password on their device, and the display is instantly personalized for that teacher, complete with background, apps, and network connection.  Google, Microsoft OneNote, and school network drives are automatically connected as well. When they are finished, they simply tap the display again and the device returns to its generic state. Any teacher can use any panel at any time with full access to their lessons – all without a PC.


Some classroom displays use the on-screen keyboard – forcing the teacher to type in their password on the screen. Others, such as the SMART MX display, need a SMART account for the system to connect to their Google Drive and other resources. This could make it difficult if a school wants to use a competitive curriculum in the future to improve student performance.

Tap ‘N Teach: Scan QR code to log in

Scan a QR code displayed on the screen and log in through your phone safely

Teacher Login and Cloud Access BenQ Tap ‘N Teach SMART Board MX Promethean ActivPanel Nickel ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Teacher Login and Cloud Access
Access Google Drive from the panel
BenQ Tap ‘N Teach
Yes
SMART Board MX
Yes
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
Yes
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
Yes
Teacher Login and Cloud Access
QR Code Secure Login
BenQ Tap ‘N Teach
Yes
SMART Board MX
With Companion App
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
No
Teacher Login and Cloud Access
Active Directory support for Account Management
BenQ Tap ‘N Teach
Yes
SMART Board MX
No
Promethean ActivPanel Nickel
No
ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP52 1C
No

So, which best interactive board is better for me in 2022?

While all four models share similar features such as 4K resolution, can open and save .IWB files, and offer wireless screen mirroring, understanding the key differences will help you decide which brand of interactive touch display will be right for your classroom.


It’s important to do research and consult important stakeholders before deciding which board your school district should adopt.


There are some major advantages that BenQ brings to the table that can make a difference to a school that might want more flexibility in its curriculum. When deciding on your chosen solution, consider the following differences:

  • The BenQ RM series packs Fine IR sensors that are optically bonded to the glass and supports up to 40 touchpoints.
  • The BenQ display comes with an integrated cloud whiteboarding software ecosystem that works without any subscriptions or needs a PC connection.
  • The BenQ has more advanced classroom safety features, including anti-microbial glass, pens, certified blue light filters, and a flicker-free screen that helps protect the user’s vision.
  • BenQ’s Tap ‘N Teach QR Code technology enables instant, wireless, secure teacher login – and even integrates with Active Directory. With a single tap, a teacher can transform any board on campus into a personalized interactive board in under 10 seconds.
  • BenQ Device Management software allows school IT admins to manage BenQ displays, projectors, and even equipment from legacy brands including Epson, NEC, Hitachi, and Casio, without requiring a subscription.
  • BenQ panels are designed and tested to run a wide variety of classroom education curricula including SMART Notebook, Google Classroom (EZWrite Web), and dozens of other curriculum software platforms to enable curriculum directors’ flexibility to use their preferred software to increase student performance.
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