If you want to streamline project planning, create clearer workflows, or simply organize your ideas more effectively, mind mapping software can make a significant difference. After extensive testing, we’ve curated the top mind mapping tools for Mac users in 2025.
While options like Apple Freeform or basic drawing apps allow for freeform brainstorming, they often lack the structure and features needed for truly effective mind mapping. Today’s best tools offer AI-enhanced brainstorming, real-time collaboration, and seamless cross-device sync.
We’ve evaluated dozens of Mac-compatible applications, including native desktop software and cloud-based platforms ideal for team use. Here are our top picks.
1. MindNode – Best Native macOS Experience
MindNode stands out as the best dedicated mind mapping app for Mac users. It offers a clean, intuitive interface and works flawlessly across Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and even Apple Watch.Perfect for individual brainstorming and organizing ideas, MindNode supports iCloud sync, so you can start a map on your Mac and continue on your iPad. It also integrates with macOS features like the Menu Bar, Widgets, and apps like Reminders and OmniFocus.
While it lacks cloud-based collaboration, its free version is robust, and the Pro subscription is affordable at $2.99/month or $19.99/year.
Pricing: Free tier available / Paid plans from $2.99 per month
Pros:
- Great free version
- Apple ecosystem integration
- Beautiful templates
- Easy to use
- Cons:No collaboration features
- Mac and iOS only
2. SmartDraw – Best for Templates & Professional Use
SmartDraw is a powerful diagramming tool that excels in mind mapping, especially for business environments. It supports import/export with Microsoft Visio and includes over 34,000 templates.Its automatic formatting and alignment let you focus on ideas rather than design. SmartDraw also integrates with tools like Trello and Microsoft Office, and can convert mind maps into Gantt charts.
Pricing: Free to start / Individual plans at $10.95 per month
Pros:
- Huge template library
- Visio compatibility
- Professional output
- Easy scaling
- Cons:No mobile app
3. Miro – Best for Infinite Canvas & Remote Teams
Miro offers a collaborative, infinite whiteboard that’s ideal for teams. Used by companies like Dell and Cisco, it supports video chat, comments, and real-time co-editing.Its macOS app runs on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and while the free plan is limited to three boards, paid plans start at just $8/month.
Pricing: Free / Paid plans from $8 per month
Pros:
- Great for teamwork
- Video integration
- SOC 2 compliant
- Unlimited canvas
- Cons:Free version is restrictive
- No Visio support
4. Figma – Best for UX & Design-Oriented Mind Mapping
Figma is a collaborative design platform that also works well for mind mapping—especially for designers and UX teams. Its real-time collaboration, version history, and prototyping features make it uniquely powerful.While overkill for simple mind maps, it’s perfect for visual thinkers who need to connect ideas with interactive prototypes.
Pricing: Free plan available / Paid plans from $12 per month
Pros:
- Real-time collaboration
- High-fidelity prototyping
- Design-friendly
- Cons:Can be resource-heavy
- Learning curve for non-designers
5. XMind – Best Hybrid (Desktop + Cloud)
XMind offers a powerful desktop app for macOS and a web-based version for cloud access. It includes unique templates, focus timers, and day/night modes.It also supports exports to Evernote, PDF, and Office formats, and can turn mind maps into Gantt charts.
Pricing: Free basic plan / Subscription from $5.99 per month
Pros:
- Flexible usage
- Focus tools
- Visual variety
- Cons:Slightly expensive
- Few keyboard shortcuts
6. Freeform – Best Free Apple-Based Tool
Included for free with macOS Ventura and later, Freeform is Apple’s take on digital whiteboarding. It supports real-time collaboration for up to 100 users and works across Apple devices.While it doesn’t include mind mapping-specific features like templates or auto-layouts, it’s great for freeform brainstorming.
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Fully integrated with Apple devices
- Collaborative
- Easy to use
- Cons:No templates
- Limited structure
7. Lucidchart – Best for Scaling from Solo to Enterprise
Lucidchart is a full-featured diagramming tool used by companies of all sizes. It supports real-time collaboration, Google Workspace integration, and a wide range of chart types.It lacks Visio export but is an excellent all-in-one diagramming solution.
Pricing: From $7.95 per month
Pros:
- Easy to use at any scale
- Google/Microsoft integration
- Good sharing options
- Cons:No Visio export
8. Cacoo – Best for Attachments & Permissions
Cacoo is a user-friendly online diagramming tool with strong access-control features. It includes in-app chat, commenting, and supports Visio imports.
Pricing: $6 per month
Pros:
- Attachment support
- Visio import
- Good user permissions
- Cons:No Visio export
9. Whimsical – Best AI-Powered Mind Mapping
Whimsical uses AI to help generate and expand mind maps. It’s simple, fast, and ideal for teams that want to quickly turn ideas into structured maps.
Pricing: $10 per month
Pros:
- AI-assisted brainstorming
- Clean interface
- Easy sharing
- Cons:No desktop app
- Limited templates
10. MindMup – Best Free Cloud-Based Tool
MindMup is a simple, free tool great for students and individual users. It supports keyboard shortcuts, Google Drive sync, and publishes maps directly to social media.
Pricing: Free / $2.99 per year for Cloud
Pros:
- Unlimited free maps
- Keyboard-friendly
- Student-friendly
- Cons:No desktop app
- Basic visuals
11. SimpleMind – Best Free Desktop App
SimpleMind offers a free, fully offline Mac app with a clean interface and good styling options. Maps can be synced to mobile via cloud services.
Pricing: Free / $29.99 one-time for Pro
Pros:
- True offline use
- Sync support
- Intuitive UI
- Cons:Mobile app not free
12. GitMind – Best for Students & AI Lovers
GitMind is a free, AI-enhanced tool that turns text into mind maps. It supports real-time collaboration, exports in multiple formats, and works on all platforms.
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- AI-powered
- Fully free
- Collaborative
- Cons:Online only
- No advanced features
Honorable Mentions & FAQs
- FreeMind is a classic open-source tool, but it’s no longer compatible with newer macOS versions.
- OneNote is great for notes but not optimized for mind mapping.
Why Use Mind Mapping Software?
Mind mapping helps combine logical and creative thinking, improves memory, clarifies ideas, and is useful in project management, education, and even personal planning.
How We Tested
- We prioritized:macOS and Apple Silicon support
- Collaboration features
- Ease of use
- Value for money
- Export/import flexibility
7 Steps to a Great Mind Map
- Start with a central idea.
- Use images and icons.
- Work outward with curved branches.
- Use one keyword per line.
- Add color for visual clarity.
- Include images where possible.
- Let the structure grow organically.
Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or project manager, there’s a mind mapping tool on this list that can help you think and plan more effectively.
About the Author
