Best Mind Mapping Apps

Wondershare EdrawMind is one of the best mind mapping apps that you can use for your thought processes. You can create simple mind maps for a variety of purposes such as brainstorming, project management, knowledge management, etc.

The app comes with several built-in libraries, each of which contains a plethora of symbols and signs that you can use to create not only brainstorming illustrations, but also mind-mapping diagrams, Gantt charts, etc. for almost all kinds of situations.

This diagramming software is designed to create fresh and effective graphic illustrations, using ready-to-use templates, handy tools for customization and numerous objects, shapes, and styles to visualize your notion, and help you brainstorm and solve problems. It is compatible with various file formats, such as MS Office, Visio, PDF, JPG, etc.

Pros:

• Variety of Mind Map structures
• Endless customization
• Various exporting options

Cons:

• Limited customer support

EdrawMind Pricing: Free with limited functionality; Monthly, yearly and lifetime subscription plan

Available: Web, Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, MacOS

GitMind is an amazing free mind map app that allows you to arrange your thoughts and ideas by listing them one by one in a diagram format. Another special feature is that it has an outline function that helps you create essay outlines fast and easily. This is where you can group, organize, and see an overview of your mind map in a linear form. Moreover, project planning and team development will be a lot easier with its collaboration feature. 

Comparing to other free trials of mind mapping apps, GitMind provides totally free service for creating unlimited mind maps, saving to the cloud simultaneously, and collaborating online. 

Pros:

• Numerous ready-made templates available
• Rich in features - Team collaboration, OCR recognition

Cons:

• No print function on its interface
• Collaboration feature does not apply to flowcharts

GitMind Pricing: Free up to 10 mind-maps; $9/month for unlimited private diagrams and extra mind mapping tools.

Available: Web, Android, iOS, Windows

Mindomo is a popular mind-mapping app that helps unleash the power of your ideas. It is a robust mind mapping app with a solid set of features and functionality. If you’re a quick thinker with a creative eye, then this is the app for you. With this app you can capture your thoughts and turn them into presentations on the fly, with the added value of being able to share them with others. You can also synchronise your maps to the cloud, from any device. When doing a group project, the Mindomo app provides you with a platform to collaborate with others by sharing ideas and working together on mind-maps in real time. 

Mind maps can help you memorize all kinds of information, from a second language to important names and dates you need to know for your exams.

Pros:

• Allows real-time collaboration
• Shortcut keys for better and faster navigation

Cons:

• Accessing on mobile is pretty challenging

Mindomo Pricing: Free up to 3 mind-maps; $6/month for unlimited private diagrams and extra mind mapping tools.

Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

MindMeister is one of the most popular mind-mapping tools. Building a mind map in this browser-based app is as simple as entering your central concept then hitting Tab to create each branch. You can choose from a selection of prefab map themes or customize your own with a range of color and formatting options. All your maps are securely stored in the cloud. MindMeister also features a presentation mode that transforms your finished maps into slideshows you can post or broadcast live online. 

MindMeister can be used to organize the reading comprehension assignments. MindMeister helps to process large amounts of information and continue climbing up the academic tree. The MindMeister for iPad app is designed to function seamlessly with our web-based online service.

Pros:

• Add notes, comments, media and links to the map
• Real-time collaboration

Cons:

• No shortcut keys
• Challenging to use it on the phone

MindMeister Pricing: Free up to 3 mind maps. Offers three tiered plans: Personal for $6 per user/per month, Pro for $10 per user/per month, and Business for $15 per user/per month. There are also free apps for iOS and Android that let you view, edit, and present your maps.

Available: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Web

SimpleMind is a mind-mapping tool that turns your iPad, iPhone or iPod into a brainstorming, idea collection and thought structuring device. Although this app come with a price tag, it’s 4.6 out of 5 rating suggests this app is worth it. With a direct link to Dropbox, easy creator usability and striking visualisation tools, this app is definitely worth the investment. Practicality and speed are paramount features within the app, allowing users to create clean and effective mind maps on the go. This app is intuitive and created with ease of use in mind. 

Pros:

• Seamless sync with clouds
• No ads and safe to use

Cons:

• Free version available only on mobile devices

SimpleMind Pricing: Free to try.  $6.99 per month subscription.

Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Freemind is one of the most popular free mind mapping applications for making mind maps. It is written in Java so it works on various platforms wherever you have the runtime which is another benefit.

The various graphic icons available allow you to create industry-standard flows which everyone can recognize and understand. FreeMind allows users to utilize one-click fold & unfold and follow link operations to navigate across different pages. FreeMind lets users to export documents in multiple formats such as HTML, JPEG, PDF, and more.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Powerful tool for mind mapping

Cons:

• Limited customer/technical support
• Complex menus

Freemind Pricing: Free

Available: Windows, macOS, Linux

Mindly is yet another popular app that not only looks gorgeous but enables you to create several different mind maps for planning a project, though structuring, idea collection, etc. Besides from creating logical and complex mind maps, you can use it for simpler things like writing a quick summary, preparing for a speech or meeting, etc. Mindly has all the necessary features you will ever need like the support for hierarchy between elements, ability to add colors, icons, and images to elements, ability to reorganize content, PDF or OPML or Text exporting, visual clipboard, password protection, Dropbox sync, etc. So, if you are looking for simple, beautiful, and capable mind mapping app then Mindly is for you.

Pros:

• Integrates well with Dropbox and iCloud
• Mindmaps with a passcode option
• Works offline

Cons:

• Map's structure cannot be customized

Mindly Pricing: Free with limited functionalities. Mindly has two options for enterprise pricing; one is for the full version for iOS and Android devices while the other one is for the full application for Mac OS X. 

Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

XMind is widely used in presentations, critical thinking, brainstorming, notes taking, decision making and project management. With XMind, students can take better notes, organize thoughts and ideas, share ideas with classmates effectively. Students can use color to highlight main ideas helps to clarify thoughts and memorizing as well.

Adding a variety of visual contents to your presentation, such as inserting photos or including relevant videos, is more entertaining and pleasing for students to study with.

Pros:

• Seamless sync with clouds
• No ads and safe to use

Cons:

• Free version available only on mobile devices

XMind Pricing: $39.99 for 6 months and $59.99 for a year

Available: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS

Coggle is another browser-based mind-map tool, and all you need is your Google login to get started. With Coggle, students can create simple colorful mind maps with text and save as an image. You’re presented with a blank white screen with a field for your central idea at the center. To enter your first subtopic, you just click one of the the plus signs that appears when you hover your mouse over your this node. Continue in this way to build more branches. You can move any individual branch or your entire map by clicking and dragging it.

Pros:

• User friendly and great UX tools

Cons:

• Only available as web app
• Limited customization options

Coggle Pricing: You can get Coggle in three plans: Free, Awesome for $5 per month, and Organization—which adds more business security features—for $8 per user/per month.

Available: Web

LucidChart is a mind-mapping app for the minimalist. It is a free tool that helps you create and edit mind maps quickly and distinctively. This app allows the user to create an unlimited amount of mind maps, designed for use on-the-go with an aesthetically pleasing design. You can apply styles, add icons, and use shapes and colours to make your map even clearer. If you’re planning a project, need to organise your thoughts or are simply looking for a way to visualise an idea then this is the app for you. 

Pros:

• Short Learning curve
• Excellent collaborative features
• Integrates with many apps and services

Cons:

• Requires fast internet connection
• No desktop apps

LucidChart Pricing: Free for up to three mind map documents; from $4.95/month for the Basic plan that includes unlimited shapes and documents.

Available: iOS, Android, Windows