Choosing the Right Smart Board Series for Your Classroom

In today’s connected learning environments, the right classroom technology can make a world of difference. Interactive displays, often called smart boards, have become essential tools that enhance collaboration, engagement, and the overall learning experience. But with multiple models and configurations available, choosing the best smart board for education can feel overwhelming.

If you’ve narrowed your research to the SMART Board MX Series, SMART Board RX Series, or SMART Board GX Series, this in-depth smart board comparison will help you confidently decide which model best fits your teaching style, classroom size, and budget.

Whether you’re upgrading a traditional projector system or enhancing your digital infrastructure for hybrid learning, understanding the strengths and differences of each SMART Board series is the key to a well-informed investment.

Understanding SMART Technologies

SMART Technologies is a global leader in interactive learning solutions. Their SMART Board brand is synonymous with digital learning, offering displays that transform lessons into interactive experiences. From cloud collaboration tools to touch-enabled displays, SMART Boards are designed to make classrooms more connected and engaging.

While all SMART Board displays share the same foundational purpose, their series differ in performance, interactivity, connectivity, and cost. The SMART Board GX, MX, and RX represent a tiered suite—each designed for distinct educational needs.

Why Compare Smart Boards Before Buying?

Not every classroom or teaching style demands the same technology. Some schools need affordable solutions for basic digital collaboration, while others require advanced capabilities like multi-user writing, integrated lesson software, and seamless hybrid learning features.

A smart board comparison helps decision-makers:

• Match display capabilities to curriculum goals.
• Optimize return on investment by selecting only the necessary features.
• Ensure long-term compatibility with instructional technology plans.
• Support teacher adoption through usable, intuitive tools.

Let’s take a closer look at the three major SMART Board series—GX, MX, and RX—and explore how each one meets different teaching needs.

SMART Board GX Series: Affordable, Essential Classroom Technology

The SMART Board GX Series is the perfect entry point for schools seeking reliable, interactive classroom technology without advanced complexity. It provides core interactive features at a budget-conscious price, making it one of the best smart boards for education in districts seeking to modernize classrooms affordably.

Key Features

• 4K UHD Interactive Display: Delivers crisp visuals ideal for everyday classroom presentations.
• 20-Point Touch and Inking: Allows multiple students to engage simultaneously.
• Embedded Android OS: Runs key apps directly on the display—no connected PC required.
• Integrated Whiteboard: Teachers can write, draw, and save notes effortlessly.
• Connectivity Options: HDMI, USB-C, and wireless screen sharing for easy device integration.

Benefits for Educators

The GX Series simplifies lesson delivery by enabling instant collaboration. Teachers can project, annotate, and explore digital resources on a single screen. It’s particularly well-suited to classrooms focused on:

• Fundamental interactivity without network complexity.
• Light use of educational software and apps.
• Direct screen-sharing from student devices.

Ideal Use Case

The SMART Board GX Series is the go-to solution for schools upgrading from traditional projectors or requiring interactive capabilities across multiple classrooms. Its balance between cost-efficiency and usability makes it an easy and scalable choice.

SMART Board MX Series: The Balanced Choice for Most Classrooms

The SMART Board MX Series sits at the heart of SMART’s lineup, offering a strong blend of features, intuitive design, and classroom-ready performance. For many, it represents the best smart board for education because it delivers professional-grade interactivity at a moderate price point.

Key Features

• High-Precision Touch Technology: Up to 40 points of touch for natural writing and collaboration.
• Integrated iQ Technology: Enables teachers to access lessons, apps, and cloud resources directly on the display.
• 4K UHD Display with Advanced Optical Bonding: Provides superior clarity and touch accuracy.
• Enhanced Audio: Built-in speakers ensure clear audio for multimedia lessons.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Chrome devices.
• SMART Ink and Whiteboard App: Allows annotation over any input, including web browsers and PDF documents.

Benefits for Educators

The MX Series enhances engagement through interactivity and collaboration. It allows educators to switch effortlessly between teaching modes—whiteboarding, video presentations, app usage, and screen sharing—without changing setups or devices.

Teachers love it for its simplicity: lessons can begin instantly, and the interface feels familiar across grade levels and subjects.

Ideal Use Case

The SMART Board MX Series is ideal for schools aiming to blend traditional and digital instruction. Whether your goals involve in-class collaboration or facilitating hybrid learning environments, the MX provides dependable performance and longevity.

SMART Board RX Series: Advanced Interactivity for Modern Learning

As the top-tier option in SMART’s classroom display lineup, the SMART Board RX Series sets a new standard for immersive digital teaching. It combines state-of-the-art touch technology, advanced sensors, and sustainability features to support the most demanding modern classrooms.

