20 Best Brainstorming Tools of 2025 for Sparking Creativity
Best Brainstorming Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
With so many different brainstorming tools available, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want a tool to help you generate ideas and add more organization to your creative process, but you need to figure out which tool is best. In this post, I'll help you make your choice easy by sharing my insights on the best brainstorming tools to foster innovation and get your creative juices flowing.
Why Trust Our Brainstorming Tool Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing brainstorming tools since 2021. As product managers and designers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different product management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our brainstorming tool review methodology.
The 10 Best Brainstorming Tools Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of the top brainstorming tools I selected. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials, freemium plans, or demos side-by-side to help you find the best option for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best brainstorming tool for importing data from spreadsheets | Free plan available | From $8/user/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best brainstorming tool for global teams | Free trial + free version available (up to 3 mind maps) | From $6.99/month (billed semi-annually) | Website | |
| 3 | Best brainstorming tool for real-time visual collaboration | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $6/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best brainstorming tool for non-linear mind maps | Free beta download available | From $19.99 (every 3 months) | Website | |
| 5 | Best brainstorming tool for intelligent note-taking | Free plan available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best brainstorming tool for enterprise-level security | Free plan available | From $6.50/user/month (billed semi-annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best brainstorming tool for extensive color and styling options | Free plan available | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best brainstorming tool for data visualization | Free plan + free demo available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best brainstorming tool based on ‘sticky notes’ | 7-day free trial + free plan available | From $9/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best brainstorming tool for turning mind maps into actionable tasks | Free version | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Overviews of the 10 Best Brainstorming Tools
Here’s a brief description of each brainstorming tool that showcases each vendor’s best use case, noteworthy features, and pros and cons. I’ve also included screenshots to give you a snapshot of their user interface too.
Miro is a web-based mind mapping tool that allows you to gather references and import data from spreadsheets automatically. You can then build your vision with sticky notes, public diagrams, drawings, images, docs, and gifs.
Why I picked Miro: Miro serves as a mind mapping platform that excels in blending data visualization and teamwork. Using Miro’s visual collaboration platform, you can create plans, co-create solutions, and turn ideas into actions. You can build mind maps to give your ideas structure, then share them across your team. Its infinite canvas supports diverse data formats, including numbers, images, and videos, enabling detailed idea expression.
Additionally, Miro features TalkTrack, which permits users to record video explanations of their process maps, aiding in clear communication across different time zones or schedules. This capability ensures team members can share and understand complex ideas visually and audibly, supporting collaborative efforts to conceptualize and plan projects.
Miro Standout Features and Integrations
Features include brainstorming tools, collaboration features, custom templates, a drag-and-drop interface, an infinite canvas, a planner tool, real-time editing, sticky notes and comments, Miro Assist AI, versatile export options, voting and prioritization, and whiteboarding capabilities.
Integrations include Atlassian Confluence, monday.com, Asana, Notion, Google Docs, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Mural, Slack, Trello, Typeform, Webex, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Infinite canvas for unrestricted creativity
- Versatile whiteboarding capabilities for ideation
- Customizable templates for quick setup
Cons:
- Performance issues with complex boards
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
New Product Updates from Miro
Miro's Advanced Diagramming Tools
Miro introduces a dedicated diagramming experience with over 3,000 shapes, a dot-grid canvas, layers, object dimensions, and AI-assisted creation for efficient system and process mapping. More details at Miro Blog.
Designed for collaborative brainstorming using mind maps, MindMeister allows an unlimited number of people to develop ideas, plans, and strategies together.
Why I picked MindMeister: MindMeister allows teams to visually map out ideas, connect concepts, and customize mind maps according to their needs. This makes it easy to organize thoughts and gain a clear understanding of complex topics.
Mind maps are updated in real-time across all devices, making it easy for global teams to connect for an international brainstorm. All their ideas, comments, and attachments are displayed immediately, regardless of location or operating device.
MindMeister Standout Features and Integrations
Features of MindMeister include collaborative real-time editing, custom themes, export options, goal tracking, hierarchical structure, image and file attachments, an intuitive user interface, a mobile app, presentation mode, and task management.
