MindNode is a decent mind mapping and brainstorming tool that allows you to collect and refine your ideas and thoughts. The process is swift and easy. Thanks to the “Outline” feature that enables you to brainstorm in a more organized way.
The “Visual Tag” feature helps you to easily categorize and develop your thoughts. You can prioritize your ideas and block out every distraction.
So, rather than get overwhelmed by the numerous project ideas swarming around in your head, MindNode’s Focus Mode helps you focus on one thought at a time.
MindNode goes further to ensure that you keep track of your progress. You can sync your research deadlines, shopping lists, project ideas, or even weekend plans with the Apple Reminders app and tick off when each task is completed.
The software is available for iOS users and you have more than 250 stickers to add more clarity to your thoughts.
MindNode is undoubtedly good at what it does yet we can’t ignore the fact that it comes with a lot of limitations that will push you to look out for alternatives.
First, the app is only available for download at App Store and Mac App store. This means that if you’re an Android user, the app won’t serve you.
Aside from that, most of the primary features are unlocked in the premium version which you may not be able to afford. All these disadvantages and more are the core reasons why I have compiled a list of the MindNode alternatives that you should check out.
Most of these tools are functional on Android devices and even Windows. You’ll also get to know the similarities or differences they share with MindNode.
At the end of the article, you should be able to decide on the best MindNode alternative. So, without much ado, let’s dive in!
Best MindNode Alternatives
1. IOctopus
IOctopus is a beautiful mind mapping software, similar to MindNode. The tool comes with straightforward branch statuses that let you understand the top tasks to work on, what’s already done, and the tasks yet to be implemented.
Since IOctopus is online software, you can create mind maps from any device including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. This feature isn’t attainable with MindNode.
To better understand your workflow, IOctopus is designed in such a way that your ideas are spread into branches and you can better see the relationship between all your ideas and how they connect with one another.
IOctopus’s blue background color helps you to better concentrate when mapping out your ideas. There is just something about blue colors and allowing for more concentration.
IOctopus also has a minimalistic interface that ensures that there are no unnecessary distractions. The tool also identifies search results based on user preferences.
It’s also easy to track your progress on each task. You can change branch status to “in progress”, “pause”, or “done”. That way, you can view your progress.
Another intriguing feature with IOctopus is that your files are encrypted and secure. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the free or paid plan, your files are safe no matter what happens to your device.
And since they are encrypted, no one else can see your content – not even the IOctopus team.
Additionally, IOctopus’s customer service team is prompt in responding to consumers’ issues. The software has a more natural appearance.
2. Bubbl.us
Bubbl.us is a fantastic online tool that allows users to quickly and easily organize their thoughts such that they are understandable to them and others. Unlike MindNode, there are no apps to download. You’re mainly accessing it from your browser. That means you can use the software on your Android and Windows devices.
A lot of people are currently using the software for note-taking, presentations, collaboration, and brainstorming. With Bubbl.us, you don’t have to worry about distractions.
The user interface is designed such that it reduces the number of visible buttons allowing you to stay more focused on your tasks.
Another beautiful feature of this mind mapping tool is that it allows you to collaborate and share your mind maps with people in real-time whether in a classroom or business conference or with your friends on social media.
Anyone can benefit from Bubbl.us – teachers, managers, students, researchers, creatives, and business owners. The software is user-friendly and even allows users to work as a team.
You can have as many team members as possible signed in to your account. That way, you work more efficiently. In terms of presentation, the software provides a space for full presentation with the press of a button.
In the end, you can export your creation as a png, jpg, or text, and print it in a variety of sizes.
3. Novamind
Novamind is an interactive visual thinking and mind-mapping tool that can be used in place of MindNode. Though one of the core differences between this tool and MindNode is that while MindNode only works on Mac computers, Novamind works on both Mac and Windows.
When working with this tool, it allows you to start with a primary idea or topic and then add more pieces as your idea develops. This is more effective than spending time writing lists.
You can easily plan your holiday, meeting, or event. When working in a professional setting, Novamind helps you to brainstorm and arrange all of your project’s information while also giving you a better choice on the move.
In brainstorming, Novamind does a great job. Like MindNode, this fantastic tool swiftly captures ideas, automatically creates a visual map for you, and displays a pleasant visual result.
That way, you can solely focus on your tasks and content rather than wrestling to adjust them in the order of priority. Thanks to Novamind’s innovative layout algorithm.
Rearranging your thoughts is as easy as pie. You only need to drag and drop them as you want and Novamind takes it up from there, automatically adjusting the visual presentation.
Your tasks or topics can be temporarily collapsed to expand your workspace or view. When you need them again, you can expand to see the details.
I especially love that this tool gives you the freedom to choose how you want your mind map to look. You can either make it look professional, playful, or organic.
