21 Best Mind Mapping Apps (Pros & Features)

The best mind mapping apps can help you brainstorm new ideas, organize your team and business, plan out your writing, manage your projects (even the most complex ones), study more effectively, give stunning presentations, compare products, and much more.

If you’re new to mind mapping, check out this article where I share the basics.

In this guide, I reviewed the 21 best mind mapping apps. Whether you’re a project manager, a student, or a creative professional, working solo or in a team, you’ll walk away with great tips on what mind mapping software to choose.

Let’s get started.

What is the best mind mapping app?

Here are my top picks for the best mind mapping apps:

• MindMeister
• MindNode
• Miro
• IOctopus
• Coggle
• iThoughts
• XMind
• MindMup
• MindManager
• Ayoa
• Ideaflip
• Whimsical
• MindMapper
• TheBrain
• FreeMind
• ClickUp
• MindGenius
• Mindomo
• Lucidspark
• iMindQ
• SimpleMind

MindMeister

Best for project managers

MindMeister is probably the most well-known online mind mapping tool on the internet. It has a well-earned reputation, a strong brand, and a couple of awesome functions.

MindMeister lives in the cloud; there’s no desktop app. This makes it easy to use it on different platforms. MindMeister excels at presenting—you can create esthetically pleasing slides from your mind map in several different and creative ways.

MindMeister is part of the Meister ecosystem (Meister Suite), which brings together MeisterNote (collaborative documentation), MeisterTask (task and project management), and MindMeister (mind mapping).

Key features:

• Create your tasks right from your mind map and get them synced to MeisterTask
• Collaborate on your mind map, reply to comments, and upvote the best feedbacks
• Link your map to relevant mind maps in your library
• Publish your mind map on your website
• Create your presentation

Plans and pricing: €0/mo-€12.49/mo (per user)

MindMeister is free for up to 3 mind maps. With a MindMeister Personal Plan (€4.99/mo per user), you get access to unlimited mind maps, different exporting options, and attachments. You can save 30% if you purchase MindMeister and MeisterTask together (MeisterBundle).

Pros:

• Integrates with MeisterTask
• Linking mind maps together
• Easy-to-use
• Awesome presentation capabilities
• Version history

Cons:

• No desktop app
• Limited layout options

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

MindNode

Best for Mac users

MindNode is a beautifully designed mind mapping app for your Mac. Although it lacks a web version (sorry, Windows folks), MindNode offers lots of top-notch functions.

Focus mode, visual tags, widgets, and outline mode all serve a single purpose: to get your ideas on mind map as quickly and smoothly as possible.

You can share your mind maps directly to OmniFocus or Things 3. Read this article, where I share the 12 best task manager apps including OmniFocus and Things. If you want, you can use this mind mapping app as a simple task manager and get your tasks synced with Apple Reminders.

Key features:

• Organize your ideas and add more context to your mind maps with visual tags
• Use the outline window to brainstorm your ideas quickly
• Block out distractions with focus mode
• Transform your ideas into tasks and get them synced with Apple Reminders
• Use the widgets to access your favorite mind maps quickly

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$2.49/mo (per user)

The free plan gives you the basic functions including creating and editing nodes, plus you can import and export mind maps. With MindNode Plus, you’ll get access to tasks, visual tags, connections, styling options, focus mode, file links, and a lot more.

Pros:

• Intuitive and beautiful interface
• Tasks sync with Apple Reminders
• Powerful styling options
• Linking to other MindNode mind maps

Cons:

• Apple ecosystem only (no web version, either)
• No way to publish your mind maps (at least I couldn’t figure it out)

Platforms: Mac, iOS, Apple Watch

Miro

Best for creative teams

Miro isn’t a mind mapping app per se. It’s an online collaborative whiteboard with strong mind mapping capabilities. You can choose a pre-filled or a blank template from the library, which contains hundreds of use cases.

Miro integrates with 100+ tools like Jira, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Zoom.

You can create astonishing slideshows from your mind map by creating individual frames on selected branches and topics.

