# Author vs MindNode

The clearest difference is price: MindNode at Free against Author's $19.99. MindNode also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.0) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). Author's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 48%). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

MindNode is free to download; Author costs $19.99 up front. Author sells 2 one-off in-app purchases 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.

MindNode holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MindNode has 305 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 73% of Author's written reviews are positive against 48% of MindNode's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Author ships an update every 2 months, MindNode fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Author | MindNode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author/id951792010/reviews) | **[4.6 (305 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindnode-mind-map-and-outline/id6446116532/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **305** |
| Positive reviews | **73.1% 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 | 4 MB | 207 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Augmented Text Company LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/459748478) | [IdeasOnCanvas GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/312220105) |

## What reviewers say

### Author

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/author/id951792010)

This app serves as a companion to its macOS counterpart, offering a minimalist and powerful writing experience on iOS devices. It allows users to create and manage their written content seamlessly across platforms.

**Highlights:** Minimalist writing interface, Powerful writing tools, iOS companion app, Syncs with macOS version

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Export & AI | Free | one-time |
| Eng | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Clean, minimalist interface design
- 💡 Innovative concept mapping and mind mapping features
- 📚 Excellent citation and reference management
- ⌨️ Useful keyboard shortcuts and productivity features
- 🎯 Powerful outlining and document folding capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and data loss issues
- 📱 iOS/iPad app severely broken and non-functional
- 🔄 Syncing problems between devices
- 🎨 Limited formatting and customization options
- 📊 Poor image handling capabilities

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently, causing data loss
- iOS app shows blank screen and won't open documents
- iPad app completely non-functional
- Text disappears or becomes greyed out during iCloud saves
- Vision OS app lacks cursor for text input

**Requested features**

- iPad and iOS app that actually works
- Typewriter scrolling mode
- Variable screen width for large displays
- Complete LaTeX export with full file support
- Markdown support


### 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 Author free?

Author costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is MindNode free?

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

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

MindNode is rated higher. Author averages 3.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while MindNode averages 4.6 from 305 ratings.

### Do Author or MindNode have ads?

Neither Author nor MindNode shows ads.

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

Author ships an update every 2 months, and MindNode fortnightly. Most recently, Author was updated on September 22, 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.*