Alternatives · Whiteboards
Freeplane alternatives
Freeplane compared with 5 alternatives: Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind, Mindomo and Scapple.
Freeplane is free to use. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeplaneThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Xmind | Free plan · from $4.92/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| MindMeister | Free plan · from €6.50/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| SimpleMind | Free plan · from $10.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Mindomo | Free plan · from $7/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Scapple | Free trial · from $20.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows |
How each one differs from Freeplane
- Free plan · from $4.92/mo
Xmind
Mind mapping app with AI, Gantt charts and a presentation mode
- Xmind starts at $4.92 per month, billed yearly ($59 a year). Freeplane is free.
- Only Xmind lists a web app.
- Only Xmind lists iOS and Android apps.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
- Xmind also covers Gantt & timelines and presentations.
Suits: People who think in mind maps and want an app on every device
- Free plan · from €6.50/mo
MindMeister
Browser-based mind mapping with real-time collaboration
- MindMeister starts at €6.50 per user / month, billed yearly. Freeplane is free.
- Only MindMeister lists a web app.
- Only MindMeister lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Freeplane lists Windows, macOS and Linux apps.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Teams that brainstorm together in a browser
- Free plan · from $10.99 one-time
SimpleMind
Mind mapping app sold as a one-time purchase per platform
- SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows. Freeplane is free.
- Only SimpleMind lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Freeplane lists a Linux app.
- SimpleMind can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who want to buy a mind mapping app once, not subscribe
- Free plan · from $7/mo
Mindomo
Mind maps, outlines and Gantt charts with real-time editing
- Mindomo starts at $7 per month, prepaid yearly. Freeplane is free.
- Only Mindomo lists a web app.
- Only Mindomo lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Mindomo lists a browser extension.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Teachers and students using mind maps for assignments and study
- Free trial · from $20.99 one-time
Scapple
Freeform mind-mapping app for writers, on Mac and Windows
- Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows). Freeplane is free.
- Freeplane has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Freeplane lists a Linux app.
- Scapple can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Writers working out plots, arguments or research before drafting
Limits worth knowing in Freeplane
- Freeplane is a desktop Java application: the documentation lists downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux and no web or mobile version.
- Some downloads need a separately installed Java runtime (versions 11 to 21 for the Linux packages); only certain Windows and macOS installers bundle Java.
- The bundled macOS builds require macOS 14 or later.
- AI features need the user's own OpenRouter or Gemini key or an Ollama service, and the docs warn that map content sent to a provider may leave the machine.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Freeplane?
The alternatives to Freeplane in this directory are Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind, Mindomo and Scapple. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Freeplane.
Is there a free alternative to Freeplane?
Yes. Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind and Mindomo have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Freeplane alternatives work on Android?
The Freeplane listing does not include an Android app. Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind and Mindomo list one.
Which Freeplane alternatives work on iOS?
The Freeplane listing does not include an iOS app. Xmind, MindMeister, SimpleMind and Mindomo list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.