10 Xmind Alternatives for Mind Mapping in 2025 (Free & Paid)

There are many tools to choose from when it comes to brainstorming, data visualization, and mapping out complex ideas.

Xmind is a popular choice to create mind maps, but what if you’re looking for an alternative?

Whether you need something that aligns better with your budget or are searching for a tool with unique features beyond just a mind map, Xmind alternatives are abundant. Let’s navigate the landscape together.

What Should You Look for in Xmind Alternatives?

When considering an XMind alternative, it’s important to remember a few criteria.

Look for a tool that offers intuitive and flexible ways to create mind maps, supports collaboration in the workplace, has exporting capabilities, integrates with other apps, and ideally comes with a free plan or affordable pricing.

The ratings and reviews for your mind mapping software should also inspire confidence.

The 10 Best Xmind Alternatives to Use

Here are our favorite Xmind alternatives on the market. We’re positive one of these tools will be the right choice for you and your team to create mind maps.

1. ClickUp

See the 15+ views in ClickUp to customize your workflow to your needs

There was a time when you needed separate apps for diagramming, data visualization, project management, tasks, docs, spreadsheets, goal tracking, time tracking, resource allocation, and email. Now, there’s ClickUp: An all-in-one platform that combines the finest productivity and collaboration apps for a streamlined user experience.

ClickUp outshines other tools as an Xmind alternative thanks to its enhanced collaborative features, significantly boosting team productivity. Its appeal is universal, resonating with startups, small businesses, and corporate giants worldwide.

Perfect for teams seeking an intuitive platform to enhance efficiency, ClickUp is highly customizable for any workflow because it has all the features you could ask for. From product and project management to bug tracking and administration of academic resources, ClickUp is your comprehensive solution whether you need a mind map, collaboration tools, data visualization, concept maps, or other types of diagrams.

ClickUp Workspace owners or admins can choose from over 35 ClickApps to tailor the team’s experience. Each ClickApp provides unique functionality. Some examples include screen recording, a centralized hub for all your docs, work queues, team monitoring, and time tracking.

ClickUp best features

ClickUp Mind Maps allow you to plan and organize projects, ideas, or existing tasks. Create mind maps to draw out a flow diagram of your ideas and build relationships and hierarchies among concepts—ideal for team plans, idea organization, and task structure
ClickUp’s Whiteboards stand apart by allowing the transformation of ideas into concrete projects. Real-time collaboration tools make teamwork a breeze. All team members can see each other’s cursor movements. You can add diverse content to the whiteboard, such as texts, notes, images, and videos
Choose between flowchart templates and whiteboard templates based on your needs, industry, and workflow
With ClickUp Automations, say goodbye to manually handling repetitive tasks associated with your mind map. Automate them and concentrate on higher-value work. The best part? No coding is required! Use pre-set automation recipes or customize them to automate tasks like assigning tasks and altering assignees when statuses change, updating work based on location changes, and updating priorities based on project changes

ClickUp limitations

A bit of a learning curve for new users
Can feel overwhelming due to all of the features
Occasional lags reported

ClickUp pricing

free forever

Best for individual users

Free Free

Key Features:

60MB Storage

Unlimited Tasks

Unlimited Free Plan Members

unlimited

Best for small teams

$7 $10

per user per month

Everything in Free Forever plus:

Unlimited Storage

Unlimited Folders and Spaces

Unlimited Integrations

ClickUp ratings and reviews

G2: 4.7/5 (10,000+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (4,000+ reviews)

2. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a popular mind mapping tool with a serious demeanor, forgoing playful elements like stickers and emojis in favor of a more polished, professional approach to mind mapping and data visualization. This systematic methodology is the best alternative for analytical thinkers and those who prefer straightforward, no-nonsense diagramming. If that’s different from your approach to creating mind maps, we can point you to some Lucidchart alternatives that may fit the bill.

While Lucidchart’s templates and comprehensive library of elements empower you to create any type of diagram, it shines most brightly when used by IT and software engineering teams. It’s the go-to platform for documenting user journeys, business process mapping, and network configurations, facilitating the seamless organization of your team’s workflows.

Lucidchart best features

With Lucidchart, you can curate a library of your favorite mind map elements and create custom templates based on your most frequently used flowcharts
Beyond custom templates, Lucidchart also features a built-in template library for creating mind maps quickly and efficiently
Lucidchart’s compatibility with various apps is a standout feature, with Google Workspace integrations being notably smooth. You can conveniently store your mind map diagrams in Google Drive and incorporate them into meetings scheduled via Google Calendar

Lucidchart limitations

Some users have reported that as their mind map diagrams grow in complexity, the program tends to lag, making it challenging to work on intricate network diagrams and other complex infrastructure diagrams
If you favor a more flexible, freehand approach to mind map diagramming, you may need more than Lucidchart’s free software to satisfy your needs. For this, you would need to add Lucidspark—Lucid’s whiteboard program—at an additional cost, although a free trial is available

Lucidchart pricing

Free
Individual: $7.95/month per user
Team: $9/month per user
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Lucidchart ratings and reviews

G2: 4.6/5 (2,450+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.5/5 (1,950+ reviews)

3. Mindomo

Mindomo is a great alternative to Xmind, perfect for managing and presenting the outcomes of your brainstorming sessions.

