Mind Mapping Software is used to help conceptualize ideas visually and outline the process of strategically and tactically achieving business goals.
Mind mapping software helps you visualize concepts and relationships to view the big picture. It can be used for brainstorming, note taking, project management, and more.
Rather than using paper or post-it notes, mind mapping software can take your brainstorming to another level.
Below is an example of a mind mapping problem related to health.
You could list out the general categories related to health, such as diet, exercise, sleep, medical care, and stress management.
Then go into subcategories, such as how to achieve results within each, such as buying a good mattress, aerobic exercise, not smoking, and so on.
No matter if you’re a designer, marketer, or business owner, mind mapping software can help you think more creatively, organize complex ideas, and increase your productivity.
There are many mind mapping tools available on the market, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs.
To help you make a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best mind mapping software based on features, usability, and price.
Want to learn better? Start mind mapping
Table of Contents
Best Mind Mapping Software
#1 MindMeister
MindMeister is an online mind mapping tool that offers real-time collaboration and brainstorming capabilities. It’s ideal for remote teams as well as individual users.
It’s perfect for team brainstorming sessions or for working on complex projects.
Pricing:
There are four plans, from Free to $12.49 per month.
So if you’re looking for mind mapping software free, then MindMeister can be a good fit.
#2 XMind
XMind is another excellent mind mapping software that offers a wide range of features and is very user-friendly.
It has a project dashboard and image export capabilities.
XMind comes with in-built Fishbone charts, Matrix, Timeline, and org charts for in-depth comparative analysis.
Gantt charts are also available.
XMind allows you to export in various formats like PNG, SVG, PDF, markdown, and more.
Pricing:
XMind has two pricing plans:
- $39.99 for 6 months
- $59.99 for a year
#3 iMindMap
iMindMap is a great option if you’re looking for a mind mapping software with a lot of features.
It offers real-time collaboration, brainstorming, and presentation capabilities.
iMindMap also has an extensive library of templates and icons to choose from.
Pricing:
iMindMap is available in 3 editions. The Home & Student Edition is priced at $100 and can be installed in 1 computer.
It includes basic views, features and integrations. The Ultimate Edition is priced at $235 and can be installed on 2 computers.
#4 LucidChart
LucidChart is a web-based mind mapping software that offers real-time collaboration and brainstorming capabilities.
It’s perfect for team brainstorming sessions or for working on complex projects.
LucidChart has an extensive library of templates and icons to choose from.
Pricing:
LucidChart has a free plan which includes basic features and goes up to $9 per month per user.
There’s also an enterprise plan for heavier users.
#5 Figma
Figma is a popular design and mind mapping tool that’s used by designers and teams.
It offers real-time collaboration, brainstorming, and presentation capabilities.
Figma has an extensive library of templates and icons to choose from.
Pricing:
Figma has a free plan which allows 3 projects and 2 editors.
The Professional plan is $12 per editor per month and an organization plan that is $45 per editor per month.
#6 Coggle
Coggle is a great tool for designing flow charts and mind mapping diagrams.
It offers real-time collaboration and brainstorming capabilities.
Coggle has an extensive library of templates and icons to choose from.
Pricing:
Coggle has a free plan which includes basic features and 3 private diagrams.
The Pro plan is $5 per month and gives you unlimited private diagrams, version history, and full chat history.
The $8 per month Organization plan provides additional features.
#7 Padlet
Padlet is a cloud-hosted mind mapping tools that’s used by SMBs and classrooms globally.
It’s used in 29 languages.
Padlet is a fairly simple tool that offers brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and presentation capabilities.
Pricing:
Padlet offers three pricing plans – the ‘Backpack,’ ‘Briefcase,’ and ‘Pro.’
The plans range up to $8.25 per user per month. You also get a discount on annual payments, which is fairly common in the software industry.
#8 Milanote
Milanote is a great mind mapping software for creatives and teams.
It’s used by over 1 million people.
Milanote offers brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and presentation capabilities.
It is popular among professionals like designers, marketers, creative directors, writers, and agencies.
Pricing:
Milanote has a free plan which includes basic features and 3 projects.
The paid plans start from $10 per month and go up to $49 per month.
#9 Cacoo
Cacoo is a real-time collaborative app designed for teams.
It offers brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and presentation capabilities.
Cacoo is popular among developers and designers.
Pricing:
Cacoo has a free plan which allows for 2 editors and 5 diagrams.
The paid plans start from $5 per month per user and go up to $15 per month
Cacoo provides both free and paid plans for its users. Team plans (starting with Pro) begin at $5 per user per month (when billed annually).
- Free – Provides a limited number of folders and sheets.
- Pro – Provides unlimited diagram sheets and access to all Cacoo features, starting at $5 per month.
- Team – Provides unlimited folders and sheets for your team along with more users and 1-on-1 brainstorming sessions and prioritized email support.
- Enterprise – With Enterprise, you can host Cacoo yourself on a private network or server. You also get their 24/7 email support.
For Team and Enterprise, you’ll have to reach out to their sales team.
#10 Canva
Canva is well known for media design.
But as a versatile tool, it can be used for mind mapping purposes as well.
