Alternative to MindMeister - Detailed Comparison
There are many mind mapping software on the market. At first look, all seem to be similar, but each tool offers different features to its users. Find the best alternative to MindMeister by comparing its features with competitors’ features.
MindMeister VS Mindomo
Mindomo and MindMeister were both released in 2007, which makes them two of the first mind mapping tools. They are also some of the most popular tools in this niche (used for brainstorming, organizing, project management, and personal development).
Which one is better for your needs and why choose it?
Let’s compare all aspects of these two mind mapping makers!
1. Diagram Editing Functionalities
A professional mind mapping tool has many functionalities that help you express your ideas into a diagram in any form you can imagine.
Moreover, when you create mind maps, it must be easy to find the editing functionality you need.
1.1. Map Styling
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Topic shape | Over 45 different topic shapes | Few options available (the corner shape is customizable, but not the whole topic shape) |
| Topic style |
Hundreds of predefined topic styles containing a combination of colors, fonts, topic shapes, etc. (in that gallery you can find styles you created in the current diagram, on other diagrams, or in theme editor). Topic style can be applied to only one topic or you have 5 other options to automatically apply the topic style on multiple topics (for example, all current topic’s siblings, all current topic’s descendants, etc.) |
6 predefined topic styles No option to automatically apply the styles |
| Topic gradient | 8 options (including gradient levels and shadows) | 3 options of gradient and you can choose to apply shadow |
| Color |
Color picker for: Color of topics Topic border Connections Text Boundaries Diagram background Option to set the connecting line’s color to determine the topic color Multicolor palettes |
Color picker for: Color of topics Topic border Connections Text Boundaries Diagram background No option to set the connecting line’s color to determine the topic color No multicolor palettes |
| Padding | Customizable | Non-customizable |
| Topic size | Freely resizable topics (resize bothwidthandheightby dragging and dropping the topic) | Non-freely resizable topics (can’t resize topics’ width or height by dragging and dropping the them) |
| Topic border’s weight | Customizable | Customizable |
| Text formatting |
Over 59 different fonts Customizable size Styles (bold, italic, underline, strikethrough) Customizable text alignment (left, center, and right) |
6 fonts 3 size formats Styles (only bold and italic) Customizable text alignment (left, center, and right) |
| Connections |
9 layout types Customizable spacing between topics and branches Auto balance map option 10+ connection types 3 anchor point options Customizable weight 17 line formats |
No layout types No customizable spacing between topics and branches No auto balance map option 3 connection types No anchor point options No customizable weight No line formats |
| Boundary |
10 shapes Customizable line color Customizable background color 7 line types Unlimited weight options Applicable on one topic (and its subtopics) Applicable on multiple topics (and their subtopics) |
5 shapes Customizable line color Customizable background color 3 line types 3 weight options Applicable on one topic (and its subtopics) Not applicable on multiple topics (and their subtopics) |
| Themes |
Theme editor that contains: 42 predefined map themes Create your custom themes and apply them to other diagrams (with custom font sizes, colors, shapes, and background colors or pictures) Import and export themes |
18 predefined map themes Create your custom themes and apply them to other diagrams (with custom font sizes, colors, shapes, and background colors or pictures) No import and export themes |
| Relationships |
Fully customizable relationships between topics: Label (you can add text) Color picker 3 angles Customizable relationships weight 7 patterns 13 arrows (separate customization for start and end) Style (copy style or set it as default for current diagram) |
Customizable relationships between topics: Label No color picker (8 colors) No angles Non-customizable relationship weight No patterns No arrows Non-customizable style (no copy style or option to set style as default for the current diagram) |
| Summary |
Yes Customizable topic, line, text, and padding |
No |
| Floating topic | Yes | Yes |
Mindomo is the mind mapping software that offers a bigger variety of editing features when you create your diagrams. Compared to MindMeister, you have many more options to style your maps and express yourself.
The difference between these two mind map tools is huge. If you want to develop creativity and style your diagrams, Mindomo is definitely your mind mapping software.
1.2. File & Multimedia Attachments
When you create mind maps, you want them to look simple, minimalist, yet rich in information. You’ll use short words and phrases to synthesize the knowledge.
