6  min read

10 Best Mind Mapping Software In 2024

Abhishek Agrawal
By Abhishek A Agrawal
April 13, 2024
Table of Contents

    Behind every project are a clear purpose and solid strategy. However, the process of reaching those two essential components of a project can be a pretty messy one. 

    You may have experienced meetings with a complicated exchange of ideas that get lost in translation. Sometimes, it might even feel like a waste of time! But the brainstorming process doesn’t have to be this disorganized. That’s why mind mapping helps— you can capture, connect, and share ideas. 

    While mind mapping is usually done on whiteboards or on a piece of paper, these analog tools don’t have the flexibility or helpful features of digital tools. Here, we’ll introduce you to the 6 best mind mapping software in 2024 and how they can help you.

    RELATED: Top 12 Best Online Whiteboards for Teams In 2024

    What Is Mind Mapping Software?

    Mind mapping software is a digital tool that allows you to brainstorm by creating diagrams of ideas – letting you draw visual inferences, connections, and relationships.

    How Does Mind Mapping Software Work?

    Mind mapping apps work by letting you draw a map of ideas in a digital space. You’ll often start with one central idea that branches out into new nodes. Each new node should have a related idea or theme. 

    Since the software is a collaborative tool, it also allows users to add comments, shapes, notes, and attachments to the space.

    What Makes A Great Mind Mapping Software?

    Great mind mapping tools should do one thing exceptionally well: represent ideas visually. Organic mind maps can let you draw anywhere and sketch anything. Great mind maps should also have collaboration features. Lastly, this kind of software should also come with mind map templates to help you start your brainstorming, such as complex diagrams and flowcharts.

    What Are The Benefits Of Using Mind Mapping Software?

    There are several benefits of using mind map software:

    • It aids in recalling information.

    • It makes complex ideas easier to understand.

    • It can introduce new concepts easily.

    • It’s flexible.

    • It boosts productivity.

    • It encourages creative ideas.

    How We Evaluated The Best Mind Mapping Software

    There are several criteria that we used to evaluate the best mind mapmakers:

    • Presentation capabilities

    • Sharing tools

    • Real-time collaborative drawing

    • Easy file attachments

    • Integrations with other business applications

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    Our Top Picks For The Best Mind Mapping Software For 2024

    Mindly

    Mindly is a great choice if you’re doing a lot of mind mapping on mobile devices. This software keeps your ideas well-organized and easy to navigate, making the whole process more fun!

    Pros

    • Organized: The sub-ideas fold away to keep the mind mapping space clean.

    • Syncing: Mobile mind maps can sync with the desktop version of the software.

    Cons

    • Task management: There are no task management capabilities.

    • Availability: The desktop version is exclusive to Mac OS.

    Pricing

    The free mobile version comes with 3 mind maps each. Its paid pricing plan includes iOS and Android at $6.99 and $5.49 per user, respectively. Mac OS versions cost $29.99 per user.

    Click here to try Mindly today!

    Coggle

    If you’re a beginner at mind mapping software, then Coggle is a good app to try. Intuitive and aesthetically pleasing, this simple mind mapping software is one of the easiest collaboration tools to use in real-time.

    Pros

    • Ease of use: Coggle makes it easy to add branches and loops.

    • Design: Animations help users create a stylish, beautiful, and engaging mind map.

    Cons

    • Privacy: There are no private diagrams for free accounts.

    • Map viewing: It’s difficult to view and present larger maps.

    Pricing

    Coggle can be downloaded for free. The paid version with unlimited mind maps costs $5/month per user.

    Click here to try Coggle today!

    Milanote

    Milanote is an easy way to organize ideas into visual boards. You can add plenty of media such as images, videos, and links, as well as create several levels of hierarchy for in-depth topics.

    Pros

    • Interface: The drag and drop feature makes adding ideas easy.

    • Linking: Users can link boards to one another.