Key features:

• Customizable sticky notes (one of my favorite functions)—works with mind maps
• Presentation mode
• Voting & video chat

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$16/mo (per user)

With a free Miro account, you get 3 editable boards. Importantly, you can create a lot more, but won’t be able to edit all of them. The Miro Starter Plan costs $8/mo (per user) and gives you access to unlimited editable boards, version history, custom templates, unlimited visitors, and more.

Pros:

• Directly integrates with your favorite tools
• Awesome presentation mode
• Easy-to-use
• Truly cross-platform
• Version history

Cons:

• Limited mind mapping capabilities

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android

IOctopus

Best for idea generators and solopreneurs

IOctopus is one of the best mind mapping apps out there. It’s a distraction-free, online mind mapping software that brings you into the flow state. The developers took MindNode as a reference and created a beautifully designed mind mapping app that works cross-platform and online.

Although it’s almost a brand-new app, the developers already delivered plenty of awesome features, and clearly articulated their vision, which is reflected in the product. What I like about this mind mapping app is that it strictly followed Tony Buzan’s rules, who’s considered the grandfather of mind mapping.

What does that mean?

The branches are thinner as you move outside on the mind map (few, if any, of the best mind mapping apps apply this styling by default), each branch has a different color, the text is displayed above the branches, and everything looks super-neat.

Key features:

• Supercharge your mind maps with plugins (formulas, hashtags, calendar, email reminders, and more)
• Manage your tasks with basic operators
• Collaborate with your peers online

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$2.9/mo (per user)

With an IOctopus free plan, you can create 3 mind maps and get the basic functions. The Star Plan costs $1.9/mo and offers unlimited mind maps, tasks, colors, links, plugins, and more. IOctopus’ Galaxy Plan starts from $2.9/mo and targets collaboration.

Pros:

• Minimalist interface (very easy to use)
• Tony-Buzan-styled, beautiful mind maps (I can’t praise them enough)
• Powerful plugins (come with the first tier)
• Supports collaboration online
• Nice price tag

Cons:

• No dedicated desktop and mobile apps yet (soon they may come)
• Lack of a presentation mode (although it’s almost a brand-new app)

Platforms: Web

Coggle

Best for students and creative professionals

Coggle is an online mind mapping and documentation tool with a unique user experience. In my opinion, it’s one of the best mind mapping apps out there.

You can create mind maps, flowcharts, timelines, and so much more. What I like about Coggle is the superior user experience and design. With Coggle, you can make loops and all kinds of things to elevate your learning skills (and impress your boss).

Key features:

• Create loops and join branches to bring your thinking to the next level
• Collaborate on your ideas in real time
• Create multiple starting points in a single mind map to display related topics
• Make powerful flowcharts and process maps with ease from your browser

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$8/mo (per user)

Coggle is free to use for up to 3 mind maps. Then, you can only create publicly shared mind maps. Coggle’s Awesome plan starts from $5/mo. You’ll get unlimited private diagrams and more options to customize your mind maps.

Pros:

• Easy to use (so satisfying, can’t praise them highly enough)
• Unique functions such as looping and joining branches
• Real-time collaboration
• Version history

Cons:

• Lacks some basic mind mapping functions and layout options

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

iThoughts

Best for avid mind mappers

iThoughts is a classic software with a lot of hidden gems, which makes it one of the best mind mapping apps. It has been developed by Craig Scott, who serves his customers with enthusiasm and keeps his app up to date.

Some of the hidden features include password-protected individual mind maps, powerful search, filtering, sorting, and conditional formatting.

With iThoughts, you can create stunning mind maps for brainstorming, studying, event planning, or project management. You’ll get lots of styling options to structure your thoughts

I’ve been using iThoughts not only for mind mapping, but to create stunning organograms with ease. It has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get to the point, you’ll be super-productive.

