# MindNode vs AetherLink

The clearest difference is ads: MindNode at none against AetherLink's shown. MindNode also leads on device support (5 vs 2). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MindNode sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and AetherLink sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MindNode | AetherLink |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (316 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **316** | — |
| Positive reviews | 47.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 208 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [IdeasOnCanvas GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/312220105) | [Sui Fai Law](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889201616) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### AetherLink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aetherlink/id6761743876)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AetherLink Pro | $4.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MindNode free?

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

### Is AetherLink free?

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

### Do MindNode or AetherLink have ads?

AetherLink shows ads; MindNode does not.

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

MindNode ships an update every 2 weeks, and AetherLink every 2 weeks. Most recently, MindNode was updated on October 13, 2026 and AetherLink on September 28, 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.*