My Take on the 7 Best Board Management Software

One Monday morning, our board of directors was set to meet for a crucial strategy session. As the meeting time approached, the agenda hadn’t been finalized, some critical documents were still missing, and the meeting room was a last-minute scramble. Without a proper board management system, it was nearly impossible to organize everything efficiently.
That’s when it struck me—how are other organizations, especially those with larger boards, handling these kinds of challenges? Curious, I started exploring the best board management software.

I read through G2 reviews and compared different platforms to better understand their impact. What I discovered was impressive—these systems don’t just streamline communication; they centralize documents, automate meeting scheduling, and ensure seamless collaboration between board members, even from different time zones.

If you’re looking for a way to transform your board’s operations, keep reading. I’m sharing insights from my experience evaluating various solutions to help you choose the best board management software for your organization.

My top 7 board management software recommendations for 2025

The best board management software is designed to help organizations streamline communication, enhance collaboration, and improve decision-making. As I evaluated these tools, I saw firsthand how they simplify meeting management, ensure secure document sharing, and foster greater transparency across the board.

What makes board management software worth it: My opinion

• Intended for use by board or committee members, or similarly ranking directors
• Enable the creation and storage of material such as agendas, meeting minutes, team notes, and more
• Allow for communication and engagement between members
• Enable features to collect group feedback

This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews have been edited for clarity.

​Diligent Boards is a comprehensive board management software solution designed to streamline governance processes, enhance collaboration, and ensure data security for boards and leadership teams.

Real-time collaboration is a standout feature that many G2 reviewers highlight, making document review and decision-making more efficient. According to feedback I gathered, users consistently appreciate how board members can add comments and mark up documents directly within the platform, which eliminates the delays associated with emails or paper copies. 

A commonly appreciated element of Diligent Boards is its strong security features. From what I’ve seen, G2 reviewers often mention how the platform protects sensitive documents and discussions. This sense of security is frequently cited as a major advantage, especially when confidentiality is crucial. Reviewers seem to really value knowing their materials are securely stored and shared.

However, negative feedback tends to focus on document editing within the platform. Many users express frustration with the lack of direct editing functionality. I’ve read multiple reviewers mention how they needed to download documents, make changes externally, and re-upload them, which can be cumbersome, especially under tight deadlines. 

I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the search functionality as well. Several users on G2 point out that the search feature can be unreliable and slow. The results are sometimes not as accurate as expected, which can be particularly problematic when users try to locate specific documents quickly during time-sensitive meetings.

What I dislike about Diligent Boards:

• Based on the feedback I gathered, many users are frustrated by the platform’s lack of direct document editing, which leads to a cumbersome process of downloading and re-uploading files.
• I’ve encountered noticeable dissatisfaction with the search functionality. Several users have mentioned that the feature can be slow and sometimes yield inaccurate results.

What G2 users dislike about Diligent Boards:

“There are some inconveniences, such as slow file synchronization from Diligent Boards to other devices, especially when you’re on the move. I also feel that the dashboard’s appearance could be more personalized based on an institution’s specific needs. For example, it would be helpful to have a quick view of time-sensitive items or upcoming agendas.”

– Diligent Boards Review, Virginie L.

​BoardEffect is a board management software platform designed to streamline governance processes, enhance communication, and promote accountability, particularly for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-focused entities. 

From my review of G2 user feedback, BoardEffect is often praised for its ability to streamline board-related processes, particularly when it comes to creating Board Books. I’ve noticed that G2 reviewers frequently mention how easy it is to organize and share important documents, with many appreciating how the platform simplifies document management. 

Another benefit that G2 users tend to highlight is the quick onboarding process for staff and trustees. According to feedback I’ve come across, reviewers appreciate how easy it is for users to get up to speed with BoardEffect. Many mention that the platform has a short learning curve, enabling a smooth transition without disrupting regular operations. 

A standout feature that G2 reviewers often call out is the 24/7 access to the library. From the feedback I gathered, users appreciate accessing important documents anytime, which improves collaboration, especially for teams with members in different time zones. This flexibility is frequently noted as an asset, ensuring that all stakeholders are always up to date, regardless of location.

However, I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around document formatting. Multiple G2 users have mentioned issues with the platform not always maintaining the original formatting of documents, especially with structured reports. This tends to be a minor but consistent complaint, as it can affect the readability and professionalism of materials. 

I’ve also seen G2 users express frustration with email notifications. Many reviewers point out that the notifications can become overwhelming, making it challenging to filter out the most important updates. This issue, especially when large volumes of updates are pushed through, can distract and detract from the overall user experience.

Lastly, there are some recurring mentions of challenges with the mobile experience. From what I’ve seen, G2 users often note difficulties when navigating long documents on mobile devices. The layout can become cumbersome, affecting the ease of reading and working through reports on smaller screens. 