Key features:

• Style your mind maps with different layouts, colors, images, icons, and more
• Manage your tasks and track your progress right in your mind map with basic functions
• Export your mind map to different formats, including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, PNG, PDF
• Create stylish organograms within minutes

Plans and pricing: $49.99 per user (lifetime license)

ToketaWare offers a free trial, then you must buy lifetime licenses. iThoughts versions can be purchased separately, although discounts are available for existing customers. The desktop version costs $49.99 (either for Mac or Windows, sold separately). A license can be installed on any number of computers but is valid for a single person only.

Pros:

• Looks beautiful and is easy to work with
• Lots of granular details to style your mind maps
• Diverse exporting capabilities
• Portable version available
• Superior customer service

Cons:

• No Android version
• Bit outdated
• Limited image library

Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS

XMind

Best all-in-one mind mapping solution for creative individuals and students

My best mind mapping apps list couldn’t be complete without mentioning XMind, which is the real granddaddy of mind mapping software.

A while ago, XMind launched its second, cloud-based product, which slowly evolved into a flagship product. XMind 8 remained the legacy app, which can be purchased as a lifetime license while XMind offers a subscription service. The two have overlapping features, but XMind 8 remained a more classic app. In this review, I’ll discuss the new XMind app.

Key features:

• Use the outliner to structure your thoughts
• Create a whole array of maps including logic charts, org charts, fishbone diagrams, and more
• Use the pitch mode to create beautiful slides from your mind maps automatically
• Use the ZEN mode to stay focused

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$5.99/mo (per user)

Subscribe to the Pro plan and XMind generously gives you access to all features plus you can run your favorite mind mapping app on 5 computer devices and 5 iOS/Android devices.

Pros:

• Diverse functions & layout options
• Enhanced presentation mode
• Password-protected mind maps

Cons:

• Lacks task management features
• Limited native integrations
• Looks a bit dated

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, iOS, Android

Get started with XMind and save 15% with my coupon code. Use “productivity95” at the checkout.

MindMup

Best for new mind mappers

MindMup is a free online mind mapping app that has been there for a while.

Want to collaborate? Give a presentation? Manage your projects? You can’t go wrong with this mind mapping tool—it has all the features you need to embark on your creative journey.

As an online tool, there’s nothing to download. You can create, publish, and share your mind maps online. Still, it has plenty of room for playing around.

Key features:

• Create dynamic storyboards with a drag-and-drop method
• Link your mind maps together with a unique link
• Publish and share your mind maps online
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your creative work (you’ll find lots of them)
• Save your mind maps directly to GoogleDrive

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$2.99/mo (per user)

With a free MindMup plan, you have unlimited public mind maps and get nearly all advanced functions. If you, however, want private mind maps, more exporting and storage capacities, and collaboration, you may want to purchase the Personal Gold pan ($2.99/mo).

Pros:

• Fast & very easy-to-use
• Budget-friendly
• Highly customizable themes
• GoogleDrive integration

Cons:

• No mobile apps (not yet on the horizon)
• Free files cannot be deleted and are removed after 6 months (although you can use GoogleDrive to own your mind maps)

Platforms: Web

MindManager

Best for project managers

MindManager is a powerful mind mapping tool for project managers and teams. It’s much more capable than simple mind mapping. You can create a whole range of professional diagrams including but not limited to flowcharts, organizational charts, Gantt charts, timelines, and matrix diagrams.

You can map out all your processes, get them discussed with your team, and manage your tasks and projects with MindManager.

Key features:

• Create mind maps, flowcharts, timelines, concept maps, Kanban boards, and more
• Use conditional formatting to automate and speed up your processes
• Get MindManager’s add-ons to boost your productivity (available for Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Word, and more)
• Use Excel Data Mapper to strip down your Excel sheets to their core

Plans and pricing: €121.77/year-€207.87/year (per user)

MindManager offers a 30-day fully functional free trial. You can then upgrade to MindManager’s Essentials plan which costs €121.77/year (per user). Unfortunately, the Essentials plan doesn’t include desktop apps and doesn’t allow publishing, co-editing, or sharing your mind maps. Alternatively, you can purchase a lifetime license (€429.27) and get the Mac & Windows desktop apps, which, however, lacks the web version. The Professional plan costs €207.87/year (per user) and includes the Microsoft Team add-on, web app & desktop apps, publishing, co-editing, and more.

