# SimpleMind vs Xmind

The clearest difference is update cadence: Xmind at every 10 days against SimpleMind's every 2 months. Xmind also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (7K vs 981). SimpleMind's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleMind sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Xmind sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $10.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Xmind holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Xmind has 7K ratings behind it against 981, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 77% of SimpleMind's written reviews are positive against 76% of Xmind's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, Xmind every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleMind | Xmind |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (981 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplemind-mind-mapping/id305727658/reviews) | **[4.8 (7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xmind-ai-mind-map-brainstorm/id1286983622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 981 | **7K** |
| Positive reviews | **77.2% of reviews** | 75.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 639 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [xpt Software & Consulting B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/304515490) | [Xmind Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/441041993) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleMind

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplemind-mind-mapping/id305727658)

Organize thoughts, capture ideas, and generate new concepts with a powerful mind mapping tool. Its intuitive interface allows for free-form or auto-layout creation, with options to add media, documents, and synchronize across devices. Share your mind maps in various formats or present them as slideshows.

**Highlights:** Free-form and auto layout options, Add images, notes, icons, and links, Voice memos and video integration, Cloud synchronization across devices, Export to PDF, Image, Reminders, Calendar, Customizable styling and themes, Collapse/expand branches for overview

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Pro Functionality | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 💡 Versatile for various use cases
- 🔒 Secure with no data collection
- 💰 Good value for one-time purchase

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezing
- 🔗 Issues with syncing/sharing across devices
- 🔒 Confusing in-app purchase model
- 🎨 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Maps disappearing after device resets
- Inability to import/export certain file formats

**Requested features**

- Improved syncing and cloud integration
- More customization options for appearance and layout
- Keyboard shortcuts and power user features
- Better support for Apple Pencil and handwriting


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleMind free?

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

### Is Xmind free?

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

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

Xmind is rated higher. SimpleMind averages 4.5 out of 5 from 981 ratings, while Xmind averages 4.8 from 7K ratings.

### Do SimpleMind or Xmind have ads?

Neither SimpleMind nor Xmind shows ads.

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

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, and Xmind every 10 days. Most recently, SimpleMind was updated on September 23, 2026 and Xmind on September 22, 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.*