Mind mapping software is a tool that is used for increasing the visual representation of information surrounding a particular keyword, subject, or mind map. A mind map consists of sub-topics or keywords related to a particular subject, this is in turn represented by the linkage of lines between bubbles of thoughts.

It is commonly used in the architectural world and is also known as a bubble diagram or flow chart, mind mapping software helps individuals and organizations increase productivity by boosting creativity and thought processes. Mind mapping software help in giving insight into business patterns by asking and answering questions on the how and why of every problem or operation.

There is numerous mind mapping software used for organizing, brainstorming, and visualizing ideas. However, on this webpage is a comprehensive list of the best mind mapping software to help convert your thoughts into solutions;

Best 8 Free Mind Mapping Software

  1. XMind – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Thought Organization and Processing
  2. MindManager – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Risk Identification
  3. Coggle – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Sharing Simplified Thought Mindmaps
  4. Mindomo – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Collaborative Mind Mapping
  5. Lucidchart – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for creating Organizational Charts
  6. Mindmup – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Publishing Mind Maps Online
  7. MindMeister – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Idea and Workflow Management
  8. SmartDraw – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Professional Mind map Organization

1. XMind – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Thought Organization and Processing

PRICING: It has a free trial and a one-time payment of $9.99.

XMind is a mind mapping software that helps individuals and organizations to evaluate and organize their thought processes on central topics by using visualization tools and project management tools such as gannt charts and organizational charts. It is suitable for individuals and organizations trying to improve their productivity and creativity.

KEY FEATURES

  • Workflow Management
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Multi-page printing
  • Password Encryption
  • Audio Notes
  • Activity Feed
  • Local Network Sharing

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is an excellent mind mapping tool for project presentation
  • Its clip art tool is suitable for creating a superb Prezi layout
  • It creates branches for new ideas
  • It is suitable for brainstorming and easier communication of thought process

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It requires a separate subscription for multiple devices.

2. MindManager – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Risk Identification

PRICING: It has a free version and a free trial, pricing starts at $169 per year.

MindManager is a mind mapping tool with advanced visualizations which help in brainstorming and identifying risks and clarifying data. It is suitable for organizing data, and managing projects, it offers co-editing features and it is suitable for individuals and organizations for strategic planning.

KEY FEATURES

  • Mind Maps
  • Presentation Tools
  • Commenting
  • Collaboration tools
  • Organizational Charting
  • Data Importation and Exportation
  • Diagramming
  • Process Modeling and Designing

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is suitable for project organization
  • It provides flexible templates for better workflow layout
  • It is cost-effective
  • It has an intuitive interface

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It is quite expensive compared to other mind mapping software

3. Coggle – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Sharing Simplified Thought Mindmaps

PRICING: It is free for up to 3 private diagrams, pricing starts at $5 per month.

Coggle is a mind mapping software used in organizing and simplifying simple and complex thought processes or streamlining easy communication and sharing of ideas. It is very useful for easier and professional project management for individuals and organizations. It is suitable for individuals and organizations trying to share complicated information

KEY FEATURES

  • Data Importation and Exportation
  • Templates
  • Brainstorming.
  • Project Planning
  • Flow Chart

REASONS TO BUY

  • It has excellent brainstorming tools
  • Easy creation and edition of visualized mind maps
  • Automatic backup with a Google account
  • Real-time updates

REASONS TO AVOID

  • The free version is limited in customization features.

4. Mindomo – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Collaborative Mind Mapping

PRICING: It has a free trial and a free version, contact Mindomo for paid subscription details

Mindomo is a mind mapping software that is used by individuals and teams a lime for outlining their thought processes. It is also used by organizations and individuals alike for project management, and concept mapping. It is suitable for teams, individuals, and enterprises who make use of programs and visualizations to manage the thought process.

KEY FEATURES

  • Commenting
  • Presentation Tools
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Project planning
  • Workflow management
  • Status tracking
  • Data importation and exportation

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is suitable for brainstorming in workshops and projects
  • It offers excellent visuals for presentation
  • It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • It offers integration with GUI in Germany to store users’ data.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It lacks integration with other project management platforms

5. Lucidchart – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for creating OrganizationalCharts

PRICING: It has a free version and a free trial, pricing starts at $7.95 per month.

LucidChart is a mind mapping software that is best known for its organizational charts using its org chart features. It simplifies the collaborative and additive process with just one click allowing you to work with as many people as desired. It is suitable for individuals and organizations trying to visualize complex ideas

KEY FEATURES

  • Feedback Management
  • Drag and drop edition
  • Data Linkage
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Feedback Management
  • Flowchart
  • Interactive Elements
  • Access Control
  • Data importation and Exportation

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is an excellent tool for creating diagrams
  • It simplifies the visualization process
  • It is feature-rich and creativity boosting
  • It provides seamless collaboration tools

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Its advanced features require a long learning curve.

6. Mindmup – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Publishing Mind Maps Online

PRICING: It has a free version, pricing starts at $2.99 per month

MindMup is a mind mapping software that allows individuals and teams to create visually simplified mind maps and publish them online or on social media. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes for organized thought flow.

KEY FEATURES

  • Project Planning
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Project Mapping
  • Social Media Integration
  • Idea Generation
  • Data Importation and Exportation
  • Presentation Tools

REASONS TO BUY

  • It simplifies the mind mapping process
  • It simplifies the collaboration process
  • It has n intuitive user interface
  • Rapid customer support service

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It has a tedious repetitive login process with maximum security albeit

7. MindMeister – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Idea and Workflow Management

PRICING: It has a free trial and a free version, pricing starts from €4.99 per month.

MindMeister is a mind mapping software that helps creative thought processes through its integration of advanced collaboration features and canvas for project planning. It has an intuitive interface with a great UX design that stimulates workflow. It is suitable for creative individuals and organizations.

KEY FEATURES

  • Discussions
  • Project Planning
  • Mind mapping
  • Data Importation and Exportation
  • Feedback Management
  • Ideation
  • Evaluation Management
  • Commenting

REASONS TO BUY

  • It has an intuitive interface
  • The features are beginner-friendly
  • It helps break down complex thought processes into simple visualization

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Advanced features on the paid version require additional payment

8. SmartDraw – Best Free Mind Mapping Software for Professional Mind map Organization

PRICING: it has a free trial, proving starts from $9.95 per month

SmartDraw is a mind mapping software used by organizations and teams got collaborations and professional editions and creations of Mind maps. It provides built-in templates and administrative features for thought glow management. It is suitable for architects, organizations, or individuals that require creative mind mapping.

KEY FEATURES

  • Data Importation and Exportation
  • Automatic Formatting
  • Architectural Symbol Library
  • 2D Drawing
  • Diagramming
  • Drag and drop edition

REASONS TO BUY

  • It is suitable for the sketching of thought processes
  • It has a large template library for easier mind mapping
  • It provides gannt charts for project management
  • It has a customizable interface and features.

REASONS TO AVOID

  • It is relatively expensive compared to competitors.

References and Links

  • https://www.xmind.net/
  • https://cloud.mindmanager.com/
  • https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coggle
  • https://www.mindomo.com/
  • https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/
  • https://www.mindmup.com/
  • https://www.mindmeister.com/