What I dislike about BoardEffect:

• I’ve encountered noticeable dissatisfaction with document formatting. Several users mention that the platform sometimes loses the original formatting, which can impact the readability and professionalism of documents.
• Many G2 reviewers express frustration with the overwhelming email notifications, making it challenging to filter out important updates, especially when large volumes of notifications are pushed through. 

What G2 users dislike about BoardEffect:

“I wish there were a setting to notify workroom members when a new event or board book is created. It would also be helpful to have a better way to create collaborative documents in the library. I’m looking to make a spreadsheet or working document available for members to edit, but most of my board members don’t have Microsoft accounts, which makes it difficult.”

– BoardEffect Review, Stephen L.

​OnBoard is a comprehensive board management and governance platform designed to streamline board meetings, enhance decision-making, and improve organizational efficiency. 

From my review of G2 user feedback, OnBoard is widely praised for its time-saving features, particularly the ability to centralize all necessary meeting materials, such as documents, messages, and slides, in one place. I’ve seen G2 users frequently highlight how this streamlined approach eliminates the need to search for files during meetings, allowing for real-time access. This centralized system is often appreciated for improving organization and efficiency, significantly enhancing the meeting process.

Another key strength that G2 reviewers commonly mention is how user-friendly OnBoard is. Multiple users express satisfaction with how easily they can add and update materials, regardless of their technical expertise. The ability to avoid reformatting documents when uploading them to the platform is also frequently highlighted as a major time-saver, helping users to focus more on content rather than formatting issues.

A feature that stands out in G2 reviews is the meeting link copy function. Several users have mentioned how this feature has greatly improved their efficiency, particularly for recurring meetings. The ability to quickly copy a meeting link from a previous session and reuse the same structure is consistently appreciated, as it eliminates the need for manual setup each time.

However, based on user feedback, one area where OnBoard could improve is permissions management. While the platform offers robust permission controls, I’ve read multiple reviewers mention that configuring these settings can be time-consuming and requires careful attention. Admins often need to double-check permissions to ensure that everything is properly set up, which can be cumbersome, especially when managing large teams or multiple documents.

Another common concern from G2 reviewers is the mobile version of OnBoard, particularly its limitations for admin tasks. Many users express frustration with being unable to perform admin functions, like publishing meetings, while on the go. This limitation is noted as particularly inconvenient when traveling or needing to make last-minute updates.

Additionally, a recurring piece of feedback revolves around the sharing functionality. Several reviewers mention that OnBoard’s system requires formal invitations to share meeting information, which can be cumbersome if the goal is simply to inform someone without requiring them to attend the meeting. According to G2 reviewers, a more flexible sharing option would likely enhance the user experience.

What I dislike about OnBoard Board Management Software:

• Based on G2 feedback, many users find permissions management to be time-consuming, requiring careful attention to ensure proper configuration, especially when managing large teams or multiple documents.
• I’ve seen frustration among G2 reviewers regarding the mobile version, particularly its limitations for performing admin tasks like publishing meetings while on the go, which can be inconvenient during travel or last-minute updates.

What G2 users dislike about OnBoard Board Management Software:

“It would be helpful to have a more streamlined way to add past meeting books to the Resources section. That’s where we store the meeting archive after downloading and importing it from our previous board software. Currently, meeting history is split between two locations, and there’s no effective way to search through the content of past meetings.”

– OnBoard Board Management Software Review, Suzanne S.

Convene is a comprehensive board management software developed by Azeus Systems, designed to facilitate secure, efficient, and collaborative board meetings. Trusted by over 100,000 board and committee meetings globally.

After reviewing Convene, it’s clear that this tool stands out in several key areas, especially in terms of collaboration and workflow efficiency. The user interface is often highlighted by users as sleek, modern, and easy to navigate, which greatly contributes to a pleasant user experience. The ability to collaborate on documents in real time is another feature that has been praised across multiple reviews, as it eliminates the need for time-consuming email chains and scattered notes. This real-time collaboration has significantly improved efficiency and communication, as everything is centralized and updates are instant, streamlining board meetings and related processes.

One of the strongest points I’ve seen in Convene user feedback is the onboarding experience. The support team offers both onsite and offsite training, which is vital for smooth adoption of the platform. New users have consistently mentioned how easy it was to get up and running, thanks to comprehensive training. This level of support is critical for organizations transitioning to a new tool, and it has been noted as a major plus in reviews.

Additionally, Convene’s robust security features are a key selling point, particularly for managing sensitive board materials. Users emphasize the platform’s ability to safeguard confidential information, which provides peace of mind when dealing with high-stakes discussions.

However, based on user feedback, there are a few areas where Convene could improve. One recurring issue mentioned is the learning curve associated with the platform. While it’s packed with features, some users have found it challenging to get fully comfortable with all the tools and options, especially those who are less tech-savvy. This complexity has led to longer adoption times in some cases.

