Mural is a visual collaboration canvas built for running live workshops, not merely an open sticky-note board.
What sets it apart is a set of facilitation controls built directly into the canvas: a session timer, anonymous voting, a private mode that hides participants' work until the facilitator reveals it, and a facilitator lock that freezes everyone else's cursor. None of the other four tools build session control this deep into the board itself.
Facilitators, consultants, and team leads running a structured session with a group (design sprints, retros, voting exercises) where someone needs explicit control over pace and visibility. Less suited to an always-on team scratchpad.
Free plan allows unlimited murals but only 3 stay editable at a time, plus unlimited view-only visitors at no cost. Mural AI and the deeper integrations require a paid plan.
