Alternatives · Whiteboards
Cmap alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Cmap alternative is Freeplane (2.8 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Cmap compared with 6 alternatives: MindManager, Freeplane, MindMup, Coggle, Mindomo and 1 more.
Cmap is free to use. 5 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| CmapThis tool | Free | Free | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS |
| MindManager | Free trial · from $99/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Freeplane | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| MindMup | Free plan · from $6/mo | Yes | Web |
| Coggle | Free plan · from $5/mo | Yes | Web |
| Mindomo | Free plan · from $7/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Kumu | Free plan · from $9/mo | Yes | Web |
Price against what you get
Cmap has no paid plan and scores 2.3 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 6 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
MindManager and Mindomo score higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from Cmap
MindManager
Mind mapping and diagramming software with Gantt charts
- MindManager starts at $99 per user / year (Essentials, web only).
- MindManager has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Cmap.
- MindManager also lists an Android app.
- MindManager lists no Linux app, which Cmap has.
- MindManager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Project managers who plan with mind maps and Gantt charts in one file
Freeplane
Free, open source mind mapping app for the desktop
- Freeplane is free.
- Freeplane lists no web app and iOS app, which Cmap has.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
- Freeplane also covers templates.
- Freeplane does not cover diagrams, which Cmap does.
Suits: Power users who want formulas, scripts and rule-based formatting in a map
MindMup
Web mind mapping with a free tier and simple paid plans
- MindMup starts at $6 per month, billed annually (Personal).
- MindMup lists no macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps, which Cmap has.
- MindMup also covers notes and presentations.
Suits: Individuals who want a plain mind mapping tool at a low price
Coggle
Collaborative mind maps and flowcharts in the browser
- Coggle starts at $5 per month.
- Coggle lists no macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps, which Cmap has.
- Coggle is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Coggle also covers Markdown.
Suits: Students and teams making quick collaborative mind maps
Mindomo
Mind maps, outlines and Gantt charts with real-time editing
- Mindomo starts at $7 per month, prepaid yearly.
- Mindomo also lists an Android app and a browser extension.
- Mindomo also covers tasks and Gantt & timelines.
- Mindomo does not cover diagrams, which Cmap does.
Suits: Teachers and students using mind maps for assignments and study
Kumu
Relationship maps for systems, stakeholders and networks
- Kumu starts at $9 per month per private project.
- Kumu lists no macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS apps, which Cmap has.
Suits: Researchers and consultants mapping stakeholders or systems
Limits worth knowing in Cmap
- The desktop download asks for registration with name, organization type and country before the installer is released.
- The vendor says the basic software is free for education and US federal agencies, and is offered free as a beta test to other users, including commercial ones.
- On iPad, syncing with the Cmap Cloud and export are in-app purchases, and the listed requirement is iOS 7 or later.
- The browser version is meant for desktops and laptops, not for tapping on tablets and phones.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Cmap?
The alternatives to Cmap in this directory are MindManager, Freeplane, MindMup, Coggle, Mindomo and Kumu. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Cmap.
Is there a free alternative to Cmap?
Yes. Freeplane is free to use. MindMup, Coggle, Mindomo and Kumu have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Cmap alternatives work on Android?
The Cmap listing does not include an Android app. MindManager and Mindomo list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Cmap?
Freeplane is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.