Thus, the file and multimedia attachments are very important aspects you should take into consideration when you choose a mapping tool.
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Images |
Upload images from PC Upload images from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive Insert multimedia URL Search images on the Internet Your accounts’ images gallery Mindomo image gallery Drawing your sketch functionality (on mobile apps) Images in comments and notes No automatic image search |
Upload images from PC No upload images from Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive Insert multimedia URL Search images on the Internet Your accounts’ images gallery MindMeister image gallery Draw your sketch No image in comments and notes Automatic image search |
| Icons and Emojis |
Big variety of icons sorted into categories Frequently used category Priority and completion icons Search bar to filter Option to remove all icons |
Big variety of icons sorted into categories Frequently used category Priority and completion icons No search bar to filter No option to remove all icons |
| Videos |
Upload videos from PC, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive Insert multimedia URL Search videos on YouTube and Vimeo Your accounts’ videos gallery No automatic video search |
No videos upload Insert multimedia URL Search videos on YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion No your accounts’ images gallery Automatic video search |
| Audio files |
Upload audio files from PC, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive Record audio Attach uploaded |
No upload audio files from PC, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive No record audio No attach uploaded |
| Documents |
Upload documents files from PC Upload documents files fromGoogle Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive |
Upload documents files from PC No upload documents files fromGoogle Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive |
| Links |
Insert URL Link a topic Link a diagram from your account |
Insert URL Link a topic Link a diagram from your account |
| Notes panel |
Revamped notes panels (normal and maximized) Text style (bold, italic, underline) Customizable text size Customizable text color Numbering & bulleting Alignment Insert images Mathematical formulas Direct links Videos Formats (code block, quote, strikethrough, sub-, and superscript) Remove formatting option |
Small panel (no maximized version) No text style No customizable text size No customizable text color No numbering & bulleting No alignment No insert images No mathematical formulas No direct links No videos No formats (no code block, no quote, no strikethrough, no sub-, and superscript) No remove formatting option |
| Comments panel |
Revamped comments panels (normal and maximized) Text style (bold, italic, underline) Customizable text size Customizable text color Numbering & bulleting Alignment Insert images Mathematical formulas Direct links Videos Formats (code block, quote, strikethrough, sub-, and superscript) Remove formatting option, File attachments Mentions (with or without email notifications) Votes No icons in comments |
Small panel (no maximized version) No text style No Customizable text size No Customizable text color No numbering & bulleting No alignment, No insert images No mathematical formulas No direct links No videos No formats (code block, quote, strikethrough, sub-, and superscript), No remove formatting option No file attachments No mentions Votes (were available on the old interface) Icons in comments |
With both tools, you can drag and drop files from your computer, but only with Mindomo, you can upload from a cloud storage service provider, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
MindMeister is also limited regarding the types of files you can add to your diagrams: you can not upload videos from your PC, there is no option to have audio files.
You can’t upload or record, which can be a time-saver tool for project management diagrams, education, or even personal ones. Not to mention that comments and notes panels are very limited on MindMeister compared to Mindomo’s.
The collaboration with your team members or classmates will be restricted on MindMeister: besides the fact that these panels are small, they can’t be customized, and you can’t add images, links, formulas, or any other text formatting.
However, the MindMeister advantage is using a random automatic image and video web search.
