MindManager vs. SmartDraw

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
MindManager
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
MindManager is a mind mapping and project management tool that aims to boost users’ productivity. It is designed to facilitate a wide range of project types, and includes cross-platform functionality and 3rd party integrations.
$105
per year
SmartDraw
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
SmartDraw is a diagramming and flow chart building tool from SmartDraw Software in San Diego, California.
$119.40
per year per user (3 minimum)
Pricing
MindManagerSmartDraw
Editions & Modules
MindManager for Microsoft Teams
$105
per year
Annual Subscription
$179
per year
Organizations
Contact sales team
Team
$119.40
per year per user (3 minimum)
Individual
$131.40
per year single user
Enterprise
Contact Sales
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
MindManagerSmartDraw
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
MindManagerSmartDraw
Considered Both Products
MindManager
Chose MindManager
GitMind not only has various templates in its library but also lets users work online.
Chose MindManager
MindManager has helped me structure and visualize complex product development workflows more effectively. I’ve mapped out processes, linked documents and data, and tracked tasks across teams. For example, visualizing feedback loops improved collaboration, while task integration …
Chose MindManager
Previously we used and loved Microsoft Visio, but the product has not improved much. The subscription pricing also increased so Visio is only licensed to users who need it. Everybody else now uses MindManager.
Chose MindManager
They do not belong.

Non pertinent
Chose MindManager
Integrates with Microsoft Office suite, network infrastructure, and web links. Remains efficient even after adding multiple links.