Key Features

• Zero Bonded Glass: Delivers an ultra-responsive, paper-like writing experience.
• Automatic Tool Recognition: Instantly differentiates between pens, erasers, and fingers for seamless collaboration.
• Integrated Sensors: Includes environmental sensors for CO₂ and temperature, supporting classroom wellness.
• Secure Multi-User Workspace: Enables students and teachers to log in and access personalized files instantly.
• Built-In Microphone Array and Soundbar: Perfect for hybrid learning and remote participation.
• High-Powered Processor and Expanded Memory: Smooth operation across multiple apps and inputs.
• Sustainability Design: ENERGY STAR certified with low power consumption and responsible material sourcing.

Benefits for Educators

The RX Series redefines what’s possible in a digital classroom. Teachers can move fluidly between live annotations, student collaboration, multimedia content, and interactive apps—all with minimal setup.

Its secure login and advanced wireless connectivity also make it future-ready. Hybrid or remote teaching scenarios benefit significantly, allowing seamless transitions between in-person and digital participation.

Ideal Use Case

The SMART Board RX Series is ideal for institutions integrating technology as a core part of their curriculum. High-tech campuses, STEM programs, and innovation labs will appreciate its elevated performance and sustainability.

Smart Board Comparison: GX vs MX vs RX

Below is a side-by-side smart board comparison to help you visualize differences clearly.

Feature / Series	SMART Board GX Series	SMART Board MX Series	SMART Board RX Series
Display Resolution	4K UHD	4K UHD	4K UHD with Zero Bonded Glass
Touch Points	20	40	40+ (with precision sensors)
Integrated System	Android	iQ Android	iQ with enhanced security and custom login
Audio	Basic speakers	Enhanced integrated speakers	Soundbar + microphone array
Writing Experience	Responsive ink	SMART Ink with natural writing	Paper-like feel, advanced recognition
Collaboration Features	Basic screen sharing	Advanced multi-device sharing	Secure logins and hybrid collaboration
Connectivity	HDMI, USB-C, Wi-Fi	Multiple HDMI, USB-C, Bluetooth	HDMI, USB-C, NFC, and network management tools
Target Audience	Budget-conscious schools	Mainstream classrooms	Advanced, tech-forward schools
Price Tier	Entry-level	Mid-range	Premium
Software Compatibility	SMART Notebook Basic	SMART Learning Suite	Full Learning Suite + advanced analytics

This table illustrates that while all three deliver strong classroom interactivity, each caters to different instructional environments.

Which SMART Board Series Is Best for You?

Your choice depends on your budget, classroom demands, and long-term educational strategy. Here’s how to decide:

Choose the SMART Board GX Series if:

• You need reliable interactive functionality at the lowest cost.
• Teachers prefer simple, direct instruction methods.
• Your school is just beginning its digital learning transformation.

Choose the SMART Board MX Series if:

• You want a balance of advanced functionality and value.
• Your school supports blended or hybrid learning.
• Teachers frequently use apps, digital lessons, and online collaboration tools.

Choose the SMART Board RX Series if:

• You are future-proofing your campus with cutting-edge technology.
• Sustainable, secure, and data-driven classrooms are priorities.
• You want to support interactive, project-based, or remote learning seamlessly.

Real-World Scenarios

• Elementary School: The GX Series provides ample functionality for early learners. Interactive story sessions, drawing, and multimedia lessons become intuitive and fun.
• Middle and High Schools: The MX Series enables smooth subject integration, from STEM to humanities. Teachers can annotate equations, analyze documents, and launch interactive simulations with ease.
• Higher Education or Innovation Labs: The RX Series supports deep collaboration, video conferences, and advanced project work with minimal friction.

Software Ecosystem and Compatibility

Every SMART Board integrates with SMART’s Learning Suite tools. This software ecosystem ensures compatibility across Google Workspace for Education, Microsoft 365, and popular LMS platforms.

• SMART Notebook: Designed for lesson planning, annotation, and interactive content creation.
• SMART Ink: Let’s teachers annotate anywhere—apps, browsers, or documents—without obstructing the original content.
• SMART iQ Hub: Embedded in the MX and RX series for seamless access to cloud storage, lessons, and learning apps.

The RX’s advanced software management also provides analytics and secure user authentication—key for institutions managing many connected classrooms.

Connectivity and Device Integration

Today’s classrooms thrive on connectivity. Students and teachers rely on multiple devices simultaneously, and SMART Boards make sharing effortless.