Pros:

• Lifetime license as well as subscription model available
• Diverse functions
• Native integrations with cloud storage providers, Microsoft tools, and more
• Various learning resources

Cons:

• High price tag
• Expensive add-ons
• Has a bit of a learning curve
• No dedicated mobile apps (although you can view your mind maps on mobile)

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Web

Ayoa

Best for creative teams with complex workflows and ideas

Ayoa existed as a visual task management tool until it united with Tony Buzan’s iMindMap. Ayoa now has two modules: Ayoa Mind Map for mind mapping and Ayoa Task for task management. Combine the two and you get Ayoa Ultimate, which comes with additional superpowers including AI-powered mind maps.

Ayoa offers so much more than simple mind mapping. It’s capable of managing complex projects and workflows from the idea generation to the end. Collaboration doesn’t stop at the planning level: you can use the built-in video conferencing feature and audio notes to bring your projects to the next level.

Key features:

• Create classic mind maps, radial maps, capture maps, organic maps, interactive whiteboards, and more
• Sync your tasks with Ayoa Task
• Use the built-in video conferencing feature and voice notes to catalyze the conversations
• Leverage the AI-powered mind mapping functions to boost your creativity

Plans and pricing: €9/mo-€12/mo (per user)

Both Ayoa Mind Map and Ayoa Task cost €9/mo (per user) when purchased separately. Ayoa Ultimate costs €12/mo (per user) and includes Ayoa Mind Map, Ayoa Task, AI, built-in videoconferencing, third-party integrations, and much more.

Pros:

• Nice price tag for the diverse portfolio
• Tony-Buzan-styled, beautiful mind maps
• Fully packed with advanced functions
• Truly cross-platform
• Cool integrations

Cons:

• No free plan and only a 7-day trial (why not a 30-day one?)
• Bit of a high learning curve

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Web, iOS, Android

Ideaflip

Best for sticky-note lovers

Ideaflip is a simple, online whiteboard with virtual sticky notes. Although it’s not a mind mapping tool per se, you can connect your sticky notes and build up a mind map.

At the heart of Ideaflip is collaboration. You can share your boards with your team and work remotely together.

Key features:

• Create breakout groups, swim lanes, retrospectives, and more
• Use the facilitator tools to bring your virtual meetings to the next level
• Share your boards with team members or outsiders, and work together

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$16/mo (per user)

You can use the free plan for up to 3 boards and 2 guests. You need to upgrade to the Basic Plan for $9/mo (per user) to get access to unlimited boards and advanced functions. The third tier comes with unlimited guests for $16/mo (per user).

Pros:

• Great for organizing ideas
• Supports collaboration
• Superior template library

Cons:

• Heavy price tag for such a simple tool
• No desktop or mobile apps
• Limited help guides
• Lacks real mind mapping functions

Platforms: Web

Whimsical

Best for teams and organizations who want to see text and visuals in one app

Whimsical is a collaboration hub that brings together whiteboards, mind maps, projects, and docs. It’s like Notion as it uses lego-styled building blocks to create your systems and workflows. (They call them items instead of blocks.) An item can be a folder, a file, a comment, an image, or an object.

Mind maps are an integral part of Whimsical’s workflow. First, you need to create a board to access mind maps. They can be embedded in Docs or linked to other items.

Key features:

• Leverage your mind maps as integral parts of your workflow
• Link your mind maps together and place them inside docs
• Collaborate with your peers in real-time

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$20/mo (per user)

With a Whimsical free plan, you get all important features, but you can create only limited items (boards, docs, files, objects, comments). Whimsical Pro costs $10/mo (per user) and gives you access to unlimited items, unlimited free viewers, and more guests per file. The third tier starts from $20/mo (per user) and is dedicated to organizations.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface & nice-looking mind maps
• Everything works together—mind maps are part of the system
• Great price tag for such a complex tool

Cons:

• No native desktop or mobile app
• Missing advanced mind mapping functions

Platforms: Web

MindMapper

Best for project managers using Windows

MindMapper is a long player on the mind mapping scene. It was released back in 1997 (!) as a mind mapping and visual mapping software that has a built-in dashboard and planner for increased productivity.

