The best mind map apps for iPhone and iPad for brainstorming

Mind map apps iPhone iPad SimpleMind

If you’re new to mind mapping, it’s a terrific way to brainstorm ideas visually. Whether you’re planning chapters for a novel or organizing tasks for a project, a mind map can be very effective. You start with a simple node and then branch off from it, sort of like an outline in graphic form.

There are a lot of mind map apps for iPhone and iPad on the App Store. And what you decide to use comes down to the features you need, how easy the app is to use, and your overall preference.

To get you started on your search, here are some of the best mind mapping apps for iPhone and iPad, and what makes them stand out.

Mind map apps for iPhone and iPad

Try just one or give them all a go, here are the apps we’re covering in our list.

XMind: Mind Map

XMind mind map iPhone

Around for 13 years, XMind is a solid mind map app that gets attention from its developers with regular updates. It has an easy-to-use interface so you can concentrate on capturing your thoughts and ideas.

XMind notable features:

  • Start quickly with a template like a basic map, logic chart, timeline, or matrix.
  • Use tools like drawing, outliner mode, multiple windows, and iPad Pro keyboard shortcuts.
  • Share mind maps by exporting to Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides.

XMind is a great option for mind mapping your thoughts and ideas. It’s super easy to use and gives you the tools you need.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, and Linux
  • Cost: Free with an in-app subscription purchase for the full version which includes features like the abilities to insert a photo or audio note, add attachments, and remove the watermark.

MindNode 6 – Mind Map

MindNode mind map iPhone

MindNode 6 is a popular mind map option for iPhone and iPad. You can capture thoughts fast with the Quick Entry feature and use Focus Mode to concentrate on one idea at a time.

MindNode 6 notable features:

  • Personalize your mind maps with attractive themes.
  • Use tools like outlining, cross connections, checkboxes for tasks, stickers, and more.
  • Share tasks to Apple Reminders or export documents as PDF, plain text, markdown, or images.

You can try out MindNode 6 for 14 days at no charge. After that, if you love the app, you can grab it for a one-time in-app purchase rather than worrying about a subscription.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, iMessage, Apple Watch, and Mac
  • Cost: Free for 14 days with an in-app purchase for the full version after the trial ends

SimpleMind+ Mind Mapping

SimpleMind mind map iPhone

One more mind map app for iPhone and iPad you should check out is SimpleMind+. You can organize your mind maps in folders, use the search feature, and customize your maps.

SimpleMind+ notable features:

  • Start with a styled sheet with different colors and pick your own fonts.
  • Use tools like checkboxes, auto-numbering, cross-links, and label relations.
  • Sync with Dropbox or Google Drive or share as a PDF or image.

With SimpleMind+, you have some nice features that let you not only capture what you need, but present your ideas with an appearance that suits you.

  • Availability: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, and Windows
  • Cost: Free with an in-app purchase for the full version which includes features like hyperlinks, notes, and icons in topics.

Wrapping it up

For your next brainstorming session, make sure that you have an app to collect and organize your thoughts and ideas. Each of these mind map apps for iPhone and iPad are excellent in their own way.

Do you use one of these apps already or do you have a different one that you’d like to recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

And be sure to check out our other app lists for iPhone or tools you can use on iPad.