• SMART Board GX: Supports wired and wireless connections, ideal for quick sharing.
• SMART Board MX: Expands connections with USB-C, HDMI, and multiple input options, ensuring compatibility with Chromebooks and tablets.
• SMART Board RX: Adds NFC login, network-based management, and optimized AirServer for seamless screen mirroring.

These functions not only enhance engagement but also save valuable class time.

Touch Precision and Writing Experience

Writing precision matters in interactive teaching. SMART’s patented touch technology ensures natural and accurate inking across all series, but noteworthy differences remain.

• GX users experience fast, responsive writing.
• MX users enjoy an ultra-smooth feel and error-free multi-touch capabilities.
• RX users experience the most realistic writing feel available, with zero bonded glass reducing parallax to near zero.

For teachers who value precision during diagram drawing, mathematical notation, or handwriting recognition, the RX Series is the gold standard.

Classroom Management and Security

Modern educators need displays that support multi-user access, protect content, and simplify IT management.

• The GX requires minimal setup and simple app management.
• The MX enables managed profiles through SMART Remote Management.
• The RX expands this with secure single sign-on (SSO), NFC authentication, and integrated analytics.

These features reduce administrative burdens while maintaining student privacy and system integrity.

Sustainability and Long-Term Value

Sustainability has become central to school procurement. SMART Technologies has committed to environmental responsibility across all product lines.

• All displays are ENERGY STAR certified.
• The RX Series includes advanced environmental tracking sensors and eco-friendly components.
• All series leverage firmware updates, ensuring longer life cycles and reducing electronic waste.

This longevity contributes to overall investment value and aligns with institutional sustainability goals.

Support and Training

SMART Technologies offers extensive professional development and customer support. Regardless of model, educators can access free training resources, templates, and integrations.

• SMART Exchange: A global platform for sharing interactive lessons.
• SMART Training Portal: On-demand videos and guides for teachers.
• SMART Remote Management: Central monitoring and updates for IT staff.

Such ecosystem support ensures classrooms stay productive and up to date, no matter which series you choose.

How to Choose Strategically

When deciding which SMART Board series to purchase, consider the following strategic factors:

1. Classroom Goals: Define what outcomes you want—collaboration, engagement, or hybrid learning.
2. Teacher Readiness: Assess how comfortable your staff is with technology adoption.
3. Infrastructure: Review your network, device compatibility, and IT support.
4. Budget and Scale: Balance essential features against the total cost of ownership.

By aligning technology with teaching goals, you’ll ensure that the SMART Board you select will serve your classrooms effectively for years to come.

Future-Ready Classrooms Start with the Right Choice

Digital learning continues to evolve. Schools that invest thoughtfully in smart displays pave the way for more interactive, inclusive, and engaging education experiences. Whether your priority is affordability, versatility, or innovation, SMART offers a solution.

• The SMART Board GX Series brings interactivity within reach.
• The SMART Board MX Series delivers a balance of power and simplicity.
• The SMART Board RX Series defines the future of connected learning.

Each series embodies SMART Technologies’ mission—to make learning more interactive, meaningful, and accessible.

If you’re interested in how SMART Boards transform corporate learning, check out: Corporate Training with SMART Board QX Pro: Top 10 Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the SMART Board MX Series ideal for most classrooms?

The SMART Board MX Series balances performance and affordability. It offers advanced touch technology, built-in iQ software, and device compatibility for hybrid teaching. Designed for versatility, it suits diverse subjects, allowing teachers to simplify lessons, encourage collaboration, and engage students both in person and online.

2. How does the SMART Board GX Series differ from the MX and RX models?

The SMART Board GX Series provides essential interactive features at an affordable price. While MX and RX models include upgraded processing, iQ software, and enhanced connectivity, GX focuses on core collaboration tools, 4K visuals, and reliable touch performance—perfect for schools modernizing classrooms on a tighter budget.

3. Why should schools consider the SMART Board RX Series?

The RX Series delivers premium performance featuring zero bonded glass, automatic tool recognition, and advanced sustainability design. It supports hybrid and personalized learning with secure logins and smart environment sensors. Schools seeking immersive, future-ready classrooms often choose RX for its superior writing precision and technology integration.

4. Are all SMART Boards compatible with existing school devices?

Yes, SMART Boards work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Chrome devices. They support USB-C, HDMI, and wireless screen sharing, enabling teachers and students to connect instantly. This flexibility helps schools integrate new displays without changing existing laptops or tablets, ensuring smooth classroom technology adoption.

5. How can I request a quote for the right SMART Board?

Schools can request a customized quote to find the best SMART Board model for their needs. Provide details about your classrooms, teaching style, and budget to receive tailored recommendations. Our educational technology specialists will guide you in selecting and deploying the ideal display solution efficiently.