You have a variety of themes to choose from and even if you don’t find the one that suits your mind map, you can create your theme. And if you ever change your mind, you only need a single click to rearrange the mind map and your custom highlights stay intact.
Other features like the ability to number topics, checkboxes, advantaged topic shapes, and automatic text coloring feature all contribute to making this tool one of the best mind mapping tools.
Finally, Novamind prides itself on making its features intuitive. Using it does not require any expertise.
Also Read: Best Free Lucidchart Alternatives
4. SpiderScribe
SpiderScribe is another exceptional MindNode alternative that is worth checking out. This mind mapping and brainstorming tool allows users to organize their thoughts and ideas by connecting documents, notes, events, and other types of data in free-form maps.
SpiderScribe also functions as a collaborative application, enabling users to work together on tasks or activities by sharing maps with others and allowing multiple users to edit in real time.
More specifically, SpiderScribe differs from MindNode in that it offers opportunities for collaboration and allows users to post their ideas and information.
Another core difference is that SpiderScribe is an online tool and so works on Android and Windows devices.
There is no need to panic or bother about losing your content. It’s stored in the cloud and so you can view your work from any location. Additionally, based on their demands, SpiderScribe customers can select from a variety of subscription levels.
Users may build an infinite number of public and private maps under the most basic plan, which is affordable.
5. Xmind
Xmind is one of the best Mindnote Alternatives you’ll find on the internet. This software takes mind mapping and brainstorming to a different and higher level much more than MindNode.
I love that there is no limitation on the devices it works on. The tool works on macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS and even has a web version.
Launched in 2006, Xmind has continually unleashed creativity for great ideas. It’s fast and easy to use. Those complex and complicated ideas you have can be broken down into simple terms for more clarity and understanding.
You can also make your mind maps as colorful as you like. Thanks to Xmind’s smart color theme. You’ll find your desired color theme and style.
Another fun feature of this tool is its hand-drawn style. It makes your mind map more fun and aesthetically pleasing. There are also a lot of themes available for you to choose from when customizing your mind map.
A similar feature between Xmind and MindNode is that both of them come with unique stickers that allow you to add more context to your ideas. There are over 400 stickers available.
If you are a math guru, solving equations has never been easier. Thanks to Xmind’s LaTex command that enables you to solve chemical formulas and mathematical equations.
All you need to do is to drag and drop the equations on the required topic. If you are not disposed to typing whether in a meeting or during lectures, you can easily record your thoughts and attach them to any topic.
This is an incredible feature that you wouldn’t find in MindNode. Finally, Xmind works on all devices including Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux.
6. Knowflow
Knowflow is an online mind map editor that helps you structure and organizes your chaotic thoughts and that of your other team members. Unlike MindNode, it’s easy to score or rate all the valuable ideas suggested by members of your group – rather than spend time deliberating in real-time.
The application provides quick design and visualization of concepts, problems, and solutions. It’s also possible to save your maps and reuse them in a new map.
Alternatively, you can always check out the Map Library. It hosts all the maps you have ever created. If you ever need them in the future, you can go back to the library and bring them back into your new discussion. It saves you and your team a lot of time.
Aside from that, it safeguards the knowledge of the organization and its members and enables them to make quick assessments of earlier deliberations. Another exciting feature of Knowflow is that it works with text, speech, audio, video, and photos. That means you can import these media files when creating a mind map.
Knowflow, in contrast to MindNode, is a free tool and does not involve any app download. You can easily sign up on the website with your email and password.
7. iMindQ
iMindQ is a creativity tool that allows you to map and organize your thoughts and ideas. Both individuals, organizations, businesses, and educational institutions can use this app for brainstorming and ideation.
This demonstrates that the mind-mapping tool is adaptive and has several applications. Like MindNode, iMindQ is a great tool for coming up with fresh ideas, making the most of challenging work, or dealing with new information.
Brainstorming sessions with iMindQ is usually effective seeing how much participation it elicits from team members. I love that you can choose how you want your map to look by adding icons, hyperlinks, alerts, notes, and even attachments from your computer.
When you’re done, a project presentation is as easily carried out. A simple click lets you visualize your mind maps and ideas or you can switch to any presentation mode you want.
With iMindQ, project planning has never been easier. You can prioritize your tasks according to the duration and resources needed to carry on with them.
You can be searching for information online while also creating your mind map thanks to iMindQ’s research panel. This saves you a lot of time.
iMindQ features a simple design and intuitive interface. You have multiple mind mapping templates to choose from.
Finally, the app works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the website. There are currently over 200,000 people currently using iMindQ. This further reinstates how effective and high-demand this tool is.
8. GroupMap
GroupMap is a highly adaptable mind-mapping tool that allows real-time group communication and decision-making. It’s mostly used in workshops, classrooms, and meetings where people are more likely to dominate conversations.
