The Best Mind Mapping Software
During the past 10 years, I had the opportunity to test out just about every mind mapping software available on the market.
Below you will find my favorite picks.
If you are new to mind mapping, before you get started with software, make sure to watch our 8-minute How to Mind Map video. Here is what is covered in it:
- Why should you mind map?
- Examples of mind maps
- Steps to create your maps
- Three strategies to build your maps
- The best mind mapping software on the market
Hopefully, the following guide will help you decide more easily which tool to go with.
- Mind Meister Pro
- Mindjet MindManager 2012
- XMind Pro 2012
- Novamind 5 Platinum
- Mind Maple Pro 1.22
- iMindMap 6 Ultimate
Mind Meister does have the benefit of being entirely web-based. It also easily to collaborate on maps. They also have recently added some neat features. So if you’re travelling and changing computers often, or if you want to keep it simple, you might want to consider using this software.
Resources for MindMeister
- Try MindMeister for free (affiliate link)
This is the main tool I use daily, by myself and with my clients. It seems to be the most popular mind mapping tool out there. 80%+ of fortune 500 companies chose it over other options.
It has good features, it is easy to use, and it integrates with Microsoft Office and Sharepoint among others.
Resources for Mindjet
With its free version, XMind is competitive. If you’re looking for a free tool, you should consider this one. On the other hand, I don’t find it quite as usable as MindManager, iMindMap and MindMaple.
Resources for XMind
Novamind offers many features not present in other tools.
Resources for Novamind
- Try Novamind for free (affiliate link)
This new Mindjet look-a-like is easy to use. I particularly appreciate the fact that you can position branches pretty much anywhere. Its free version makes it quite compelling.
Resources for Mind Maple
The man behind this software is Tony Buzan. He is known to have popularized the mind map concept. The maps that iMindMap produces are visually appealing. The branches are more organic and colorful. If I wasn’t using MindManager, I would choose iMindMap as my primary mind mapping software.
Resources for iMindMap
Which mind mapping software – whether it is in this list or not – is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know!
