I have tried other dry erase markers,  we go thru them quickly on our kitchen board, but they would either smudge or smell really strong or dry out really quickly. The Bic Intensity low odor dry erase markers are much better because they don't have a strong odor,  the colors are bright,  they don't smudge easily,  and they last longer. I'm one happy mom !  I will be buying these markers again!