Alternatives · Whiteboards
Scapple alternatives
Scapple compared with 7 alternatives: MindNode, SimpleMind, Xmind, Freeplane, Milanote and 2 more.
Scapple is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows). All 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| ScappleThis tool | Free trial · from $20.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows |
| MindNode | Free plan · from $2.99/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| SimpleMind | Free plan · from $10.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Xmind | Free plan · from $4.92/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Freeplane | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Milanote | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Allume | Free plan · from $9.99/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| Kinopio | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Browser extension |
How each one differs from Scapple
- Free plan · from $2.99/mo
MindNode
Mind mapping and outlining app for Apple devices
- MindNode starts at $2.99 per month, or $24.99 per year. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- MindNode has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only MindNode lists an iOS app.
- Only Scapple lists a Windows app.
- MindNode is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
Suits: People who work across a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad
- 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. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- SimpleMind has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SimpleMind lists iOS and Android apps.
Suits: People who want to buy a mind mapping app once, not subscribe
- 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). Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- Xmind has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Xmind lists a web app.
- Only Xmind lists Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- Scapple can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: People who think in mind maps and want an app on every device
- Free
Freeplane
Free, open source mind mapping app for the desktop
- Freeplane is free. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- Freeplane has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Freeplane lists a Linux app.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
- Scapple can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Power users who want formulas, scripts and rule-based formatting in a map
- Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Milanote
Visual boards for organizing creative projects
- Milanote starts at $9.99 per person / month, billed annually. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- Milanote has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Milanote lists a web app.
- Only Milanote lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only Milanote lists a browser extension.
Suits: Designers, filmmakers and writers collecting references and ideas
- Free plan · from $9.99/mo
Allume
Nested-board thinking canvas for Mac, iPad and iPhone
- Allume starts at $9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- Allume has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Allume lists an iOS app.
- Only Scapple lists a Windows app.
- Scapple can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: iPad and Mac users who mix handwriting, text and files on one canvas
- Free plan · from $8/mo
Kinopio
Freeform canvas for notes, mind maps and moodboards
- Kinopio starts at $8 per month, or $80 per year. Scapple starts at $20.99 one-time, per platform (macOS or Windows).
- Kinopio has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Kinopio lists a web app.
- Only Kinopio lists Linux and iOS apps.
- Only Kinopio lists a browser extension.
Suits: People who think by arranging notes in space rather than in lists
Limits worth knowing in Scapple
- Scapple is offered for macOS and Windows only; the vendor lists no web, iOS or Android version.
- Each license covers a single platform, so running Scapple on both a Mac and a Windows PC means buying two.
- Minor updates are free, but the vendor says a future major version such as Scapple 2 would be a paid upgrade.
- The Windows version (1.4.2, December 2022) is behind the macOS version (1.5.4, November 2025).
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Scapple?
The alternatives to Scapple in this directory are MindNode, SimpleMind, Xmind, Freeplane, Milanote, Allume and Kinopio. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Scapple.
Is there a free alternative to Scapple?
Yes. Freeplane is free to use. MindNode, SimpleMind, Xmind, Milanote, Allume and Kinopio have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Scapple alternatives work on Linux?
The Scapple listing does not include a Linux app. Xmind, Freeplane and Kinopio list one.
Which Scapple alternatives work on Android?
The Scapple listing does not include an Android app. SimpleMind, Xmind and Milanote list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Scapple?
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 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.