Although it looks a bit dated, it has tons of classic mind mapping functions that make this mind mapping software awesome for project management.

Key features:

• Use the built-in planner that syncs with your Google calendar
• Create a Gantt chart to have a 360- degree view of your projects
• Collaborate with your colleagues in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and projects
• Filter your mind maps like a pro with conditions and labels
• Create a slideshow from your mind map with a single click

Plans and pricing: $100.0-$249.0 (per user)—one-time payment

MindMapper offers lifetime licenses only. The Standard Plan costs $100 (per user) that has limited features. If you want to access a full-featured version of MindMapper, you should upgrade to MindMapper Pro for $120. The collaboration feature is only available in the third tier, which costs $249. A full-featured Education plan is also available that costs only $39.

Pros:

• Diverse layout options (30 different mapping directions)
• Built-in planner
• Password-protected mind maps

Cons:

• Lack of a Mac and a web version
• Can save maps to local drive and Google Drive only
• Bit dated

Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android

TheBrain

Best for visual thinkers and digital note-takers

TheBrain is a powerful visualization tool for mind mapping, note-taking, and non-linear file management. The truth is, however, you can use it for anything.

It has a fluid structure and hierarchy with an infinite canvas. Any items on your (mind) map can contain files, folders, links, emails, and all kinds of information—all related together.

At the heart of TheBrain is markdown, a simple markup language for plain text, which makes this tool lightweight. With TheBrain, you can now use your mind maps for truly everything. It brings all your digital information into a single place while all items, images, PDFs, and emails opening with one click in their native applications.

Key features:

• Use TheBrain as an alternative to folders on your computer
• See all your connected thoughts and files together in a visual format
• Leverage the unique timeline view to have a glance at your day, week, or year
• Quickly find anything with a search in notes and file attachments

Plans and pricing: various pricing options are available

The free plan offers limited functionality (basic sync, no attachments). You can purchase TheBrain as a standalone product for $219 and you’ll get access to the Mac and Windows apps, but won’t have access to mobile and web versions, so you cannot sync your data. The web version is available as a subscription service from $180 per year, which gives you access to desktop and mobile apps plus the web client. Alternatively, you can combine the two and purchase a Combo version. There’s also a Team version available.

Pros:

• Makes mind mapping part of everything you do on your computer
• Works both online and offline
• Supports events and reminders
• Various pricing models

Cons:

• Steep learning curve (requires complete mindset shift)
• Heavy price tag

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Web, iOS, Android

FreeMind

Best for those who’re trying to get their feet wet in mind mapping

FreeMind is a free and open-source min mapping software. It’s written in Java and available for any platform supporting this programming language.

Although FreeMind looks a bit dated, it offers surprisingly diverse functions. My favorite one is password protection. You can protect whole mind maps or selected branches only. Another useful feature is that you can customize your keyboard shortcuts. And there’s plenty of them.

Key features:

• Protect your mind maps with passwords
• Link your mind maps and notes to your files or other mind maps
• Style your mind maps with icons, colors, callouts, and more
• Add dates to your maps and create reminders

Plans and pricing: completely free

Pros:

• Completely free and open source
• Portable version available
• Widely supported file format
• Diverse styling options & exporting capabilities
• Password-protected mind maps

Cons:

• No mobile apps
• No dedicated support
• Bit dated
• Has a bit of a learning curve

Platforms: Mac, Windows

ClickUp

Best for teams who want to create basic mind maps for project planning

ClickUp is an all-in-one tool that brings together project management, tasks, mind mapping, and note-taking. It’s truly cross-platform and increasingly used by teams from all over the world.

Although I don’t recommend ClickUp for mind mapping, if you’re looking for a complex project management tool that makes mind mapping central to your workflow, you can’t go wrong with this software.

The best thing about ClickUp is that you can start everything with a mind map and then create and manage your tasks downstream.

