What you consider the best Mind Mapping Software will very much depend on what you intend to use Mind Mapping for and your available budget. Mind Mapping Software products have different strengths and weaknesses and are targeted towards different markets (business, personal or Academic use).

However I have provided an up to date comparison of the most popular Mind Mapping Software products below. This is currently only a summary and only includes the top three. I will provide a more in depth review soon

iMindMap

Tony Buzan’s iMindMap is a Mind Mapping software program endorsed by Tony Buzan (inventor of Mind Maps).

iMindMap’s ease of use, Tutorial videos, colourful and attractive layout and the Mind Mapping templates make it appealing to teachers for use in schools.

Strength
Organic brain friendly maps employing all of the techniques for mind mapping promoted by Tony Buzan.

Weakness
Larger and more detailed Mind Maps can sometimes result in slow performance

Geared towards
Schools, Academic use.

Editions:
iMindMap® Elements – $99.00
Trial version available: Yes

iMindMap® Professional – $199.00
Trial version available: Yes

iMindMap® Ultimate – $295.00
Trial version available: Yes

iMindMap® Ultimate PLUS (Resource Bundle) – $395.00

Trial version available: Yes
Manufacturer: Buzan On line Ltd
Latest version: Version 4.0

MindManager

MindManager provides a large variety of features and functionality particularly in the recent versions. Now enables you to transform work into fully interactive maps and post these files to websites or blogs. New integrated web services and database linker.

The new Embedded browser makes for quick and easy integration with Microsoft office applications, Adobe PDF, Web content and other files.

Geared towards
Business, project planning and team work.

Strength
Ideal for team work where different individuals can access, update and share knowledge in static and online environments. Compatible with MAC and integrates well with Microsoft office.

Weakness
Fairly steep learning curve due to the large number of features and functionality.

Trial version available: Yes

Editions:

MindManager 8 for Windows
Price: £228.85

MindManager 7 for Macintosh
Price: £102.35

Manufacturer: Mindjet
Latest version: Version 8.0 for windows and Version 7.0 For Macintosh

Novamind

An all-round software package enabling a high degree of flexibility in the graphical layouts of the Mind Maps that can be created. Combines most of the complex features and functionality of MindManager with most of the brain friendly organic looking Mind Maps that Imindmap can produce.

Geared Towards:
Business & University (NovaMind Platinum)
Senior School and University Students (NovaMind Pro)
Schools, Primary school pupils and beginners (NovaMind Express)

Strength
All round software package, high degree of graphical flexibility in the layouts and appearance of the Mind Maps.

Weakness
Lack of documentation and tutorial help compared to other Mind Mapping software packages of a similar price. Some users have experienced some minor bugs but these are usually fixed quickly.

Editions:
NovaMind Platinum
$249.00 USD
Trial version available: Yes

NovaMind Pro
$149.00 USD
Trial version available: Yes

NovaMind Express
$49.00 USD
Trial version available: Yes

Merlin (Merlin Project Manager for MacOS X)
$210.00 USD
Trial version available: Yes