# iBlueSky (mindmapping) vs Xmind

The clearest difference is rating: Xmind at 4.8 against iBlueSky (mindmapping)'s 2.6. Xmind also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (7K vs 5). iBlueSky (mindmapping)'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Xmind sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. iBlueSky (mindmapping) asks for nothing beyond the download.

Xmind holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Xmind has 7K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of iBlueSky (mindmapping)'s written reviews are positive against 76% of Xmind's.

iBlueSky (mindmapping) ships an update every 3 months, Xmind every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iBlueSky (mindmapping) | Xmind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibluesky-mindmapping/id291664204/reviews) | **[4.8 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xmind-ai-mind-map-brainstorm/id1286983622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **7K** |
| Positive reviews | 70.4% of reviews | **75.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 20 MB | 683 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Ebling](https://appshunter.io/developer/1511128378) | [Xmind Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/441041993) |

## What reviewers say

### iBlueSky (mindmapping)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibluesky-mindmapping/id291664204)

Capture, develop, and organize your best ideas with an elegant and intuitive mind mapping tool. Supports large page sizes, multiple export formats, and rich branch customization. Realize your full potential by bringing your thoughts to life.

**Highlights:** Huge page size, Import Freemind & OPML, Export PDF, PNG, OPML, Freemind, text, Link branches, Attach notes to branches, Edit branch colors, Cut, copy, paste branches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💡 Useful for brainstorming and organizing thoughts
- 📤 Convenient email export options
- 🤝 Good compatibility with desktop mind mapping tools

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 📏 Limited functionality and customization options
- 💻 Not optimized for iPad, just a stretched iPhone app
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy with email export through developer's servers

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to use undo button
- Distortion of text in nodes with longer content
- Issues with syncing and transferring mind maps between devices

**Requested features**

- Undo/redo functionality
- Ability to change branch colors and styles
- Support for more file formats and cloud storage integration
- Improved zooming and panning controls
- Hierarchical organization of projects


### 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

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| 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 |
| All Platforms (6 Months) | $39.99 | per 6 months |
| 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iBlueSky (mindmapping) free?

iBlueSky (mindmapping) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Xmind free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iBlueSky (mindmapping) or Xmind?

Xmind is rated higher. iBlueSky (mindmapping) averages 2.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Xmind averages 4.8 from 7K ratings.

### Do iBlueSky (mindmapping) or Xmind have ads?

Neither iBlueSky (mindmapping) nor Xmind shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iBlueSky (mindmapping) or Xmind?

iBlueSky (mindmapping) ships an update every 3 months, and Xmind every 10 days. Most recently, iBlueSky (mindmapping) was updated on October 31, 2026 and Xmind on November 4, 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.*