Comparison · Mind mapping software
MindMeister vs Xmind: which is better in 2026?
Xmind ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#1 against #3, score 92.5 against 88.5).
- 88.5Editorial score92.5
- 3Platforms4
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
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 Xmind if you want
Desktop mind maps with presentation output.
The most complete desktop mapper here, with themes, exports to PNG, SVG, PDF and Markdown, and Pitch slides. The free plan caps online maps at 10, and Pro costs US$4.92 a month.
The main differences
- Only Xmind runs on Linux.
- Only Xmind runs on Windows.
- Only Xmind runs on macOS.
- Only MindMeister runs on iOS.
- Only MindMeister runs on Android.
Side by side
 MindMeister |  Xmind | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.5 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #1 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with three mind maps; paid plans billed monthly or yearly | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan with 10 online maps; Pro at US$4.92 a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebiOSAndroidWeb, iOS, Android | WindowsmacOSLinuxWebWindows, macOS, Linux, Web |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Free plan | 3 mind maps | 10 online maps |
| Pricing model | Freemium, monthly or yearly | Freemium, Pro monthly |
| Best for | Browser-based maps shared with a team | Desktop mind maps with presentation output |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about MindMeister vs Xmind
- Is Xmind better than MindMeister?
- Xmind ranks higher in our list of mind mapping software (#1 against #3, score 92.5 against 88.5). MindMeister is best for: browser-based maps shared with a team. Xmind is best for: desktop mind maps with presentation output.
- Which is cheaper, MindMeister or Xmind?
- MindMeister: Free plan with three mind maps; paid plans billed monthly or yearly. Xmind: Free plan with 10 online maps; Pro at US$4.92 a month.
- Do MindMeister and Xmind run on the same platforms?
- MindMeister supports Web, iOS, Android. Xmind supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Web.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about MindMeister and Xmind
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