A standout feature of this popular tool for mind mapping is the built-in presentation mode that allows you to turn your mind map into an interactive presentation that leaves PowerPoint in the dust. This functionality, combined with icons, images, hyperlinks, and multimedia features, enables users to create dynamic, comprehensive visual overviews of ideas and concepts.

Mindomo also offers Task Maps—a unique combination of mind maps and task management. This feature allows you to convert your ideas into actionable tasks, assign them to team members, set due dates, and track progress.

Mindomo ensures the brainstorming process is collaborative and dynamic, making it easier for teams to implement and execute strategies.

Mindomo best features

Enjoy key mind map functionalities for free, with the option to upgrade for advanced features
Use the Task Maps feature to translate brainstormed ideas into concrete tasks and track progress
Integrate with popular tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft Teams
Foster team collaboration with comments, real-time editing, and task management
Streamline your brainstorming sessions with automated features that reduce redundancy
Get insightful overviews of your brainstorming outcomes and task progress with customizable dashboards
Use one of Mindomo’s many built-in mind map templates to kickstart your brainstorming session
Leverage Mindomo’s AI functionalities to aid in summarizing mind mapping sessions, generating fresh ideas, and building action plans

Mindomo limitations

Mindomo’s wide range of mind mapping features can be overwhelming for new users
AI functionalities are not available in the free plan

Mindomo pricing

Free
Premium: $5.50/month per user
Professional: $13.50/month per user
Team: Based on team size. Visit Mindomo’s pricing page for more information

Mindomo ratings and reviews:

G2: 4.5/5 (10+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (30+ reviews)

4. Diagrams.net

Diagrams.net Dashboard — via Diagrams.net

Diagrams.net, now known as Draw.io, is a prime choice for those who appreciate the value of free, open-source mind mapping software. It offers a desktop version that provides an added layer of security when you’re crafting your flowcharts.

The online version of Diagrams.net allows you to share your user flows or diagrams with your team and collaborate on them in real time. The sharing function is powered by Google Drive, making it a familiar interface for most team members.

Diagrams.net best features

Diagrams.net offers three types of diagram canvases, many drag-and-drop elements, and freehand drawing tools for effortless diagram creation. The elements cater to various diagram types, including org charts, network diagrams, and even floor plans
Once you’ve shared your diagram workspace, you can view your team members’ cursor movements, enable collective editing, and foster collaborative work
This platform does not store your data. It provides the ability to customize your data governance preferences and even offers a desktop version for complete control over your information

Diagrams.net limitations

Some users find it challenging to scale elements to match their canvas size or to a size suitable for printing
Many users feel that the user interface appears somewhat outdated when compared to other diagramming platforms

Diagrams.net pricing

Free

Diagrams.net ratings and reviews

G2: 4.4/5 (385+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (700+ reviews)

5. Miro

Miro is a widely used platform designed for whiteboard-based project management. It serves as an arena where all the creative minds on your team can unite to share their innovative ideas.

Miro is engineered to simulate the experience of brainstorming on an actual whiteboard, whether your team is gathered in an office or collaborating remotely from various locations.

Every team member can metaphorically grab a marker to contribute. With features such as digital Post-It notes and a hand-drawing function, it seeks to emulate the experience of an in-person brainstorming session.

Of course, Miro isn’t for everybody. If you’re looking for a similar tool that’s a better fit, check out our ideas on Miro alternatives.

Miro best features

Miro supports real-time collaboration tools, allowing you and your team members to add comments, notes, and elements, or drag-and-drop existing elements to reorganize your diagram instantly
The Miro library includes shapes, icons, connectors, and pre-built flowcharts, simplifying the diagramming process, even for complex ideas
Once your process is clearly defined, you can assign tasks and action items based on your flowchart. Miro seamlessly integrates with Atlassian project management tools, including Jira and Confluence, as well as other popular task management tools, like ClickUp

Miro limitations

Some users have reported issues with importing graphics, particularly with incorrect scaling when graphics are imported
Although Miro does provide a free version, it lacks many of the platform’s standout features. Some users express dissatisfaction with paying premium prices when they only utilize one or two advanced features

Miro pricing

Free
Starter: $8 per user per month
Business: $16 per user per month
Enterprise: Custom pricing

Miro ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (4,850+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.7/5 (1,250+ reviews)

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6. Freeplane

Freeplane is open-source software that’s focused on the creation and management of knowledge and project planning.

This tool offers advanced options for customization, enabling you to add attributes, descriptions, and scripts to your mind maps for detailed project planning. Its standout feature is hiding and showing branches, allowing for effective idea management during brainstorming sessions.

