# SimpleMind vs MindNode

SimpleMind and MindNode both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 77% of SimpleMind's written reviews are positive against 48% of MindNode's. SimpleMind also leads on ratings volume (981 vs 305) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). MindNode's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleMind sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and MindNode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for SimpleMind against 4.6 for MindNode. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 981 and 305 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 77% of SimpleMind's written reviews are positive against 48% of MindNode's.

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, MindNode fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleMind | MindNode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (981 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplemind-mind-mapping/id305727658/reviews) | **[4.6 (305 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **981** | 305 |
| Positive reviews | **77.2% of reviews** | 47.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 207 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [xpt Software & Consulting B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/304515490) | [IdeasOnCanvas GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/312220105) |

## 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


### MindNode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532)

Visualize and organize your thoughts with an infinite canvas for mind mapping and a linear structure for outlining. Collaborate in real-time with others and access your projects across all your Apple devices. A free editor is available, with an optional subscription for advanced features.

**Highlights:** Infinite canvas mind mapping, Linear outlining view, Real-time collaboration, Cross-device synchronization, Notes and visual tags, Import and export options

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful brainstorming features
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🌟 Excellent for organizing thoughts and ideas
- 🌍 Seamless cross-device sync

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Restrictive file management
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Lack of folder organization
- 🔙 Missing key features from classic version
- 🐛 Bugs and stability issues

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Text rendering issues
- Syncing problems across devices
- Incompatibility with older hardware

**Requested features**

- Add folder structure for organizing mind maps
- Restore manual layout and positioning options
- Bring back Apple Watch support
- Improve export and integration with other apps
- Provide more customization options for themes and formatting


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleMind free?

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

### Is MindNode free?

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

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

MindNode is rated higher. SimpleMind averages 4.5 out of 5 from 981 ratings, while MindNode averages 4.6 from 305 ratings.

### Do SimpleMind or MindNode have ads?

Neither SimpleMind nor MindNode shows ads.

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

SimpleMind ships an update every 2 months, and MindNode fortnightly. Most recently, SimpleMind was updated on September 23, 2026 and MindNode on September 23, 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.*