Key features:

• Create tasks right from your mind map and then manage your tasks on a board
• Record your screen and attach your recordings to your task
• Connect ClickUp to 100+ tools and centralize your work

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$19/mo (per user).

Pros:

• Full control of tasks from your mind maps
• Wide range of native integrations
• Customizable workspace

Cons:

• Lacks basic mind mapping functions
• Steep learning curve

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Web, Apple Watch

MindGenius

Best for project managers using Windows and Microsoft tools

MindGenius is a collaborative workspace with mind mapping at the center. There’re two products under the umbrella of MindGenius: MindGenius Online is the web version, which has slightly different functions than the desktop version.

The desktop version is MindGenius20 which is available for Windows only. It integrates with MindGenius Online, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft 365.

Key features:

• Create and assign tasks from your mind map
• Use the dashboard to get a high-level overview of your projects
• Integrate your work with Microsoft Teams
• Use custom backgrounds in your mind map right from Unsplash

Plans and pricing: £12/mo (per user)

MindGenius Online is available as a subscription service for £12/mo (per user). There’s no free version or more tiers. MindGenius20 (Windows desktop version) can be purchased separately either as a subscription or as a one-time purchase. If you already have MindGenius Online, you can upgrade with a discount.

Pros:

• Top-notch integrations
• Advanced project management functions (dashboards, reports, timelines, and more)

Cons:

• Lack of a Mac version
• Complicated product portfolio (MindGenius Online and MindGenius20 have slightly different features)

Platforms: Windows, Web, iOS

Mindomo

Best for students

Mindomo is a powerful mind mapping app and visual collaboration tool. It works on all devices, both online and offline, and integrates with the most popular third-party tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Evernote.

Students can take their assignments in Mindomo, which then can be graded. They can work both individually and in collaboration.

The powerful outliner mode resembles Roam Research.

Key features:

• Create mind maps, org charts, Gantt charts, concept maps, and more
• Connect your Mindomo account to Evernote and access your notes from your mind map
• Turn your mind maps into a presentation
• Create powerful outlines from your mind maps
• Assign tasks, set deadlines, and leave comments right from your mind map

Plans and pricing:

With a free Mindomo account you get access to the desktop app only. Get a lifetime license (Desktop Premium) for €69 or subscribe to the web version for €5.5/mo (includes desktop client, web client, and mobile apps).

Pros:

• Wide range of native integrations
• Diverse layout options
• Fully packed with useful features
• Powerful outliner
• Nice price

Cons:

• Not much can be said here (bit complicated website)

Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Web, iOS, Android

Lucidspark

Best for teams with agile planning

Lucidspark is an online collaborative whiteboard with mind mapping functions. Its sister, Lucidchart is a diagramming and data visualization tool.

Lucidspark makes brainstorming, collaboration, and agile planning a breeze with its beautiful design and clever functions.

Key features:

• Leverage the breakout boards to discuss ideas in small groups
• Vote for the best ideas and visualize the results
• Connect Lucidspark with Zoom, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google tools, Notion, and more
• Use Lucidspark together with Lucidchart to bring your work into a single place

Plans and pricing: $0/mo-$9.0/mo (per user).

You can use Lucidspark for free for up to 3 editable boards. The individual plan costs $7.95/mo and includes unlimited editable boards, 1GB of storage, presentation mode, and more. The team plan starts at $9.0/mo per user and gives you access to commenting, chat, versioning, voting, timers, and more. Get the Lucid Core Bundle, which contains both Lucidspark and Lucidchart.

Pros:

• Diverse use cases
• Powerful integrations
• Strong collaboration capabilities

Cons:

• Limited layout options for mind mapping
• No desktop app
• Lacks advanced mind mapping functions

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

iMindQ

Best for heavy Microsoft users

iMindQ is a flexible mind mapping app that is available on all platforms as well as an online tool. You can sync your mind maps with Dropbox. One of the strengths is the advanced MS Office integration and extensive project planning options.