Integrations include the following popular apps: Dropbox, Google Drive, MeisterTask, Microsoft Teams, Evernote, Slack, Trello, GitHub, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Task management capabilities
- Customizable themes for personalization
- Mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons:
- Advanced features may overwhelm some users
- Limited offline access capabilities
Conceptboard is a dynamic online collaboration tool designed to facilitate brainstorming and project management for hybrid and remote teams.
Why I picked Conceptboard: I like its intuitive interface and powerful real-time collaboration capabilities. The ability to simultaneously add and organize ideas on a shared digital canvas makes brainstorming sessions more productive and engaging. The tool's features, such as sticky notes, drawing tools, and templates, help teams capture and structure their thoughts in various ways in real-time, fostering creativity and innovation.
The platform also offers features like comment threads, task assignments, and project timelines, which help streamline the brainstorming process and ensure that ideas are effectively tracked and implemented.
Conceptboard Standout Features and Integrations
Features include presentation mode, infinite canvas, customizable templates, image and file uploads, screen sharing, real-time updates, mind mapping tools, version history, voting and polling options, and advanced search functionality.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, Jira, Asana, OneDrive, Confluence, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of collaboration tools
- Easy-to-use interface
- Useful templates and building blocks
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality
- Could offer more integrations
Xmind is a full-featured mind mapping and brainstorming app that offers a complete toolset for stimulating thinking and creativity.
Why I picked XMind: The non-linear manner of mind map and Xmind's intuitive features give everyone the ability to spark creativity and create mind maps for just about anything. The software supports various mapping styles, from traditional hierarchical structures to radial maps. It also provides multiple collaboration and export options to facilitate creating and sharing ideas.
XMind Standout Features and Integrations
Features include brainstorming tools, custom themes, export options, mind map customization, a presentation mode, project management, task tracking, team collaboration, versatile structure styles, and visual organization.
Integrations include Confluence, Evernote, Google Drive, Jira, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, MindManager, OneNote, Slack, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable themes for personalization
- Versatile structure styles for flexibility
- Project management and task tracking
Cons:
- Branch customization could be improved
- Labeling branches is complicated
TheBrain is a different type of mind-mapping software that visualizes networks of knowledge and acts as a natural extension of your thinking.
Why I picked TheBrain: As you move from topic to topic, the software moves with you, showing both your information and all the connections you’ve made. It’s easy to see how things are interlinked, so you never forget or lose an idea.
You are never more than a few seconds away from any piece of digital information, including web pages, images, notes, and documents. You can visualize all your open loops, tasks, and ideas. Thanks to the automatic syncing, all your ideas and to-dos are available from your desktop, web browser, or mobile device.
TheBrain Standout Features and Integrations
Features include attachment support, dynamic visualization, hierarchy creation, linking of thoughts, notes and labels, search and discovery, tags and types, thought icons, web integration, and unlimited thoughts.
Integrations include Evernote, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, MindManager, OneNote, Slack, Trello, and Zotero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dynamic visualization for interconnected thoughts
- Advanced hierarchy creation for organization
- Powerful linking capabilities for associations
Cons:
- Must be downloaded to your computer
- Limited free plan functionality
EdrawMind allows you to use mind maps, flowcharts, and Gantt charts for strategic analysis, product management, and project planning, while the real-time cooperation feature keeps everyone working together effectively.
Why I picked EdrawMind: The software runs on all available operating systems and modern browsers, with data transfer secured by high-level SSL encryption. Multiple team members can co-create synchronously, and it’s easy to turn a Word, HTML or Markdown document into a creative and engaging mind map.
Mind maps can be exported into PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or image formats. You can share your work with friends, team members, or coworkers while keeping full control over editing or viewing permissions.
EdrawMind Standout Features and Integrations
Features include brainstorming tools, custom themes, diagramming capabilities, mind map customization, a presentation mode, project management, task tracking, team collaboration, versatile export options, and visual organization tools.
Integrations include Confluence, Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, Jira, Microsoft Teams, MindManager, OneDrive, Slack, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pleasing themes
- Diagramming capabilities for versatile visuals
- Project management and task tracking
Cons:
- No support for structured templates
- Topics and sub-topics cannot be moved freely
Coggle is a popular collaborative mind-mapping software system. It enables users to conceptualize images visually, then organize and connect them for better brainstorming.
