Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Milanote in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison

As Milanote continues to be a popular tool for visual planning and creative brainstorming, 2025 has introduced several open-source alternatives, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking for extensive customization, collaboration tools, or project management features, this article explores the top 10 open-source alternatives to Milanote, comparing them on key data points such as platform compatibility, features, use cases, and cost.

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1. FreeMind

Platform: Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Features: Fast navigation with node folding/unfolding, supports drag-and-drop, export to HTML, PDF, PNG.
Use Case: Ideal for visually representing ideas and managing project processes.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Discover FreeMind

2. Xmind (Open Source Version)

Platform: Cross-platform
Features: Supports a variety of mind map structures, can export to different formats.
Use Case: Good for both personal and professional mind mapping tasks.
Open Source: Yes, but with a commercial version.
Cost: Free open source version, with paid commercial options.
Explore Xmind

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3. MindMup

Platform: Web-based
Features: Cloud-based, can be used to create and share mind maps.
Use Case: Good for quick brainstorming and online collaboration.
Open Source: Not directly specified in the source as open source.
Cost: Free to use.
Learn more about MindMup

4. Draw.io

Platform: Web-based, desktop app available
Features: Versatile for various diagrams, including mind maps.
Use Case: Good for visual project planning and diagramming.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Discover Draw.io

5. OpenProject

Platform: Self-hosted
Features: Gantt charts, time tracking, agile project management modules (Scrum, Kanban).
Use Case: Complex project management and team collaboration.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free to use if self-hosted.
Explore OpenProject

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6. Taiga

Platform: Self-hosted or cloud-based
Features: Kanban and Scrum boards, intuitive interface, integration with GitHub/GitLab.
Use Case: Ideal for tech teams and startups using agile methodologies.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free for the basic open source tier with paid plans for more users and features
Learn more about Taiga

7. Kanboard

Platform: Web-based, self-hosted
Features: Kanban boards, task management
Use Case: Simple, focused project tracking
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Discover Kanboard

8. WiseMapping

Platform: Web-based
Features: Collaboration, sharing, embedding options; exports to SVG, PNG, FreeMind formats.
Use Case: For creating, collaborating, and sharing mind maps.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Explore WiseMapping

9. Freeplane

Platform: Cross-platform (uses Java).
Features: Creative thinking, knowledge sharing, task organization; compatible with any OS with the latest Java.
Use Case: Versatile for both personal and team tasks.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Learn more about Freeplane

10. Joplin

Platform: Cross-platform
Features: Supports multimedia notes, web clipper, secure data management.
Use Case: Good for both simple and complex note-taking and project management.
Open Source: Yes
Cost: Free
Discover Joplin

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FAQ

1. What is FreeMind?

FreeMind is a Java-based, open-source mind-mapping tool for brainstorming and project organization. It supports fast navigation, drag-and-drop, and exporting to HTML, PDF, and PNG. Learn more about FreeMind

2. Is there an open-source version of Xmind?

Yes, Xmind offers an open-source version that supports various mind map structures and can export to different formats. Explore Xmind

3. What features does MindMup offer?

MindMup is a free online mind-mapping tool that is web-based and supports cloud-based collaboration and brainstorming. Learn more about MindMup

4. Is Draw.io suitable for mind maps?

Yes, Draw.io is a versatile diagramming tool suitable for mind maps and other visual representations. Discover Draw.io

5. What is OpenProject used for?

OpenProject is an open-source project management tool for advanced planning and tracking, including Gantt charts, time tracking, and agile project management modules. Learn more about OpenProject

6. What sets Taiga apart?

Taiga is open-source project management software focused on Agile teams, offering Kanban and Scrum boards and integration with GitHub/GitLab. Explore Taiga

7. What is Kanboard?

Kanboard is a free and open-source Kanban project management software that is web-based and self-hosted, ideal for simple, focused project tracking. Learn more about Kanboard

8. What features does WiseMapping offer?

WiseMapping is a free, web-based, open-source mind mapping tool that supports collaboration, sharing, and embedding options and can export to SVG, PNG, and FreeMind formats. Discover WiseMapping

9. What is Freeplane?

Freeplane is an open-source mind mapping and knowledge management tool that is cross-platform and supports creative thinking, knowledge sharing, and task organization. Learn more about Freeplane

10. What is Joplin?

Joplin is an open-source note-taking application that supports multimedia notes, web clipper, and secure data management. Explore Joplin

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.