GroupMap provides more than 80 creative templates to help you get started. So, you can quickly create your activities using one of the readily available templates.
Because GroupMap is designed for organizations, only one individual is allowed to create maps from scratch and invite partners. Depending on the package, you can invite multiple partners to collaborate on ideas and projects.
One outstanding feature that differentiates this mind mapping tool from MindNode is that it effectively promotes openness in any group meeting. You can set a timer on tasks to ensure that everyone stays on the same page.
Other useful features that guarantee engaging conversations in groups include polls and surveys. Aside from that, there is a chat feature that makes way for easy communication.
I love that you can customize your workspace and design it the way you want. Also, when in a group meeting, it’s easy to divide everyone into smaller groups for a better brainstorming session.
In the end, rather than collate results manually, you can simply download and export them either as a PDF, CSV, or XSL file. This feature isn’t available on MindNode.
Finally, GroupMap employs the greatest degree of security to safeguard users’ data and privacy. The tool provides password security, a secure platform, subscriptions, technology, and server backups as standard.
9. TheBrain
TheBrain is an ultimate digital memory app that can be used in place of MindNode. Seeing how fast our minds work and how easy it is to lose ideas if not captured immediately, this tool helps you organize those thoughts and you can revisit them when needed.
TheBrain also lets you swiftly locate any information you are searching for – whether it’s web pages, documents, images, or notes previously added to your workstation. Unlike MindNode, this app lets you view your to-dos from your desktop, smartphone, or even your web browser.
It saves you from switching between tabs. There are currently millions of downloads from over 150 countries.
The app works well on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
10. MindManager
MindManager is an easy-to-use visual productivity and mind mapping tool guaranteed to bring more understanding and structure to your projects, plans, and processes.
The tool comes in three kinds – MindManager Essentials is primarily for individuals, while MindManager Professionals is for small teams. The Enterprise level is for bigger organizations and teams.
Like MindNode, MindManager ultimately boosts your productivity. It reduces the complexity of structuring and organizing information. That way, you can better focus on what matters.
With MindManager, you can share ideas with your teammates. In other words, collaboration is made easier.
Best of all, you will enjoy a 30-day free trial before subscribing to any of their plans.
11. Mindomo
Mindomo is another MindNode alternative that helps you smash your goals by mapping out your plans and ideas. This tool can be used in schools, organizations, or simply for your personal use.
It’s an avenue for teachers to develop their students’ learning, thinking, and problem-solving skills. You can use a mind map on them to brainstorm ideas, memorize information, and write and structure essays.
If you’re a business owner or event planner or you simply have a project at hand, Mindomo helps you stay organized. You can also prioritize your tasks, knowing what to do, when, and how to do it.
I particularly love that this mind mapping tool is useful for improving one’s personal life. Maybe you have a 20-year-plan for yourself. You can map out all your goals in order, the skills you want to acquire, the abandoned dreams you want to chase, and the steps needed to set the ball rolling.
Unlike MindNode, Mindomo does not have a downloadable application. You have to sign up from the website. However, both tools have a free plan that lets you get started before subscribing to the paid package.
12. MindMeister
MindMeister is a mind mapping tool that helps both individuals and organizations to develop ideas and track projects.
The work process is linear– once the idea hits you, you visualize it on the map, collaborate with your team to map out strategies, assign and manage tasks, and finally share the result when it’s ready.
I love how easy it is to lay down unlimited subtopics while exploring other ideas. And as your topics are taking shape, you can add more context to them with either attachments or embedded media files.
As much as MindMeister is a great replacement for MindNode, there is a slight difference. MindMeister is mostly web-based and can also be downloaded from Play Store and Apple Store.
There is also a free subscription plan to get you started.
13. SimpleMind
SimpleMind is a beautiful and intuitive app that helps you organize your ideas so that you can easily remember them when needed. The tool comes with a free-form layout that lets you create topics and place them anywhere you want.
The autofocus feature enables you to block out distractions. To add more context to your thoughts, you can add colors, images, and photos.
In addition to that, users can add notes, links, and checkboxes, as well as customize their topics and lines. Finally, the mind map can be downloaded and exported as a pdf file.
Unlike MindNode which works on only Mac and iOS devices, SimpleMind works on Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac devices. You can get started with the free plan.
Wrapping Up
As you can see from the list above, most tools work perfectly on Android and Windows devices. Out of all of them, my favorite pick is Xmind.
I particularly love the LaTex command feature that lets mathematicians and even scientists solve chemical formulas and mathematical equations. You also have the freedom to choose how you want your mind map to look. You can either make it look professional, playful, or organic.
But that’s just my choice anyway. Feel free to make yours or if your interests align with my choice, then you can go for Xmind.