1.3. Features
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Presenter mode |
Slide list Add slides Remove slides Undo/redo Duplicate slide option Present topics collapsed option Add/remove topics from slide option Play presentation Export as PowerPoint or Images formats |
No slide list No add slides No remove slides No undo/redo No copy slide option No present topics collapsed option No add/remove topics from slide option No play presentation No export as PowerPoint or Images formats (Some presenter features were available on the old interface) |
| Visualization options (switch view) |
Mind map Outline Gantt chart Concept map Organigram (Up to Down or Down to Up) Logic chart (Left or Right) Tree chart (Left or Right) Timeline (Vertical) Fishbone (Left or Right) |
Mind map Outline No Gantt chart No Concept map No Organigram (Up to Down or Down to Up) No Logic chart (Left or Right) Tree chart (Left or Right) No Timeline (Vertical) No Fishbone (Left or Right) |
| Templates |
Hundreds of templates (from general to very specific ones) Guided templates Quick diagrams (skeleton and specific theme for general use) Over 9 use cases categories Dedicated templates for each account type (education, business, and personal) |
24 templates (specific) No guidelines on specific templates No quick diagrams 4 use cases categories - same for all account types No dedicated templates for each account type |
| Public Gallery | Yes | Yes |
| Undo/Redo | Yes | Yes |
| History of changes |
Full history of changes including date and time Playback diagram history Adjust the speed of the playback Make a copy to specific diagram version |
Full history of changes including date and time Playback diagram history Adjust the speed of the playback Revert diagram |
| Dashboard | Yes | Yes |
| Duplicate diagram | Yes | Yes |
| Drill down | Yes | No |
| Full screen mode | Yes | No |
| View mode | Yes | Yes (focus mode) |
| Night mode |
Yes Option to set Auto (when you use a dark color theme on a diagram, the Night Mode is automatically activated, and when you use a light color theme, it is automatically deactivated) |
No |
| Import |
14 import formats: Mindomo file Mindmeister file MindManager file Freemind file XMind file Bubbl.us file SimpleMind file iThoughts file Markdown file Microsoft Project file Text file OPML file Excel file Plain text Upload from PC Upload fromGoogle Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive |
5 import formats: Mindmeister file MindManager file Freemind file XMind file Plain text) Mindomo file Bubbl.us file SimpleMind file iThoughts file Markdown file Microsoft Project file Text file OPML file Excel file Upload from PC only No upload fromGoogle Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive |
| Export |
20 export formats: Text file OPML file Microsoft Project file (.mpx) Microsoft Project file (.xml) HTML Slides as images (.zip) Slides as PDF (.pdf) Image file (.png) Markdown file Mindomo file (.mom) Mindomo pack (.pmom) Freemind file (.mm) MindManager file (.mmap) Excel file (horizontal outline) Excel file (horizontal tree) Excel file (Gantt chart data) Excel file (vertical outline) |
10 export formats: PDF slides Document Outline Microsoft Word File Microsoft PowerPoint file Image (.png and .jpg) Mindmeister file Freemind file Archive of images (.zip) No OPML file No Microsoft Project file (.mpx) No Microsoft Project file (.xml) No HTML No MindManager file (.mmap) No Markdown file No Mindomo file No Excel files |
|
6 printing formats: A4 A2 A3 No A1 No A0 Letter Ledger No Legal Original Print slides option Option to generate background color No multi-page printing |
9 printing formats: A4 A2 A3 A1 A0 Letter Ledger Legal Custom Print slides option Option to generate background color Multi-page printing |
|
| Editing with no network connection | Yes | No |
| Filtering |
Full-text search (across all diagrams) Hashtags Filter by icon Filter tasks by date Filter tasks by assignee Filter tasks by stage Filter tasks by updates Filter tasks by creator Filter tasks by deadline Filter tasks by priority |
No Full-text search (only inside the diagrams) No Hashtags No Filter by icon No Filter tasks by date No Filter tasks by assignee No Filter tasks by stage No Filter tasks by updates No Filter tasks by creator No Filter tasks by deadline No Filter tasks by priority |
| Folder organization |
Yes Diagram recycle bin |
Yes Diagram recycle bin |
| Shortcuts |
Over 58 shortcuts Search bar to filter them |
Over 33 shortcuts No search bar to filter them |
| Cloud storage | Up to 15 GB (or more for the Classroom subscription) | Up to 10 GB |
Features of an online mind map tool are a highly important aspect when you compare more tools. In this category, Mindomo has far more features compared to MindMeister.
Undoubtedly, MindMeister has a few extra features: 3 extra printing formats, auto-create, and broadcasting a presentation of the online mind map (presentation is not available anymore on the new interface).
However, Mindomo has many extra features such as Gantt view, many more templates (general and very specific ones), drill-down functionality (you can focus on a specific branch). These are great features that increase your productivity and efficiency.