Canva offers brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and presentation capabilities.
Pricing:
Canva offers three pricing plans – Free, Pro, and Enterprise
The Enterprise plan starts at $30 per month, while the Pro goes for $119.99 paid annually.
#11 Mindomo
Mindomo is a visual tool used for concept mapping, mind mapping, and outlining.
It offers brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and presentation capabilities.
Pricing:
Mindomo offers four plans. The first one is a freemium plan, and the paid plans start from $5.50 per month, $13.50 per month for more features, and range up to $16.50 per month.
These prices are based on the number of users involved.
Best mind mapping software – Mindomo vs. MindMaster (Review)
#12 SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a diagram and mind mapping tool.
Some of its most popular features include intelligent formatting, Visio import and export, extensive integration, and more.
It is a tool better suited for larger businesses.
Pricing:
SmartDraw offers two plans, ‘Single user’ and ‘Multiple users.’
The Single User costs $297 and is a one-time purchase.
The latter is for more than five users, and costs $595 per month, billed annually.
What is Mind Mapping?
Mind mapping is a tool for visualizing ideas and concepts.
It is a way of representing thoughts and ideas in a graphical form. Mind maps can be used to brainstorm, take notes, organize information, or study for exams.
What Are the Benefits Of Using Mind Mapping Software?
There are many benefits to mind mapping. Some of these include:
- improved brainstorming and creative thinking
- better organization of ideas and information
- improved memory and recall
- improved time management
- reduced stress
What Are the Different Types Of Mind Mapping Software?
There are many different types of mind mapping software.
Some of these include:
- brainstorming software
- note taking software
- project management software
- study aids
How Do I Choose the Best Mind Mapping Software for Me?
When choosing mind mapping software, there are a few things to consider.
Some of these include:
- what type of mind mapping you will be doing (brainstorming, note taking, project management, studying, etc.)
- what features you need
- how easy the software is to use
- the price of the software
Mind Mapping Software – FAQs
What is the best mind map app?
Below are some of the best mind map apps:
- Canva
- MindMeister
- FreeMind
- Popplet
- LucidChart
- Scapple
- Bubbl.us
- MindManager
- XMind
- iMindMap
- WiseMapping
When choosing mind mapping software, it is important to consider your needs and the features that are most important to you.
Some mind mapping software is free, while others come with a subscription fee.
Some mind mapping software is simple and easy to use, while others offer more complex features.
What is the best free mind mapping software?
There are many free mind mapping software options available. Some of the best free mind mapping software include:
- FreeMind
- Popplet
- LucidChart
- Scapple
- Bubbl.us
- WiseMapping
- iMindMap
What are the 7 steps to creating a mind map?
How to Mind Map in Seven Steps
- Start in the centre of a blank page.
- Use an Image or Picture for your central idea.
- Use Colors in your mind mapping diagram.
- Connect Main Branches to the central image.
- Make your lines curved.
- Use One Key Word per line.
- Use Images throughout.
How is mind mapping useful to students?
Mind mapping is useful to students in many ways. Some of these include:
- improved brainstorming and creative thinking
- better organization of ideas and information
- improved memory and recall
- improved time management
- reduced stress
Mind mapping can also be used as a study aid, to help students learn and remember information for exams.
What is the best mind mapping software for Mac?
There are many mind mapping software options available for Mac. Some of these include:
- MindMeister
- FreeMind
- Popplet
- LucidChart
- Scapple
- Bubbl.us
- MindManager
- XMind
- iMindMap
- WiseMapping
When choosing mind mapping software, it is important to consider your needs and the features that are most important to you.
Some mind mapping software is free, while others come with a subscription fee.
Some mind mapping software is simple and easy to use, while others offer more complex features.
What is the best mind mapping software for Windows?
There are many mind mapping software options available for Windows.
Some of these include:
- LucidChart
- Scapple
- Bubbl.us
- Popplet
- XMind
- iMindMap
- WiseMapping
- MindManager
- MindMeister
- FreeMind
Do you need mind mapping software to do conceptual mapping?
Not necessarily. There are web-based tools.
4 best mind mapping tools online 2025 without downloading any software
Summary – Best Mind Mapping Software
Mind mapping software is used to brainstorm, take notes, organize information, or study for exams.
There are many benefits to mind mapping.
Some of these include:
- improved brainstorming and creative thinking
- better organization of ideas and information
- improved memory and recall
- improved time management
- reduced stress
There are many different types of mind mapping software.
Some of these include:
- brainstorming software
- note taking software
- project management software
- study aids
When choosing mind mapping software, there are a few things to consider.
Some of these include:
- what type of mind mapping you will be doing (brainstorming, note taking, project management, studying, etc.)
- what features you need
- how easy the software is to use, and
- the price of the software
Some of the best mind mapping software options include:
- Canva
- MindMeister
- FreeMind
- Popplet
- LucidChart
- Scapple
- Bubbl.us
- MindManager
- XMind
- iMindMap
- WiseMapping
While some mind mapping software is free, other options come with a subscription fee.
It is important to consider what you need from the software and find the option that best suits your needs.
Mind mapping can be a useful tool for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve their brainstorming, organization, memory, or time management skills.