Alternatives · Whiteboards
SimpleMind alternatives
SimpleMind compared with 5 alternatives: Xmind, MindNode, MindMeister, Freeplane and Scapple.
SimpleMind has a free plan. Paid plans start at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SimpleMindThis tool | 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 |
| MindNode | Free plan · from $2.99/mo | Yes | macOS, iOS |
| MindMeister | Free plan · from €6.50/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| Freeplane | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Scapple | Free trial · from $20.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows |
How each one differs from SimpleMind
- 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). SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows.
- Only Xmind lists a web app.
- Only Xmind lists a Linux app.
- SimpleMind can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Xmind also covers templates, Gantt & timelines and presentations.
Suits: People who think in mind maps and want an app on every device
- 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. SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows.
- Only SimpleMind lists Windows and Android apps.
- MindNode is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- SimpleMind can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- MindNode also covers tasks.
Suits: People who work across a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad
- 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. SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows.
- Only MindMeister lists a web app.
- Only SimpleMind lists macOS and Windows apps.
- SimpleMind can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- MindMeister also covers templates and presentations.
Suits: Teams that brainstorm together in a browser
- Free
Freeplane
Free, open source mind mapping app for the desktop
- Freeplane is free. SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows.
- Only Freeplane lists a Linux app.
- Only SimpleMind lists iOS and Android apps.
- Freeplane is open source, according to its own site.
- SimpleMind can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Power users who want formulas, scripts and rule-based formatting in a map
- 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). SimpleMind starts at $10.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 for Mac or Windows.
- SimpleMind has a free plan. Scapple does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SimpleMind lists iOS and Android apps.
Suits: Writers working out plots, arguments or research before drafting
Limits worth knowing in SimpleMind
- Each platform is a separate purchase: a Mac or Windows license does not include the iPhone, iPad or Android app.
- The free edition leaves out cloud sync, images, notes, sharing, printing and search, and it is not listed for Windows, which gets the 30-day trial.
- There is no browser version, and the feature list has no co-editing: maps are files synced through a cloud service the user picks.
- SimpleMind has no built-in AI, which the vendor presents as a privacy decision.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to SimpleMind?
The alternatives to SimpleMind in this directory are Xmind, MindNode, MindMeister, Freeplane and Scapple. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SimpleMind.
Is there a free alternative to SimpleMind?
Yes. Freeplane is free to use. Xmind, MindNode and MindMeister have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which SimpleMind alternatives work on Linux?
The SimpleMind listing does not include a Linux app. Xmind and Freeplane list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to SimpleMind?
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.