I am a big MindManager fan, but occassionally I have clients that don’t need tons of features and are working on a shoe-string budget. That’s when I recommend trying FreeMind. It’s a free idea-mapping tool!

Another favorite of mine is HeadCase. The name alone is worth a look. For 30 EUR it has some unique features and looks very close to hand-drawn maps.

Choosing idea-mapping software is a very personal decision. They are all different and meet a variety of needs. Try several to see what works for you!