Side by side
FreeMind vs MindMapVault
Both stand on mind mapping software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose FreeMind if you want a free mind-mapping tool for organizing projects, research, notes, or bookmarks across Windows, macOS, or Linux. Look elsewhere if you need real-time collaboration or mature picture support within maps.
Visit FreeMind
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
MindMapVault provides encrypted map storage with cloud, local desktop, and self-hosted options. Before relying on an encrypted vault, users should account for the lack of password recovery and real-time collaboration.
Visit MindMapVaultThe facts
| FreeMind | MindMapVault | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Cloud Pro: $50 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | freemind.sourceforge.io | mindmapvault.com |
| On mind mapping software | #11 of 72 | #22 of 72 |
FreeMind: what it does well
- Free and open-source under GNU GPL V2+.
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Maps can be exported to many listed formats.
- Nodes can link to websites and local files.
- Optional plugins add SVG and PDF export.
What to know first
- Requires Java Runtime Environment 1.6 or later.
- Designed basically for one user, with no real-time collaboration.
- Pictures in nodes have preliminary support.
- Moved maps need their image files alongside them.
MindMapVault: what it does well
- Encrypts map content on-device before cloud upload
- Supports offline desktop use without an account or server
- Imports from FreeMind, Freeplane, WiseMapping, XMind, and Markdown
- Exports to JSON, Markdown, FreeMind, PNG, and PDF
- Free desktop-local and self-hosted options
What to know first
- No password recovery for existing encrypted vault contents
- No real-time collaboration
- Self-hosted server has no team management or enterprise controls
- Cloud Free limits storage to 25 MB
Alternatives to FreeMind Alternatives to MindMapVault The whole list