Is Freeplane better than Miro?

Freeplane ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#4 against #9, score 85.5 against 78.0). Freeplane is best for: open-source desktop mapping for power users. Miro is best for: team workshops on a shared whiteboard.

Which is cheaper, Freeplane or Miro?

Freeplane: Free and open source under GPL-2.0. Miro: Free plan with 3 editable boards; paid plans from $8 per member a month.

Do Freeplane and Miro run on the same platforms?

Freeplane supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Miro supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.

Comparison · Mind mapping software

Freeplane vs Miro: which is better in 2026?

Freeplane85.5#4 in best mind mapping software

Miro78.0#9 in best mind mapping software

Freeplane ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#4 against #9, score 85.5 against 78.0).

How we rank Share

85.5
Editorial score
78.0
3
Platforms
5
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Freeplane if you want

Open-source desktop mapping for power users.

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.

Choose Miro if you want

Team workshops on a shared whiteboard.

A shared whiteboard with an infinite canvas for workshops, where mind maps are one of many layouts. It has a free plan, but it is heavier than a dedicated mapper for a single tree of ideas.

The main differences

Only Freeplane runs on Linux.
Only Miro runs on iOS.
Only Miro runs on Android.
Only Miro runs on Web.
Freeplane is open source; Miro is not.

Side by side

	Freeplane	Miro
Score	85.5	78.0
Rank in list	#4 of 10	#9 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0	Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with 3 editable boards; paid plans from $8 per member a month
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux	WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidWeb, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Free plan	Free	Free plan
Pricing model	Free, open source	Freemium, team plans
Best for	Open-source desktop mapping for power users	Team workshops on a shared whiteboard
Strengths	Open source under GPL-2.0 Add-ons and map templates	Mermaid diagrams turn text into flowcharts Free plan with three editable boards
Limits	Interface is denser than newer mapping apps Desktop application only	Free plan limits the number of editable boards Costs rise per member as a team grows
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Freeplane vs Miro

Is Freeplane better than Miro?: Freeplane ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#4 against #9, score 85.5 against 78.0). Freeplane is best for: open-source desktop mapping for power users. Miro is best for: team workshops on a shared whiteboard.
Which is cheaper, Freeplane or Miro?: Freeplane: Free and open source under GPL-2.0. Miro: Free plan with 3 editable boards; paid plans from $8 per member a month.
Do Freeplane and Miro run on the same platforms?: Freeplane supports Windows, macOS, Linux. Miro supports Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.