Not to mention the 8 extra import formats and 10 extra export formats, which gives you more freedom. Also, Mindomo has more shortcuts to be easier and faster to use, full-text search to save precious time (you can search in your dashboard a word or phrase and it searches throughout all your diagrams, not only in the title). You also get more space on the cloud (for the upgraded subscriptions – maximum of 15 GB).
The features contrast is noticeable. If you want a professional mind mapping – concept mapping tool Mindomo can offer you a bigger variety of features compared to MindMeister.
2. Collaboration
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Share |
Share with specific people (by email address) Share with guests (people who don’t have an account) Team sharing (automatic sharing with specific people) Sharing by link Public sharing on the web Embedded link Sharing on social media Option to set rights to collaborators (can view, can copy, can edit the diagram) |
Share with specific people (by email address) No guests sharing (people who don’t have an account) Team sharing (automatic sharing with specific people) Sharing by link Public sharing on the web No Embedded link (it was on the old interface) No Sharing on social media (it was on the old interface) Option to set rights to collaborators (can view, can edit the diagram) No option to view and copy the diagram (without editing) |
| Password protected diagrams | Yes | No |
| Real-time collaboration |
Yes Edit Undo/redo Chat Comments Votes Attachments |
Yes Edit Undo/redo No Chat (it was on the old interface) Comments No Votes (they were on the old interface) Attachments |
| Team administration |
Yes Group sharing |
Yes Group sharing |
Both are real-time collaborative mind mapping tools. In this aspect, the differences are smaller: Mindomo offers more privacy with the password-protected diagrams and gives more freedom with guest sharing.
Mindomo has a subscription that allows you to share your diagrams with people, giving them premium rights regardless of whether they are free or even unregistered Mindomo users.
On MindMeister, you can share the diagrams with people who don’t have an account on their platform, but they can not edit them without an account. The votes and chat options are missing on the new interface of MindMeister.
Collaboration is an essential aspect whether you’re using the tool for work or business. The benefits of collaborative learning are substantial, not to mention its importance in business.
3. Task Management Functionalities
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks |
Assignable tasks (to users) Assignable tasks (to ghost users) Due dates (start date and end date) Recurring tasks Priority Completion level Comments Closed tasks list |
No tasks (only with separate app) |
| Tasks notifications/ Reminders | Email notifications | No |
| iCal task feed | Automatically sync your tasks with your calendar | Only iCalendar integration |
| Team Administration panel | Yes | Yes |
When it comes to task management, the difference between Mindomo and MindMeister is huge. MindMeister has no task features. They have a different app called MeisterTask that can be connected with MindMeister for those who are interested in project management or who work with team members.
The disadvantage is that if you choose MindMeister you will need 2 tools, while on Mindomo you can do it with only one. With Mindomo you can easily create and share task lists, projects, and business diagrams with your team and help you be organized and productive.
4. Education Features
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Organization |
Create classes Create schools |
No classes No schools |
| Assignments |
Blank mind map assignments Template assignments Team or individual assignments Deadline Attachments Progress status Playback mode Multiple sharing options: By email Create accounts without email Share with students from class/school Share with Google Classroom predefined classes By access codes |
No blank mind map assignments No template assignments No team or individual assignments No deadline No attachments No progress status No playback mode No sharing options |
| Grading |
Private grades for assignments Feedback with attachments Grades overview Grading report can be downloaded |
No private grades for assignments No feedback with attachments No grades overview No grading report can be downloaded) |
Mindomo is a versatile mind mapping software, you can use it as a stand-alone tool for education, business, and personal use. You have everything in one tool.
On the other hand, MindMeister has the same purpose but hasn’t dedicated features for education, or business (only a different tool dedicated for business).
Mindomo offers assignment templates, grading options, and education integrations (see the integrations section) to facilitate education, the interaction between students, and teacher-student interaction. It’s suitable for classes, and homeschool as well.
