Comparison

MandalaManager vs Heptabase

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MandalaManager

Organize thoughts, set goals, and boost productivity with this 9-square grid tool. Ideal for business professionals and students, it offers intuitive editing, sharing, and multi-device syncing.

Highlights
  • Intuitive cell editing and swapping
  • Title and details layout for structured notes
  • Title-only layout with note-based details
  • Pre-built 'This Year's Goals' template
  • Instant use without account registration
  • Share charts for collaboration
  • Dark theme support
  • Multi-device sync via Google Drive
Features
Read full description

■ Organize Your Goals and Ideas with 9-Grid Thinking Mandala Manager is a simple app for organizing thoughts, exploring ideas, and setting goals and plans using a 9-grid layout. Start with a central theme and expand your thinking outward. Turn the ideas, questions, and challenges in your head into a clear visual overview. At work, use it for brainstorming, goal setting, business planning, problem-solving, and organizing your thoughts. Access it on your phone, tablet, or computer to stay productive wherever you are. Students can plan their studies, prepare for exams, and think about future goals. It's also useful for self-reflection, life planning, building habits, and daily reviews. With a simple grid, even complex thoughts become easier to understand, helping you clarify what matters most. ■ Over 50,000 Users More than 50,000 people have used the app across its current and previous versions. It has also been used in a university class with over 100 students. We continue to improve the app with direct feedback from longtime users, including people who have used it for over 10 years. Your suggestions help shape what comes next. ■ Ways to Use It • Set goals and plan how to achieve them • Brainstorm ideas for work or personal projects • Organize thoughts and analyze challenges • Plan a business or project • Reflect on strengths, weaknesses, and personal growth • Create study plans and prepare for exams • Explore life plans and future ambitions • Build habits and reflect on your day • Organize information and reinforce learning • Support coaching and counseling sessions And much more—use it whenever you want to think clearly or develop an idea. ■ Features • Intuitive Editing When organizing thoughts, ease of use matters. Quickly add ideas, edit each cell, and move or rearrange cells with smooth, intuitive controls. • Titles and Details Each cell supports both a title and detailed text. Use the title for a topic or question, then add answers or notes below. Ideal for coaching, guided reflection, and exploring ideas in depth. • Clean, Title-Only Layout Prefer a simpler view? Display titles only while keeping detailed notes accessible. See the big picture without losing important information. • “Goals for This Year” Template Not sure where to start? Use the ready-made template to organize your goals and turn your intentions into a plan. • No Account Required No registration or complicated setup. Install the app and start creating right away. • Share Your Work Share your mandalas with family, friends, or colleagues. Discuss goals, exchange ideas, or organize thoughts together. • Dark Theme Choose a comfortable appearance that suits your environment and preferences. • Use Across Devices Save and load your data through cloud storage so you can access your work from multiple devices, including phones and tablets. • Works on Multiple Platforms Use the app on a phone, tablet, or computer. Export your data for use in different settings and workflows. ■ Turn Ideas into Action with 9-Grid Thinking Writing down your thoughts can reveal new ideas, challenges, and next steps. From long-term goals to everyday reflections, create your own mandala, organize what matters, and discover where your ideas can take you.

About

Heptabase

This visual note-taking application helps users learn complex subjects. The mobile version offers complete access to all your notes, journals, and whiteboards, allowing you to review your work on the go.

Highlights
  • Visual note-taking
  • Learn complex topics
  • Access cards and journals
  • Read whiteboards
  • Mobile access
Features
Read full description

Heptabase is a visual note-taking app that helps you learn complex topics. The mobile app provides full access to all your cards and journals, and allows you to read all your whiteboards.

Screenshots

MandalaManager4 screens
Heptabase3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MandalaManager at 5.0 against Heptabase's 4.3. MandalaManager also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 70%). Heptabase's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (71 vs 1). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MandalaManager sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Heptabase asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MandalaManager holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Heptabase has 71 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of MandalaManager's written reviews are positive against 70% of Heptabase's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MandalaManager ships an update every 3 weeks, Heptabase every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
MandalaManager versus Heptabase: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMandalaManagerHeptabase
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.3 (71 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better70.0% of reviews
Number of ratings171 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB240 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMK-InternationalHepta Platforms, Inc

Customer experience

MandalaManager

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Heptabase

All ratings71 ratings
Positive81.7%
Neutral2.8%
Negative15.5%
Written reviews30 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral6.7%
Negative23.3%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MandalaManager

Subscriptions3
  • MandalaChart Pro Version$0.991 Month
  • MandalaChart Pro (Monthly)$2.001 Month
  • MandalaChart Pro (Annual)$12.001 Year
None

Heptabase

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MandalaManager free?
MandalaManager is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Heptabase free?
Heptabase is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, MandalaManager or Heptabase?
MandalaManager is rated higher. MandalaManager averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Heptabase averages 4.3 from 71 ratings.
Do MandalaManager or Heptabase have ads?
Neither MandalaManager nor Heptabase shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MandalaManager or Heptabase?
MandalaManager ships an update every 3 weeks, and Heptabase every 6 days. Most recently, MandalaManager was updated on October 24, 2026 and Heptabase on October 27, 2026.

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