14 mind mapping programs you can buy for less than US $100

Nov 19th, 2008 | By Chuck Frey | Category: Tips & Techniques

As the global recession looms over all of us, I’m sure some of you who may be thinking about investing in mind mapping software are saying to yourselves, “I don’t know if I can afford it.” Don’t let a little recession stop you from investing in the productivity-enhancing benefits of mind mapping software.

Because there are over 20 commercially available mind mapping software programs on the market today, there are actually many bargains to be had. Earlier today, I did an informal review of all of the developers’ websites, and found an amazing 14 programs available for under US $100. In some cases, these are the basic versions of the programs. Two of these programs are actually free.

Here are the programs that you can purchase and download today for less than US $100:

Aviz ThoughtMapper (PC): $59

BrainMine (PC): $52

Eminec MYmap (PC): 29 Euro/approx. US $36

Freemind (PC/Mac/Linux): As its name indicates, this open source program is free. Nada. Zero. Zip. Zilch. $0.

HeadCase (PC): 50 Euro/approx. US $63

iMindMap 3 Elements (PC/Mac): $99

Inspiration 8 (PC/Mac): $69

MindApp (PC): $39

MindCad (Mac): $49

MindPad (PC): $70

MindChart (PC): $20

MindVisualizer (PC): $79

NovaMind 4 Express (PC/Mac): $49

XMIND 3 (PC/Mac): The developer offers a free open-source version, as well as a full version for a subscription fee of $49 per year.

One caveat: These programs vary widely in terms of how often they are updated by their developers. Several of them are getting pretty long in the tooth (e.g., HeadCase, MindChart), while others (XMIND, NovaMind) are state of the art.

One final note: If you’re looking for help finding the best program for your needs, don’t forget about my Mind Mapping Manifesto e-book.

Tags: brainmind, headcase, imindmap, inspiration, mind map, mindapp, mindcad, mindchart, mindmap, mindpad, mindvisualizer, mymap, novamind, thoughtmapper, xmind

5 comments
Leave a comment »

George Browning November 19th, 2008 4:23 pm :
Zengobi Curio Standard (Mac): $99
www.goalenforcer.com November 21st, 2008 11:35 am :
GoalEnforcer Goal Mapping (Windows and Mac OS X) $67
Duane November 21st, 2008 1:30 pm :
Excellent post. I would also offer that Spinscape.com would definitely fall into this category from a cost standpoint. Plus, it’s a web application, so it will run on any machine so long as it has flash player installed.
Chuck Frey November 21st, 2008 1:37 pm :
Actually, any web-based mapping application falls into this category. They’re affordable, and several of them are very full featured!
Joe Wehr November 22nd, 2008 1:13 pm :
Hi Chuck

I’m just starting w/ mind mapping.

Regarding your last post, “Actually, any web-based mapping application falls into this category. They’re affordable, and several of them are very full featured!”, which mind-mapping web-based tools would you recommend?

Thanks for your help

Joe Wehr