5. Types of Diagrams
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Diagrams |
Mind map Outline Gantt chart Concept map Organigram (Up to Down or Down to Up) Tree Organigram (Left or Right) Timeline (vertical) Logic chart (Left or Right) Fishbone (Left or Right) |
Mind map Concept map No Gantt chart Outline Organigram No Tree Organigram No Timeline No Logic chart No Fishbone (Left or Right) |
Mindomo allows you to create extra diagrams that can not be created with MindMeister: Gantt charts, tree org charts, timelines, logic charts, and fishbone diagrams.
6. Available Platforms
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms |
Web app (Online) Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)with online-offline syncing Mobile (Android, iOS) |
Web app (Online) No Desktop Mobile (Android, iOS) |
When it comes to PCs or Laptops, MindMeister can be used only as an online mind map tool. It doesn’t have a Desktop app and it can not be used without an internet connection.
On the other hand, Mindomo has these features which are very important for people who are traveling or working from places where they don’t always have a good internet connection. Mindomo has two mind map apps for both iOS and Android.
With one click, all the changes are synced.
7. Integrations
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Integrations for educational institutions |
Canvas Itslearning Brightspace Schoology Moodle Blackboard Google Classroom |
No Canvas No Itslearning No Brightspace No Schoology No Moodle No Blackboard No Google Classroom |
| Business & Personal integrations |
Google Drive Dropbox OneDrive Evernote G Suite Office 365 Microsoft Teams Embedded media |
Google Workspace Evernote Microsoft Teams Confluence iCalendar Other Meister tools (MeisterTask, MeisterNote) Embedded media No Dropbox No OneDrive No Office 365 |
Both platforms have business and personal integrations, but MindMeister has no educational dedicated integrations, which makes Mindomo a better option.
8. Other Features
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Secure backup and export data |
Dropbox Google Drive OneDrive FTP Bulk download as a ZIP file |
No Dropbox No Google Drive No OneDrive No FTP Bulk download as a ZIP file |
| Two factor authentication | Yes | Yes |
| Extensions | Mindomo Bookmarks | MindMeister Quick Access |
| E-mail support | Yes | Yes |
| Chat support | Yes | No |
| Phone (support) | Yes | Yes |
| Forum (support) | Yes | No |
| Help page (support) | Yes | Yes |
| FAQ (support) | Yes | Yes |
| Video tutorials | Yes | Yes |
Both mind mapping software offers support, an extension available, and backup options. Mindomo offers an extra option to backup your diagrams on your favorite cloud storage service provider (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive), while this option is not available on MindMeister.
9. Accounts and Plans
| Mindomo | MindMeister | |
|---|---|---|
| Account types & Prices |
🏷️ Free - free (always) 🏷️ Basic/Student - €3/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Teacher- €4.5/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Classroom & School - €9/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Premium - €5.5/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Professional - €13.5/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Team - €16.5/month (paid annually) |
🏷️ Basic - free (always) 🏷️ Personal - €4.99/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Pro - €8.25/month (paid annually) 🏷️ Business - €12.49/month (paid annually) |
These two tools have a completely free account (not a free trial). The difference between a free account and a free trial is that the first can be used forever, while the second has a time limit.
Mindomo supports education, and it has dedicated account types for students and teachers (with dedicated features and templates available) at a lower price.
The prices for the other categories are different and the Mindomo price may seem bigger. However, the quality-price ratio is clearly better at Mindomo, offering many more features and advantages (you can find them in the tables above).
Which One is Better?
Both Mindomo and MindMeister are great and they offer an amazing mind mapping experience. They are both easy-to-use, intuitive and they are the first mapping tools ever.
However, if you want the best one, the choice is obvious, and you should take into consideration facts.
MindMeister has undoubtedly fewer features, and it’s not as versatile as Mindomo. It has no dedicated educational features, and no task management features (not as a stand-alone tool – for these, you need another app). You can use it for project planning, but only it is limited, you can’t have tasks, can’t track your progress, or use a Gantt chart (for complex projects). MindMeister can only be used as an online mind map tool while Mindomo has options for offline editing as well.
If you are looking for a versatile tool, with many features, easy to use, and many editing features, Mindomo is what you are looking for. Sign up now on Mindomo and start mind mapping!
Compare more mind mapping tools to find the best one for your: alternatives to Xmind, alternatives to MindManager.