Key features:

• Create all kinds of different diagrams and mind maps like flowcharts, Gantt diagrams, concept maps, and WBS charts
• Give stunning presentations with iMindQ’s built-in presentation module
• Sync your tasks with Microsoft Outlook
• Share your mind maps via Microsoft SharePoint

Plans and pricing: $39.0/year-$49.0/year (per user).

You can purchase iMindQ as an annual subscription for $49/year (Windows) / $39/year (Mac) or you can get a lifetime license for $119 (Windows) / $79 (Mac).

Pros:

• Diverse functions & layout options
• Cross-platform
• Advanced integrations with Microsoft tools & iCalendar
• Different pricing options (subscription + lifetime license available)

Cons:

• Limited web version
• Limited syncing options

Platforms: Mac, Windows, Web, iOS, Android

SimpleMind

Best for students and beginners

SimpleMind offers just what the name implies: beautifully designed, simple mind maps with lots of styling options. You can customize your mind maps in granular details, create presentations, and sync your maps with different cloud storage providers.

Key features:

• Present your mind map as a slideshow
• Block out distractions with the autofocus mode
• Style your mind maps with personalized options
• Sync your mind maps with DropBox, GoogleDrive, OneDrive, Nextcloud, or Nutstore

Plans and pricing: from €27.49 (per user) (desktop app)

You can try the full-featured app for 30 days or stay with the free, limited version. SimpleMind Pro is available as a lifetime license. You can buy it alone or in combinations, in a single pack or a team pack. Your app will be up to date for 10 years.

Pros:

• Tony-Buzan-styled, beautiful mind maps
• Various (and generous) pricing options
• Diverse layout options

Cons:

• No web version
• Lacks advanced functions

Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

What are the benefits of using a mind mapping app?

Mind mapping is a simple yet powerful visualization method to solve complex problems, learn new skills, or plan out large projects and events.

Here’re the most popular use cases for mind mapping apps:

• Brainstorming, collaborative idea generation
• Event planning
• Strategic planning and goal setting
• Project planning and project management
• Giving presentations
• Outlining your writing (my favorite one)
• Creating book summaries (used to be a great advocate for this)
• Learning
• Product comparison
• Striping down complex regulations and processes, and presenting them in a digestible form

Pro tip: Biggerplate brings together the mind mapping community from all over the world to share the best mind mapping apps, tips, techniques, and best practices. Sign up for a Biggerplate Pro membership and gain access to mind mapping software courses, monthly live webinars, webinar recordings, and useful resources.

If you want to learn more about the best mind mapping apps, visit the Mind Mapping Software Blog.

Questions to ask when choosing the best mind mapping apps

You may want to ask yourself a few questions before you choose the best mind mapping app for yourself:

• Are you willing to pay for mind mapping software? If so, do you want to make a one-time investment (i.e., lifetime license) or are you good with a monthly fee (subscription-based mind mapping apps)?
• Do you prefer an online tool or a desktop app?
• What use cases do you have in mind? Does your favorite mind mapping tool support those use cases?
• Do you want to collaborate on your mind maps or are you going to work solo?
• Do you want to manage your tasks with your favorite mind mapping software? What tools do you want to have your mind mapping app integration with?
• Are you going to make slideshows with your mind mapping app?
• What types of exporting options do you want to consider?

A note for digital note-takers

If you’re a digital note-taker, you probably heard about Obsidian, which is a knowledge base that uses plain text files. Obsidian is highly customizable with plugins.

Obsidian’s Markmind plugin lets you create mind maps in Obsidian. Not only that, but you can annotate PDFs as well. You can create summaries, boundaries, highlights, links, and there’s more on the roadmap.

Frequently Asked Questions about the best mind mapping apps

What is the best free mind mapping app?

You can use most of the mind mapping apps for free with limited functions. If you want to stay with a free version, I recommend Coggle, Miro, MindMup, or FreeMind.

What are the most easy-to-use mind mapping apps?

If you’re looking for a simple mind mapping solution, I recommend IOctopus, Coggle, MindMup, and SimpleMind.

Is MindMeister free?

MindMeister is free only for up to 3 mind maps.

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