Freeplane best features

It’s completely free to use, making it one of the best Xmind alternatives for budget-conscious teams
Use advanced mind mapping features such as node attributes, scripts, and styles
Leverage filtering and hiding branches to focus on specific aspects of your project
Integrate with external programs using HTML, Java, and Flash browsers
Enjoy an open-source community’s support for problem-solving and the development of new features

Freeplane limitations

With no inbuilt cloud system, sharing and collaboration can be more complicated
The user interface might appear outdated compared to newer platforms

Freeplane pricing

Free

Freeplane ratings and reviews

G2: N/A
Capterra: N/A

7. GitMind

GitMind is a free online tool for mind mapping and brainstorming that allows you to visualize complex ideas and processes easily.

It offers many templates to jump-start your brainstorming process, and its user-friendly interface ensures you can quickly create detailed and structured mind maps. GitMind also provides the capability to share mind maps, making collaboration easy.

GitMind best features

It’s a free platform that provides a plethora of mind mapping features
Use extensive built-in templates to kickstart your brainstorming session
Collaborate and share your mind maps with your team with ease
Use color-coding and other visual features to structure and organize your mind maps effectively

GitMind limitations

Some users have noted that this otherwise versatile tool can become slow with more complex diagrams
It lacks an offline mode, making it reliant on an internet connection

GitMind pricing

Basic: Free
Monthly: $9/month per user
Annual: $4.08/month per user
Three Years: $2.19/month per user

GitMind ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (3+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (9+ reviews)

8. Coggle

Coggle is a great tool for creating and sharing mind maps and flowcharts. It emphasizes ease of use with a straightforward interface and real-time collaboration tools.

This mind map and brainstorming tool enable you to create branches and loops to demonstrate the flow of ideas and processes. Coggle’s integration with Google Drive frees file management and team collaboration.

Coggle best features

Use the simple and intuitive interface to create mind maps and flowcharts quickly
Collaborate with your team in real time and view changes as they happen
Integrate with Google Drive for easy file management and sharing
Create loops and branches in your diagrams to represent complex ideas and processes effectively

Coggle limitations

The free version is somewhat limited, with only basic features available
Some users have noted that the interface, while simple, lacks advanced formatting options

Coggle pricing

Free Forever
Awesome: $5/month per user
Organization: $8/month per user

Coggle ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (6+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.5/5 (40+ reviews)

9. Mindjet

Mindjet, now known as MindManager, is a versatile mind mapping tool for visualizing information, organizing projects, and managing tasks.

The standout feature is converting your mind maps into dynamic presentations, interactive dashboards, or project plans. MindManager also integrates with popular apps like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook, enhancing productivity and communication efforts.

Mindjet best features

Transform your concept maps, and mind maps into interactive dashboards, dynamic presentations, or detailed project plans
Leverage integration with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook for enhanced productivity
Use the Gantt chart feature for a visual overview of project timelines and progress
Enjoy a variety of pre-built templates and structures for faster, more efficient brainstorming

Mindjet limitations

Mindjet is one of the more expensive options in the brainstorming tool market, which may make it less attractive for smaller businesses or teams
Some users find that the software has a steep learning curve due to its wide range of features

Mindjet pricing

Essentials: $9/year
Professional: $179/year
Enterprise: Contact Mindjet for pricing

Mindjet ratings and reviews

G2: 4.5/5 (180+ reviews)
Capterra: 4.6/5 (60+ reviews)

10. SimpleMind

SimpleMind is an intuitive mind mapping tool that supports multi-platform synchronization, meaning you can access your mind maps from any device.

The tool offers a range of customization options, like adding media files to your mind maps or changing layouts and styles for better visualization. SimpleMind takes brainstorming to the next level by providing tools that promote creativity and flexibility.

SimpleMind best features

Use the multi-platform synchronization to access your mind maps anywhere, at any time
Customize your mind maps by adding media files or changing styles and layouts
Create unlimited mind maps and place elements anywhere on the page, not just connected to a main idea
Share your mind maps via various means, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and email

SimpleMind limitations

The free version is quite basic, with most features locked behind the premium versions
Some users have noted the user interface to be less intuitive than other mind mapping tools

SimpleMind pricing

Free
Custom: Contact SimpleMind for pricing

SimpleMind ratings and reviews

G2: 4.8/5 (6+ reviews)
Capterra: 5/5 (4+ reviews)

Diving Deeper With ClickUp’s Innovative Mind Map Features

Now that you’ve got a taste of what these incredible alternatives can offer, it’s time to delve deeper and ignite your journey to optimal productivity. ClickUp is not only a fantastic Xmind alternative, but it also hosts powerful tools such as whiteboard and mind mapping features.

If you’re seeking a tool that can transform brainstorming sessions, project planning, or even day-to-day tasks, we highly recommend exploring ClickUp’s Mind Maps. Unleash the power of visual planning and bring your ideas to life organized and intuitively.

Alternatively, if you’re searching for a more interactive, collaborative platform for team brainstorming, check out ClickUp’s Whiteboards. These digital canvases enable real-time collaboration, letting your team ideate, plan, and strategize seamlessly, regardless of location.

Every tool mentioned here has unique strengths; your choice ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. But why limit yourself? Go ahead and explore ClickUp’s dynamic features. You’re just one step away from revolutionizing the way you work!

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10 Xmind Alternatives for Mind Mapping in 2025

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