A MindNode alternative that also runs on Android
MindNode is a polished mind mapper for Apple devices. If you use Android, switch between platforms, or want the outline view without a subscription, Smart Mind covers the same ground on your phone and tablet.
MindNode vs Smart Mind at a glance
| MindNode | Smart Mind | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on | Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Vision Pro; Apple Watch with Plus. No Android, Windows or web | iPhone, iPad and Android. No Mac, Windows or web |
| Free version | Mind mapping with import and export; outlining and themes need Plus | 5 maps with unlimited topics, all 8 layouts, outline view, templates, 3 themes, a small AI allowance |
| Paid plan | MindNode Plus: $2.99/month or $24.99/year, with a free trial (includes MindNode Classic) | Pro: monthly, yearly or a one-time lifetime purchase |
| Outline view | Plus | Free |
| Sync | iCloud, encrypted in your personal iCloud | Pro: direct device-to-device over your Wi-Fi, no cloud |
| Collaboration | Plus | None. Smart Mind is for one person |
| AI | Plus: suggest a starting structure, expand a branch, turn a map into a draft; Apple Intelligence where available | Generate a map from a sentence and expand a topic, on free and Pro, with an allowance |
| Export | OPML, Markdown, PDF, PNG and more (SVG with Plus) | Image and text outline free; PDF, HTML, Markdown and OPML with Pro |
MindNode details checked on 12 November 2026 from mindnode.com, mindnode.com/download, App Store. Prices and plans change; check their site before you buy. Smart Mind details: Free and Pro.
Stay with MindNode if…
- you map on a Mac and want the same tool on iPhone and iPad
- you want iCloud sync across every Apple device
- you use Apple Watch or Vision Pro
Pick Smart Mind if…
- you have an Android phone or tablet, or move between Android and iPhone
- you want the outline view on the free version
- you want to try AI map drafting without subscribing
- you’d rather pay once (lifetime) than subscribe
Moving your maps from MindNode
In MindNode, export the map as OPML, open the file, copy its contents and paste them into Import → Paste an outline in Smart Mind.
Importing is free in Smart Mind, including on the free version, and works past the five-map limit. OPML carries the topic tree and notes, not colours or layout, so expect to pick a theme again.Step-by-step import guide.
MindNode alternative: questions
Is there MindNode for Android?
No. MindNode is made for Apple devices only. Smart Mind runs on both Android and iPhone/iPad, so it works if you switch phones or use an Android phone with an iPad.
Is MindNode free?
MindNode is free to download and use for basic mind mapping; outlining, themes and collaboration need MindNode Plus ($2.99/month or $24.99/year on 12 November 2026). Smart Mind’s free version includes the outline view and all eight layouts.
Can I move my maps from MindNode to Smart Mind?
Yes, if you export them as OPML from MindNode. Paste the OPML into Import → Paste an outline in Smart Mind. Topics and notes come across; styles and layout do not.
Does Smart Mind sync through iCloud like MindNode?
No. Smart Mind Pro syncs your own devices directly over Wi-Fi, with no account or server in between. How sync works.
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Try Smart Mind free
Five maps free, no account, no ads. iPhone, iPad and Android.