Board management software
Board Intelligence or OnBoard: Which board portal is right for you?
Find out how Board Intelligence stacks up against OnBoard.
Book a demoChoosing a board portal is about more than running meetings. The right choice creates the conditions for a more effective board.
Whereas most providers stop at meeting management and document storage, Board Intelligence goes further. As Europe’s largest board technology and advisory firm, we combine secure, enterprise-grade technology with two decades of governance expertise. The result? A unique insight into the science of board effectiveness that helps boards and governance teams excel year-round.
This comparison highlights how Board Intelligence stands apart, improving governance efficiency and supercharging board effectiveness.
How Board Intelligence compares to OnBoard
A complete suite of AI-powered tools and advisory services built on 20 years of research into the science of board effectiveness — from board management and report writing to board evaluation and upskilling.
A platform offering a checklist of board management features, with AI functionality introduced only recently and still developing.
A simple platform fee plus modular options, so boards pay only for the tools and services they need.
Complex three-tier bundles with rigid structures that limit flexibility and may force clients to take on unnecessary features.
Choose from a wide range of best-practice features — from agenda planning and report writing to board evaluations — all designed to strengthen governance processes and outcomes.
Fixed bundles of generic features, geared toward administration rather than effectiveness.
Board Intelligence's AI, launched in 2022, embeds 20 years of governance expertise into AI-powered tools like Report Writer and Minute Writer. Purpose-built for boards, Board Intelligence's AI drives high-impact reporting, effective meeting preparation, and faster minutes.
OnBoard AI, launched in 2025, is new and unproven, with functionality tied to Microsoft Azure rather than proprietary governance expertise.
Rated 4.8/5 on Capterra for ease of use. Clean, intuitive design tailored for governance professionals.
Rated 4.6/5 on Capterra. User-friendly but lacks the depth of features designed specifically for board effectiveness.
Trusted by the world’s most demanding institutions, with enterprise-grade, independently certified security (SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR).
Provides standard enterprise-grade security certifications, comparable to other SaaS vendors.
With over two decades of experience, Board Intelligence is Europe’s largest board technology and advisory firm. Trusted by leaders across the Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and OMX 30, we uniquely combine software, advisory services, and proprietary frameworks to unleash the potential of boards and governance teams.
Founded in 2003, OnBoard is primarily a board management platform. Its board effectiveness tools are relatively new and lack the proven track record and advisory depth that Board Intelligence provides.
With 24/7 support and high-quality onboarding and enablement, Board Intelligence stands out for its customer focus and user adoption.
No 24/7 support.
Boards and governance teams looking for a partner that grows with them: enterprise-grade technology plus advisory expertise to embed best practice, improve decision-making, and transform board effectiveness.
Organisations looking for operational board management support, with less emphasis on proven frameworks or strategic board effectiveness.
Rated a board management leader on G2
From easiest admin, fastest implementation to best ROI users love Board Intelligence across small business, mid-market and enterprise.
FAQs
-
How easy is it to move from OnBoard to Board Intelligence?
Switching to Board Intelligence from OnBoard is straightforward. Our dedicated onboarding team helps with everything, from building the business case and migrating your documents to setting up templates and training directors and governance teams. Most organisations transition quickly and without disruption, supported every step of the way.
-
What’s the key difference between Board Intelligence and OnBoard?
OnBoard is primarily a meeting management tool. By contrast, Board Intelligence is a partner in governance and board effectiveness, offering an AI-powered platform that combines cutting-edge technology, proven methodologies, and two decades of advisory experience. This means we don’t just digitise board packs — we raise the quality of board conversations and decision-making.
-
How does Board Intelligence use AI compared to OnBoard?
Board Intelligence launched its first AI product in 2022, and has embedded AI and governance expertise throughout its platform with tools like Insight Driver, Report Writer, and Minute Writer. These are designed to drive more impact from board management processes, while also saving time for board members and governance teams. OnBoard only launched its AI offering in 2025. While promising, it is new and largely reliant on Microsoft Azure, without the proprietary governance frameworks that make BI’s AI distinctive and proven.
-
Which platform is easier for directors and governance teams to use?
Board Intelligence is consistently rated highly for its ease of use, featuring a clean and intuitive interface designed for governance professionals. On Capterra, we score 4.8/5 for ease of use, compared to OnBoard’s 4.6/5. Our tools are designed to help boards focus on what matters — not navigate complex admin.
-
What kind of customer service and onboarding support does Board Intelligence provide compared to OnBoard?
Board Intelligence delivers 24/7 support, personalised onboarding, and high-quality enablement to drive adoption and impact. Clients gain access to a first-class support team and diverse governance community. OnBoard does offer customer support, but it’s less comprehensive and lacks the always-on, proactive service and governance expertise that sets Board Intelligence apart.
-
Is Board Intelligence more secure than OnBoard?
Both providers meet enterprise-grade standards. But Board Intelligence goes further: our platform is ISO 27001 certified and trusted by the world’s most security-conscious organisations. Clients know exactly where their data resides, and our approach repeatedly exceeds compliance requirements — which is why highly regulated industries and global institutions select us.
-
Who is Board Intelligence best suited for compared to OnBoard?
OnBoard suits organisations seeking a digital tool to manage meetings and distribute documents. Board Intelligence is the right choice for those who want more: a partner that helps boards and governance teams embed best practices, sharpen decision-making, and achieve lasting improvements in effectiveness. That’s why we’re trusted by leaders across the Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and OMX 30, as well as complex enterprises, scale-ups, and non-profits worldwide.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our friendly team are on hand to help.
Talk to our team