Comparison · Mind mapping software
MindMeister vs SimpleMind: which is better in 2026?
SimpleMind ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
Choose MindMeister if you want
Browser-based maps shared with a team.
A browser-based mapper with unlimited collaborators on the free plan and apps for iOS and Android. The free plan allows three maps, a tighter limit than Xmind's 10 online maps.
Choose SimpleMind if you want
Mind maps on Apple and Android devices, paid once.
A focused mapper for Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad and Android, sold as one-time purchases with no subscription. It has only a free trial, and its public pages focus on personal use rather than team work.
The main differences
- Only SimpleMind runs on Windows.
- Only SimpleMind runs on macOS.
- Only MindMeister runs on Web.
- MindMeister can be used for free; SimpleMind requires payment.
Side by side
 MindMeister |  SimpleMind | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 89.0 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 6 | #2 of 6 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with three mind maps; paid plans billed monthly or yearly | One-time purchaseOne-time payment per platform; free trial before buying |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | macOSWindowsiOSAndroidmacOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Free plan | 3 mind maps | Trial only |
| Pricing model | Freemium, monthly or yearly | One-time per platform |
| Best for | Browser-based maps shared with a team | Mind maps on Apple and Android devices, paid once |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about MindMeister vs SimpleMind
- Is SimpleMind better than MindMeister?
- SimpleMind ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#2 against #3, score 89.0 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. MindMeister is best for: browser-based maps shared with a team. SimpleMind is best for: mind maps on Apple and Android devices, paid once.
- Which is cheaper, MindMeister or SimpleMind?
- MindMeister: Free plan with three mind maps; paid plans billed monthly or yearly. SimpleMind: One-time payment per platform; free trial before buying.
- Do MindMeister and SimpleMind run on the same platforms?
- MindMeister supports Web, iOS, Android. SimpleMind supports macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.