Comprehensive Review of MindMeister: Features, Pricing, Pros&Cons, and the Best Alternative
Have you tried mind mapping? Mind mapping is the procedure where you make an illustration of the ideas you produced from brainstorming. Before, mind mapping was done on a piece of paper. But with the modernization of technology, many mind mapping programs have been developed, resulting in a much more convenient and faster way of mind mapping. MindMeister is one of those programs that everyone is looking forward to. Along with the other powerful and helpful programs online and offline, the said mind mapping tool has become popular due to its features and, most probably, its attractive interface.
However, the primary carp of users is about the app’s challenging procedure. For this case, we still need to find out how valid this claim is. Because everyone has their level of leniency on difficulty, it may be challenging for many but not for others. Anyway, by looking at the full review of the mind mapping program below, you will discover and weigh whether the MindMeister app’s claim is valid or not.
- Part 1. The Best Alternative to MindMeister: MindOnMap
- Part 2. Review of MindMeister
- Part 3. How to Make a Mind Map on MindMeister
- Part 4. Comparison Chart of MindMeister and Other Programs
- Part 5. FAQs about MindMeister
As one main writer of MindOnMap's editorial team, I always provide real and verified information in my posts. Here are what I usually do before writing:
- After selecting the topic about reviewing MindMeister, I always do a lot of research on Google and in forums to list the software that users care about the most.
- Then I use MindMeister and subscribe to it. And then I spend hours or even days testing it from its main features to analyze it based on my experience.
- As to the review blog of MindMeister, I test it from even more aspects, ensuring the review to be accurate and comprehensive.
- Also, I look through users' comments on MindMeister to make my review more objective.
Part 1. The Best Alternative to MindMeister: MindOnMap
MindOnMap is the one you should hold into if you are going to look for the best alternative to Mindmeister. Just like the featured program, you can also access MindOnMap on your phone. And indeed, the procedure on the phone is as smooth as the procedure on the desktop. When it comes to its features, MindOnMap is not left behind. It is because it comes with tons of elements, options, and a collaboration feature that will enable users to work with their peers in real-time. Furthermore, it helps users unleash and construct their ideas with the help of the structures it contains. One of those structures is the colored themes that this program offers that help users link new ideas and improve their retention with the existing mindmap concept.
On top of that, MindOnMap lets users use it without spending a dime. Because, unlike MindMeister’s free trial that only lasts for seven days, MindOnMap offers a free service as long as you want to use it. And you will be surprised that you won’t see a single advertisement on its interface and page anytime you use it! Therefore, there’s no reason for you not to use it alternatively to Mindmeister.
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Part 2. Review of MindMeister
Moving forward, here is the complete review of our featured tool.
Description:
MindMeister is a visual platform for mind mapping that you can use online. This tool claims that it has more than fourteen million users worldwide, which is agreeable since it was founded in 2006 by Michael Hollau and Till Vollmer. Furthermore, this tool is purposely made to let users plan projects, brainstorm ideas, develop strategies for business, and even for taking minutes of a meeting. It is good because, just like the others, it is also a cloud-based platform that makes it convenient to capture, share and develop ideas.
In this program, you won’t need to download or install any software just to make it work. And it’s accessible in any browser you use. Moreover, it comes with impressive themes, multiple shapes, borders, lines, and layouts. However, you will need to be wise in choosing your plan because its free plan will let you access minimal features that will lead you to disappointments.
Interface:
Before you get to the main interface, you will need to complete MindMeister’s login procedure. Here, you will just need to sign up using your email account and answer several questions to proceed to make a task. Once you reach the main canvas, you will notice a neat interface that shows minimal features. During the entire tryout, the program always gave us the option to upgrade to its higher plan to experience more features. Now, going back to its interface, there is a small question mark icon at the right bottom-most part that captured our interest because it is where you can find the Tutorials, Feature Request, Contact Us, and Help Center selections.
However, as a whole, it gave us an idea that it is too plain to navigate. Nevertheless, by exploring the elements in the canvas, you will discover many hidden features in it.
