# Xmind vs MindFlow

The clearest difference is ads: Xmind at none against MindFlow's shown. Xmind also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 17 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). MindFlow's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Xmind sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month and MindFlow sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Xmind holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Xmind has 7K ratings behind it against 33, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Xmind's written reviews are positive against 69% of MindFlow's.

Xmind ships an update every 10 days, MindFlow every 17 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and August 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Xmind | MindFlow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xmind-ai-mind-map-brainstorm/id1286983622/reviews)** | [4.4 (33 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindflow-struct-flow-diagram/id1386620962/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7K** | 33 |
| Positive reviews | **75.6% of reviews** | 68.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 17 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 639 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Xmind Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/441041993) | [Shenzhen Brown Bear Technology Co., LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/480204138) |

## What reviewers say

### Xmind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xmind-ai-mind-map-brainstorm/id1286983622)

This app is a comprehensive tool for mind mapping and brainstorming, helping users organize thoughts, manage projects, and visualize information. It offers various structures, templates, and customization options to enhance creativity and productivity. Collaborate in real-time and export your work in multiple formats.

**Highlights:** 30+ Templates, 9 Structure Types, Audio Notes, ZEN Mode (iPad only), Real-time Collaboration, Multiple Export Formats, Task Integration

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Xmind Pro (Monthly) | $10.00 | per month |
| Xmind Premium (Monthly) | $15.00 | per month |
| Mobile Only (6 Months) | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| Xmind Pro (Quarterly) | $29.00 | per 3 months |
| Mobile Only (Annually) | $29.99 | per year |
| Desktop (6 Months) | $34.99 | per 6 months |
| All Platforms (6 Months) | $39.99 | per 6 months |
| Desktop (Annually) | $54.99 | per year |
| Xmind Pro (Annually) | $59.00 | per year |
| Xmind Pro Annually | $59.00 | per year |
| Xmind Pro+ (Annually) | $65.00 | per year |
| Xmind Premium (Annually) | $99.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Powerful features even in free version
- 💡 Helpful for organizing thoughts and ideas
- 🎨 Beautiful and customizable mind maps
- 🔌 Seamless sync across devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and data loss issues
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Limited functionality in free version
- 🔀 Syncing issues between desktop and mobile
- 📝 Lack of advanced text editing features

**Reported bugs**

- Randomly deleting or losing parts of mind maps
- Inability to open or edit files on certain devices
- Inconsistent behavior when resizing or rearranging elements
- Unreliable sync between desktop and mobile versions

**Requested features**

- Add folders/categories to organize mind maps
- Improve handwriting and drawing tools
- Allow changing font/formatting of individual words
- Integrate with calendar and task management apps
- Enhance presentation mode with more options


### MindFlow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindflow-struct-flow-diagram/id1386620962)

Easily create structure and flow diagrams with a simple interface. Edit branches, change shapes and themes, and export your creations. Cloud backup and sync across devices are also supported.

**Highlights:** Quick diagram building, Easy branch editing, Customizable branch shapes, Themable diagram interface, Cloud backup and sync, Export diagrams

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Version (3 Months) | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version for One Year | $6.99 | one-time |
| Pro Version Forever | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Xmind free?

Xmind is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MindFlow free?

MindFlow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Xmind or MindFlow?

Xmind is rated higher. Xmind averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7K ratings, while MindFlow averages 4.4 from 33 ratings.

### Do Xmind or MindFlow have ads?

MindFlow shows ads; Xmind does not.

### Which is updated more often, Xmind or MindFlow?

Xmind ships an update every 10 days, and MindFlow every 17 months. Most recently, Xmind was updated on September 22, 2026 and MindFlow on August 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*