    Cons

    • Sharing: Live sharing can only be done by signing up.

    • Comments: There is no option to hide comments. Users can only delete them.

    Pricing

    Milanote’s pricing plan includes unlimited boards for $9.99/month per person.

    Click here to try Milanote today!

    MindMup

    If you can’t be bothered with creating an account just to make a mind map, then MindMup is a good option. What sets it apart from other mind mapping solutions is how easy it is to share and publish the mind maps that you’ve created. 

    Pros

    • Easy access: Anybody can create and post public mind maps.

    • Straightforward features: It’s easy to use. You can change colors, write detailed text, and add attachments.

    Cons

    • Integrations: The app does not have as many integrations as others on this list.

    • Notes: It can be more difficult to manage longer notes on the app.

    Pricing

    Free public diagrams can go up to 100 KB worth of elements. The paid pricing plan costs $2.99/month per user.

    Click here to try MindMup today!

    MindMeister

    MindMeister has powerful features and integrations that allow you to do more with mind mapping tools. It’s best for collaborating with team members as you can upvote or downvote ideas and leave comments on mind maps.

    Pros

    • Interface: The software is easy to use and adopt into team plans.

    • Library of templates: The software comes with many mind mapping templates.

    Cons

    • Mobile UX: Desktop user experience is significantly better than on touch screens.

    • Text editor: Text could use more customization options.

    Pricing

    You can opt for the free-to-use basic plan or the paid pricing plan that starts at $4.99/month per user.

    Click here to try MindMeister today!

    Scapple

    Not all mind mapping begins with a central idea or node. Some people prefer to start with a small idea and work their way to the main theme. Those who need this kind of flexibility in their mind mapping can benefit from software like Scapple.

    Pros

    • Customizable: It’s easy to change styles, backgrounds, and fonts.

    • Flexible: There’s more freedom for users who like working without hierarchies on mind maps.

    Cons

    • Mobile: No support for mobile devices.

    • Price: More expensive compared to free alternatives.

    Pricing

    Scapple offers a 30-day free trial for 30 non-consecutive days. You can also get the Windows or Mac app for $18 per user.

    Click here to try Scapple today!

    What’s The Best Mind Mapping Software For You?

    Deciding on the best mind mapping software for you depends on the basic features you need to do your tasks. Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide:

    • Budget: How much are you willing to spend on this software? 

    • Collaboration features: Do the mind mapping software solutions need to be designed for the entire team or just for individual use?

    • Sharing and presentation: How easily can you share and present using the software?

    • Flexibility: Is it easy to reorganize ideas on the app?

    Conclusion

    Coming up with a great idea is one thing, but connecting these ideas and concepts can lead to something even better. Having the right tools for your mind mapping needs will not only allow you to brainstorm but also organize your ideas into something more concrete.

    Integrately makes mind mapping that much easier with its 8 million automations for over 600 apps.

    RELATED: 5 Best Apps That Make Journaling Super Convenient In 2024

    FAQs about best mind mapping software

    Does Microsoft have a mind map tool?

    Yes, Microsoft has a mind mapping tool called Mind Maps Pro.

    How do I make a mind map on my computer?

    To make a mind map on your computer, you will need to click on the software of your choice, install it onto your computer, and make your mind map from a blank canvas. Luckily, we’ve already compiled a list of software you can easily download or purchase to start creating mind maps on your computer! Simply

    Mind mapping vs brainstorming: what’s the difference?

    The main difference between mind mappind and brainstorming is that while mind mapping focuses on visually organizing the information to show relationships between ideas; the goal of brainstorming sessions, on the other hand, is to come up with ideas quickly,
    Abhishek Agrawal
    Author - Abhishek A Agrawal
    Abhishek is the founder of Integrately, CompanyHub, and Dreamwares. He is passionate about technology and entrepreneurship. He is always looking to leverage technology for the growth of the business. He has a deep understanding of how businesses work and uses this knowledge to build products that help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

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