{
    "products": [
        {
            "slug": "freeplane",
            "name": "Freeplane",
            "kind": "app",
            "website": "https://docs.freeplane.org/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/software/freeplane",
            "tagline": "Free, open-source desktop mind mapper and outliner",
            "summary": "Freeplane is a free, open-source mind mapping and outlining app for Windows, macOS and Linux, forked from FreeMind. It is licensed under GPL-2.0, and maps are saved as files on your own computer.",
            "platforms": [
                "windows",
                "macos",
                "linux"
            ],
            "pricing": "open-source",
            "price_note": "Free and open source under GPL-2.0",
            "free_to_use": true,
            "open_source": true,
            "license": "GPL-2.0",
            "source": "https://github.com/freeplane/freeplane",
            "strengths": [
                "Open source under GPL-2.0",
                "Add-ons and map templates"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Interface is denser than newer mapping apps",
                "Desktop application only"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "overview": "Freeplane edits mind maps and outlines with nodes, folding and links between nodes. It supports add-ons and map templates, and its documentation covers installation on Windows, macOS and Linux. A gallery of sample maps shows how the tool is used in practice.\n\nFreeplane is distributed under GPL-2.0, so the code can be read and changed. Its interface is denser than newer commercial mapping apps, and it is a desktop application only. It suits power users and people who want an open-source mapper they control, while XMind or SimpleMind are easier to start with."
        },
        {
            "slug": "mindnode",
            "name": "MindNode",
            "kind": "app",
            "website": "https://www.mindnode.com/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/software/mindnode",
            "tagline": "Mind maps and outlines for Mac, iPhone and iPad",
            "summary": "MindNode is a mind mapping and outlining app from IdeasOnCanvas GmbH for Apple devices. Native versions run on Mac, iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro and Apple Watch. The free version includes mind mapping, and MindNode Plus adds advanced features on a monthly or yearly subscription.",
            "developer": "IdeasOnCanvas GmbH",
            "platforms": [
                "macos",
                "ios",
                "ipados"
            ],
            "pricing": "freemium",
            "price_note": "Free version; MindNode Plus at $2.99 a month or $24.99 a year",
            "free_to_use": true,
            "open_source": false,
            "strengths": [
                "Native apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro",
                "Mind mapping included in the free version"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Apple devices only",
                "Advanced features need the Plus subscription"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "overview": "MindNode builds mind maps and outlines on a canvas where ideas can be connected, moved and reorganized. The Mac, iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro and Apple Watch versions are native Apple apps. The site includes sample documents for trip planning, study guides and novel outlines.\n\nThe free version includes mind mapping. MindNode Plus adds more features at USD 2.99 a month or USD 24.99 a year, as the download page lists. MindNode does not run on Windows or Android, so mixed-platform teams need a web tool such as MindMeister. For one person on Apple hardware, it is a focused choice."
        }
    ],
    "differences": [
        "Only Freeplane runs on Windows.",
        "Only Freeplane runs on Linux.",
        "Only MindNode runs on iOS.",
        "Freeplane is open source; MindNode is not.",
        "Freeplane: free and open source. MindNode: free plan, paid upgrades."
    ],
    "shared_rankings": [
        {
            "list": "mind-mapping-software",
            "name": "Mind mapping software",
            "page": "https://listme.name/best/mind-mapping-software",
            "of": 10,
            "results": [
                {
                    "product": "freeplane",
                    "rank": 4,
                    "score": 85.5,
                    "verdict": "Free, open-source desktop mapping under GPL-2.0, with add-ons and templates. The interface is denser than newer apps, and it is desktop only, unlike the browser tools here.",
                    "best_for": "Open-source desktop mapping for power users",
                    "spec": {
                        "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux",
                        "free_plan": "Free",
                        "pricing_model": "Free, open source",
                        "open_source": true
                    }
                },
                {
                    "product": "mindnode",
                    "rank": 5,
                    "score": 84.5,
                    "verdict": "A native mind mapper for Apple devices with a free version and a Plus tier at $2.99 a month or $24.99 a year. It has no Windows or web version, so it suits one person on Apple hardware more than shared mapping.",
                    "best_for": "Mind maps and outlines on Mac, iPhone and iPad",
                    "spec": {
                        "platforms": "macOS, iOS, iPadOS",
                        "free_plan": "Free version; Plus for advanced features",
                        "pricing_model": "Freemium subscription",
                        "open_source": false
                    }
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "ranks_higher_in_closest_shared_list": "freeplane",
    "page": "https://listme.name/compare/freeplane-vs-mindnode",
    "json": "https://listme.name/api/v1/compare/freeplane-vs-mindnode.json",
    "notes": [
        "Scores are editorial and only comparable inside one list. Products with connected_to_publisher true receive a disclosed ranking lift: https://listme.name/methodology"
    ],
    "source": "https://listme.name",
    "license": "Free to read and cite with attribution to listme.name.",
    "docs": "https://listme.name/developers"
}