Another area of concern is the mobile app experience. While the desktop version of Convene receives high marks for smooth functionality, the mobile app has received criticism for being a bit clunky at times. Users note that it’s not as seamless as the desktop version, which can be frustrating when trying to access documents or make updates on the go.

Finally, customization options are limited. While the platform is highly functional, users have mentioned that the lack of flexibility in tailoring it to specific organizational needs can be restrictive. Organizations with unique workflows or requirements may find it challenging to adjust the tool to better suit their needs.

What I dislike about Convene:

• I’ve noticed that some G2 users mention a learning curve, especially for those less tech-savvy, as the platform’s many features can make full adoption more time-consuming.
• Based on G2 reviews, users express frustration with the mobile app’s functionality, noting that it doesn’t offer the same seamless experience as the desktop version, making document access and updates less efficient on the go.

What G2 users dislike about Convene:

“The registration process on this platform is not very intuitive and feels slow. I would like to see its functionality better tailored to the specific business needs of each company.”

– Convene Review, Marvin A.

​Board Intelligence is a UK-based board management software and advisory firm that leverages over 20 years of research in board effectiveness to enhance governance processes. 

What I dislike about Board Intelligence:

• Based on user feedback, the agenda preparation process seems to be frustrating, with multiple reviewers noting that the lack of shortcuts makes it slower and less efficient than expected.
• I’ve come across some dissatisfaction regarding the process of printing pages from downloaded PDF packs. G2 users find it cumbersome to log back into the BIQ platform each time to print a single page, which adds unnecessary steps to a simple task.

What G2 users dislike about Board Intelligence:

“The platform can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially for those building packs. Additionally, cross-referencing packs and pages is challenging, and viewing two pages from different packs side by side (e.g., the main document and its appendix) tends to glitch quickly.”

– Board Intelligence Review, Keti K.

​Boardable is a board management software platform specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. It aims to streamline board operations and enhance collaboration among board members.

From everything I’ve read on G2, Boardable comes across as a strong tool for managing board meetings, especially when it comes to organizing documents and prep work. I’ve seen a recurring theme in user reviews about how much easier it is to get ready for meetings without digging through emails or scattered files. A lot of users seem to love how everything they need is right there in one place—it saves them time and cuts down on stress before meetings.

One feature that really stands out to me in G2 feedback is the task assignment and tracking functionality. Users regularly mention how helpful it is to assign action items and follow up on them after meetings. It seems this has made a big difference in keeping projects on track and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. From what I’ve gathered, this feature adds a lot of value when it comes to team accountability.

I’ve also noticed that many G2 reviewers talk about how Boardable helps improve transparency across their teams. It logs decisions, agendas, and tasks, which eliminates a lot of back-and-forth over email. Users appreciate being able to refer to one source of truth, and I’ve seen comments that it keeps everyone on the same page without missing updates.

Conversely, I’ve noticed several complaints about the messaging system. It’s one of the more common pain points in the reviews I’ve gone through. Users say it feels basic, and I’ve seen several people mention that essential updates can get overlooked. Because of that, some teams default to email for more critical communication.

Another area where I’ve seen frustration is around the interface and overall navigation. Some reviewers feel that parts of the layout are a bit clunky or disorganized, which makes it harder to find what they’re looking for—especially when referencing past meeting notes or older documents. I’ve also received feedback about inconsistent notifications, which seems to cause delays and, in some cases, missed deadlines.

What I dislike about Boardable:

• I’ve come across noticeable dissatisfaction around the messaging system in Boardable. Several users find it basic and ineffective, which leads some to revert to email for important updates.
• From my observation, negative feedback often focuses on frustrations with the interface and navigation. Users mention that it can be clunky, making it difficult to locate past meeting notes or older documents efficiently.

What G2 users dislike about Boardable:

“The system needs better search capabilities, as users often spend excessive time locating documents and past discussions. The notification system generates too much noise, so additional customization options would enhance the experience. Additionally, the mobile user interface should be redesigned to accommodate board members with limited tech experience.”

– Boardable Review, Marcello D.

What I dislike about BoardPAC:

• A recurring issue I’ve noticed in reviews is slow load times, particularly when users are accessing large documents or using the platform during peak hours. This delay frustrates users, especially when they’re working under time pressure for board meetings.
• Based on my review of G2 feedback, several users have expressed dissatisfaction with the file format limitations. Converting Excel or Word documents to PDFs before uploading them is often cited as a time-consuming step, particularly for those who frequently update or manage multiple documents.

What G2 users dislike about BoardPAC:

“The web application takes a bit of time to load, It is possible that the issue is directly related to our internet access (backend portal), the mobile app seems fine. Would also like to have a desktop app for backend services as well.”
– BoardPAC Review, Darren B.

Board management software: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Who uses board management software?

It is commonly used by nonprofits, corporations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies. Users typically include board directors, executives, administrators, and governance teams.

2. Is board management software secure?

Yes. Most board portals use enterprise-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure hosting environments to ensure that sensitive board materials remain confidential and protected.