Features:
There are many undeniably good features that MindMeister has. And we explored and gathered them as follows.
◆ Collaboration tools.
◆ Mindmap editor.
◆ Import/export data.
◆ Project management.
◆ Embedding and publishing.
◆ Templates, layouts, and themes.
◆ Image and video attachments.
◆ Automatic backup.
Pros & Cons
The pros and cons we have gathered below are based on our personal experience and some reviews of other users. This part will help you determine and be prepared for the possible occurrences you can experience while using this featured program.
PROS
- Many hidden elements are impressive.
- It lets you add notes, comments, media, attachments, and links to the map.
- It offers multiple options for exporting.
- It allows you to collaborate with your friends in real-time.
- It keeps a record of your projects.
CONS
- The login procedure is not as smooth as you think.
- The interface as a whole is not quite impressive.
- It is pretty challenging to use it on the phone than on the desktop.
- It gives no hotkeys.
- The free trial is only for seven days.
Pricing
Now, moving on to the most sought-after part, the pricing. MindMeister teams pricing is not as extravagant as you think. In fact, many professionals have given their commentaries about it, and they all agree that it’s affordable. However, it's the other way around for the students. Hence, it’s for you to judge if it fits your budget.
Basic Plan
The Basic plan is what they offer for free. It’s not bad for a start because you can already create up to 3 mind maps with it. Also, for seven days, you will be able to use its collaboration features with multiple team members.
Personal Plan
Next comes the Personal plan, with the price of 2.49 dollars per user per month. This plan is best for individuals who do personal projects. It includes the Basic plan offers, unlimited mind maps, printing, an admin account, PDF and image export, and file and image attachments.
Pro Plan
The Pro Plan is for you if you want a higher level of mind mapping. It is best for individuals or teams with an amount of 4.19 dollars per month per head. This plan offers everything from the Personal pan plus Google Workspace for domain sign-on, PowerPoint export, and Word export.
Business Plan
The Business plan starts at 6.29 dollars for one user monthly. And it includes a custom team domain, priority email/phone support, compliance export and backups, and all the Pro plan features.
Part 3. How to Make a Mind Map on MindMeister
Sign up using your email account once you reach the program’s main website. Then, answer the several questions for you to proceed. Here we chose its map option, so it redirected us to the main interface of the selected option. Now, go to My Maps selection and click the Create my first Map button to start.
You will notice a single node on the main canvas indicating My New Mind Map. Hover over it, and hit ENTER or TAB keys on your keyboard to expand your map. Then, to beautify the map, you can navigate the Menu Bar on the right side of the interface.
This is how to save a mind map on MindMeister. Click the cloud download icon when you’re done making the map and want to export it. Then, on the new window, choose a format you want to use and hit Export after.
Further Reading
Part 4. Comparison Chart of MindMeister and Other Programs
To complete this review, we have prepared a comparison table of MindMeister, MindOnMap, and other popular mind mapping tools below. This table will help you decide which mind mapping tool probably get.
| Feature | MindMeister | MindOnMap | MindMaster | MindMup |
| Price | 2.49 to 6.29 USD monthly | Free | 29 to 99 USD every six months | 25 to 100 USD yearly |
| Collaboration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Export Formats | PDF, Word, PowerPoint, PNG, and JPG | PDF, Word, SVG, PNG, JPG | PNG, JPEG, Webp, BMP, SVG, PDF. | SVG, JPG, PNG, PDF |
| Usability | Easy | Easy | Easy | Easy |
Part 5. FAQs about MindMeister
Is there hotkeys in MindMeister?
You won’t find the hotkeys selection in the interface. However, the software still recognizes shortcuts keys when using it.
Can I switch one plan to the other in MindMeister?
Yes. This program allows its users to upgrade and downgrade their current plan anytime.
Can I access MindMeister in Opera?
Yes. This mind mapping tool is accessible in almost all browsers.
Conclusion
To sum it up, MindMeister is a competent mind mapping software. Although it has drawbacks that might hinder you from using it, we still can’t deny its value. However, for those who can’t still afford its premium plans, then use MindOnMap.