Intégration avec la suite Office de Microsoft et les infrastructures réseaux et lien web. Reste performant même après l'ajout de plusieurs liens.
Chose MindManager
MindManager succeeded in every aspect, there is no real comparison possible. The sum of features that can be used with the MindManager is not available in any other product on the market. Based on that and on the continuous improvement of the MindManager there can not really be …
Chose MindManager
Particularly in the area of development and joint collaboration with other customers, this enables us to show, explain and develop content directly to teams, for example. The advantage over other products. It is simply a great simplification in the context of collaboration with …
Chose MindManager
MindManager stands out for its wide range of export options, customization and how they have enriched the format over time. As a constantly evolving tool, and having tried others, I consider it superior for the abovementioned reasons. Its cross-platform nature has been …
Chose MindManager
I have known and followed MindManager developments since 2000 and maintain my knowledge base. I even used it to create my wheel of life based on the Indian model and would also like to use the MM in a VR version. No tool offers comparable holistic functions - as well as - 25 …
Chose MindManager
I used Freemind before. At home I use SimpleMind Pro. Both are not listed in your drop-down. MindManager is the most sophisticated tool I've been working with so far, but the most expensive one, as well.
Chose MindManager
The primary reason for the switch was that I needed a lighter, no-frills tool. I saved big time on the licensing cost. A major need was the cross-OS platform, and this tool works irrespective of MacOS and Windows. I could not have found a better tool. Lucidchart is the next …
Chose MindManager
The choice missing in the above is Lucidchart and Lucispark.
These are powerful tools to brainstorm and map processes. We consider that MindManager is much better for brainstorming and strategic planning.
Lucidspark would easily get cluttered and disorganized.
Chose MindManager
MindManager covers all our needs (information management, brainstorming and planning, project management, sharing and collaboration) in one tool, and we do not have to jump back and forth between different applications. It's a very flexible tool that can be customized to your …
Chose MindManager
- the feature which are relevant for the majority of users are available in MindManager, and these feature can be learned easily and quickly; the alternative tools are more powerful (but have a lot of feature the standard user does not need) and are more expensive and difficult …
Chose MindManager
integration, drag and drop and many other features are not supported by XMind
Chose MindManager
We opted for MindManager many years ago. The main reasons are the product's stability, continuous development, general range of functions, and export options, especially for Office.
Chose MindManager
The continuity in the product maintenance of MindManager and the options offered by the API for add-ins, direct COM access and the use of macros are decisive for us. This allows us to automate business processes without being bound and limited in a universe of a specific …
Chose MindManager
As starte in 2010 as an "early adopter" a lot of experience with MindManager has been gained over time. MindManager is in use as a "working horse" in my environment. While MindManager has pretty well managed to further develop the technology and to adapt with fast changing IT …
Chose MindManager
I used to use AYOA, and I really like the beauty and uniqueness of the maps. However, it does not have the comprehensiveness of MM.
Chose MindManager
I have used a few others in the past (not listed in your product search, such as Freemind). I don't recall all of the Mind Mapping products I've tried, but MindManager definitely felt the most complete as a product and had a much more professional feel.
Chose MindManager
Much more efficient and professional.
SmartDraw
Chose SmartDraw
I have used Draw.io & MS Visio. I noticed SmartDraw offer more templates than draw.io. Additionally, its more affordable and can access across platforms. In general, SmartDraw provides what we need.
Chose SmartDraw
We really like the features of smart draw and the unique library of objects.
Chose SmartDraw
SmartDraw is NEXT LEVEL! Microsoft is yesterday's news when it comes to creating charts. SmartDraw allows you to create and deliver dynamic charts and diagrams that truly convey the data you are inputting turning it into a stunning visual explanation.
Chose SmartDraw
As noted in first question, SmartDraw has them beat in every category I can think of (except for price; but need to keep in mind the old adage "you get what you pay for"!). This product allows for VASTLY-improved uploading of data than the Lucidchart product, and customer …
Chose SmartDraw
We haven't selected other tools, SmartDraw was our test product and we are in the middle of determining if we will go with them long term.
Chose SmartDraw
Indigo Studio and Visio were other products used in my department.
We chose SmartDraw over Visio on both features and cost.
Chose SmartDraw
We have used Corel Draw and Adobe Acrobat. Both of those tools were good when they came out but the abilities of SmartDraw far outweigh both those tools. Corel Draw was also more complex to operate and do tasks, as was Adobe Acrobat in which some basic tasks took additional …
Features
MindManagerSmartDraw
Mind Mapping
Comparison of Mind Mapping features of Product A and Product B
MindManager
7.5
Ratings
0% above category average
SmartDraw
-
Ratings
Cross-Platform Compatibility7.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Customizable Templates7.80 Ratings00 Ratings
Import and Export Options7.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Real-time Collaboration Tools6.80 Ratings00 Ratings
Drag-and-Drop Capabilities9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Notes and Attachments7.70 Ratings00 Ratings
Color and Style Customization7.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Presentation Mode7.40 Ratings00 Ratings
Integration with Task Management6.80 Ratings00 Ratings
Mind Map Revision History6.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
MindManagerSmartDraw
Small Businesses
Whimsical
Whimsical
Score 9.3 out of 10
OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle
Score 9.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Whimsical
Whimsical
Score 9.3 out of 10
OmniGraffle
OmniGraffle
Score 9.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Whimsical
Whimsical
Score 9.3 out of 10
Cvent Event Diagramming
Cvent Event Diagramming
Score 9.2 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
MindManagerSmartDraw
Likelihood to Recommend
7.8
(0 ratings)
2.8
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
9.9
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Availability
8.7
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Performance
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
6.4
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Online Training
7.3
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Configurability
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
8.9
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
8.8
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
MindManagerSmartDraw
Likelihood to Recommend
It is well suited for a quick prototype of product/development planning to show relationships amongst the APIs used. This helps developers understand the impact of the product changes and identifies the need to update integration components to avoid erroneous deployments. I have not personally experienced a less appropriate scenario at the moment.
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As a developer i use it extensively for sharing ideas specially related for system design and application flows. Entire team finds it comfortable to use it, understand it and make changes swiftly. We use it for High Level System design. While discussing the only missing thing we find about it is the integration of an ide for Low Level Design but in my opinion this tool isn't made for that purpose.
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Pros
  • Mapping content, user flows and customer journeys.
  • It enables us to rapidly reconfigure maps in MindManager to inform new information architectures, navigational systems, and content strategies.
  • Connect User Research and analytics precisely to screens.
  • Dissect flows and screens into their component parts and research them.
Read full review
  • Provides examples to work off of--these are helpful when you don't know exactly where to start.
  • Provides a number of stylistic options without making things too complex, so you can be creative without getting overwhelmed.
  • Provides a wide variety of templates, meets a wide variety of needs.
Read full review
Cons
  • There should be some more functionality in the Notes window, such as a "Paste Special " Icon in the notes area to maintain format control.
  • Although I create many of my own Web export templates, an add-on for web export design would be great, as I regularly create Interactive Electronic Technical Publications (IETP) in HTML export format.
  • The ability to sync Map shortcuts between devices would also be welcome. I use MM on three devices, and I have to add or amend the Map list individually. My maps are on OneDrive, so using them should not be that hard if they are cloud-based.
Read full review
  • A month-to-month plan would be ideal for users that don't have a need to create many projects
  • The sidebar navigation can be a little confusing with all of the tools listed.
  • Offering customizable plans with only the feature you need would simplify navigation
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
I feel the main issues of the old Mindjet seem to be gone with the
Corel purchase. With the huge advance of sharing via browser HTML even 1
user can affect many. And, actually, using MM kind of forced my rigid
brain to rethink how I categorize and classify information/projects.
The
idea of paying $69USD for an annual cost is more than fair and a great
model for Corel/Mindjet to keep rolling out improvements!
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Usability
MindManager is very intuitive. The user interface is not cluttered and the ribbon icons are easy to understand. Several excellent "how-to" videos are available on the MindManager site as well as on YouTube. MindManager starts quickly and the user interface is very responsive. Launching other programs from MindManager such as Excel is very fast and issue free. The browsing feature is lightning fast. The drag-and-drop capability is also very fast and reliable.
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I rated 8 because its simple to use and easy to create network topologies quickly. I liked the drag and drop option which makes designing the network topology and flow chart easier. In general its does what it needs to.
Read full review
Reliability and Availability
We have had no issues with the application's availability
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Performance
The application is quick and responsive. We are able to produce mindmaps and reports with ease. The program is not complicated at all and integrates well with software and programs like Microsoft Outlook and Teams, which we truly appreciate.
Read full review
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
I have called technical support a few times. During the COVID Crisis, I called a few times repeatedly due to a rush request. The technical support guy called me back in minutes. He somehow knew that I had called repeatedly and wanted to make sure my issue was resolved immediately
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They are always very helpful, we get computers every two years and I have to call them to move the license from one computer to another and they do it with a smile in their voice!
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Online Training
There is a wide range of online training through webinars led by expert users. They are particularly useful for explaining how to use new features and using MindManager 'in the real world' for projects, tasks etc.
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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
better backup and exporting functions
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
MindManager stands out for its wide range of export options, customization and how they have enriched the format over time. As a constantly evolving tool, and having tried others, I consider it superior for the abovementioned reasons. Its cross-platform nature has been decisive, and although there are many alternatives in the form of web applications or the like, MindManager presents itself as a more complete and robust option.
Read full review
As noted in first question, SmartDraw has them beat in every category I can think of (except for price; but need to keep in mind the old adage "you get what you pay for"!). This product allows for VASTLY-improved uploading of data than the Lucidchart product, and customer service is real, tangible service... they understand that when you have a question and need an answer, waiting 2 or 3 days for an email response is not acceptable.
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Scalability
A team can collaborate on the same project but cannot create a shared project file. It would be helpful for that feature to be added.
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No answers on this topic
Return on Investment
  • MindManager allowed me to impress my audience by presenting complex cyber-security and information security concepts in a different and straightforward way. It meant income as instructor since I got the same diploma engagement three times in a row with the Mexico City government.
  • In March 2021, the CEO of GSB Solutions, a former employer, invited me to design an innovation program for the company. I used MindManager to create the program, explain the concepts, and the implementation plan. All in one mind map. After presenting it to the CEO, I was promoted from Operations Coordinator —a part-time position— to Innovation Manager —a full-time position— earning four times my initial salary. The same mind map served to visually manage the program for 18 months.
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  • SmartDraw has provided good return for our internal purposes. Using it to understand an organization's structure and inner workings has been valuable. On the client side, creating steps and businesses processes has also been a big plus. It has helped decrease confusing reporting structures and has provided a detailed map for individuals to understand where they fit within their organization.
  • Unfortunately, SmartDraw has been somewhat inefficient with some of the more complex projects on our plate and has really deterred certain employees from even wanting to use it.
Read full review
ScreenShots

MindManager Screenshots

Screenshot of MindmapScreenshot of Reverse BrainstormingScreenshot of MindManager for Microsoft TeamsScreenshot of MindManager SnapScreenshot of MindManager GoScreenshot of Mind Maps in MindManager

SmartDraw Screenshots

Screenshot of where to create diagrams, including: flowcharts and swimlanes, organizational charts, mind maps, CAD drawings & floor plans, project charts, network diagrams, and wireframes & mockups.Screenshot of a workspace that combines brainstorming with technical diagrams. SmartDraw can be used to visualize processes, organizations, roadmaps, and even generate diagrams from data.Screenshot of SmartDraw's templates and tools used to make flowcharts, swimlanes, and process maps.Screenshot of the org chart tool, used to document organizational structure and work as a team to plan for growth or manage change. Data can be imported to generate a chart automatically.Screenshot of the CAD drawing and floor plan tools, used to design a home or optimize office space to improve traffic flow in a retail space.Screenshot of an example of the built-in templates for landscapes, gardens, backyards used to design outdoor spaces. Users can drag-and-drop flowers, shrubs, and other plants, or add sprinkler systems, lights, and walkways, and apply photo-realistic textures for a professional finish.