Why I picked Coggle: Using Coggle, teams can unlock their creativity and generate ideas in a dynamic, intuitive way. Real-time collaboration empowers team members to make simultaneous contributions and offer feedback. It’s easy to capture and structure thoughts in a way that can be translated into actionable strategies. Thanks to the extensive color and styling options, teams can create mind maps that are visually engaging and easy to understand.
Coggle Standout Features and Integrations
Features that I liked include collaborative editing, color customization, commenting and discussion, export options, hierarchy creation, keyboard shortcuts, real-time synchronization, the revision history, templates, and unlimited nesting.
Integrations currently available include Asana, Dropbox, GitHub, Google Drive, Jira, MeisterTask, Microsoft Teams, Trello, Typeform, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaborative real-time editing
- Colorful and visually appealing
- Unlimited levels of nesting
Cons:
- Mobile app could be improved
- Offline access not available
Lucidchart is an online visual workspace that combines data visualization, diagramming, and collaboration features to gather, organize, and share ideas and input.
Why I picked Lucidchart: Using Lucidchart, you can create sticky notes to collect ideas, then use the brainstorming features to create actionable work items and concrete plans. You can use templates to start your idea boards, or import outlined ideas from a spreadsheet.
You can also use hotkeys to add new shapes, and leverage their formatting features to tailor color schemes, styles, and fonts. I really liked their real-time collaboration, in-editor commenting, collaborative cursors, and extensive data visualization features too.
Lucidchart Standout Features and Integrations
Features include collaborative diagramming, custom templates, data linking, a drag-and-drop interface, real-time collaboration, a revision history, shape libraries, team collaboration tools, versatile export options, and wireframing.
Integrations include connections with popular apps such as Atlassian Confluence, Google Drive, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Office 365, Salesforce, Slack, Trello, Visio, and Zendesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive shape library options
- Versatile diagramming capabilities
- Data linking for dynamic visuals
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited free plan features
This online brainstorming tool allows you to level up your ideation game. You can grab a sticky note, sketch freehand annotations, or come up with new ways to bring your ideas to life on an infinite canvas.
Why I picked Lucidspark: If you need a feature-rich brainstorming tool, then Lucidspark may be the right choice for you. The interactive visual canvas makes it easy to capture and develop ideas, so your team can let their imagination flow freely.
In addition to real-time collaboration and multi-user editing capabilities, Lucidspark offers a wide range of templates, a user-friendly interface, and various export options. This makes it easy for members of your team to work together, no matter where they’re located or how your team is structured. Users can leave comments, hop in the chat, or react with their favorite emoji. Lucidspark also allows unlimited collaborators and infinite possibilities.
Lucidspark Standout Features and Integrations
Features on offer include collaborative real-time editing, custom templates, a drag-and-drop interface, an interactive visual canvas, multi-user collaboration, presentation mode, real-time cursor tracking, sticky notes, versatile export options, voting, and prioritization.
Integrations currently available include Box, Google Drive, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Miro, Mural, Slack, Trello, Webex, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Interactive visual collaboration canvas
- Real-time cursor tracking
- Voting and prioritization features
Cons:
- Occasional performance issues in larger collaborations
- Offline access not available
Ayoa
Best brainstorming tool for turning mind maps into actionable tasks
Ayoa combines a brainstorming process, task management, and collaboration tools in a single platform, enabling remote teams to generate ideas, increase productivity, and collaborate effectively in real-time.
Why I picked Ayoa: Through features such as mind mapping, task boards, and communication tools, Ayoa empowers team members to unleash their creativity. The software makes it easy to generate ideas and actions in an online meeting, turn these branches into tasks, assign them to others, and add due dates. Reminders ensure that nothing gets forgotten.
Ayoa Standout Features and Integrations
Features include brainstorming tools, collaboration features, customizable templates, file attachments, goal setting nodes, kanban boards, mind mapping, real-time editing, task management, visual organization tools, and multiple layouts.
Integrations include Dropbox, Evernote, Google Contacts, Google Calendar, Google Drive, iMindMap, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust brainstorming and collaboration tools
- Visual organization for enhanced productivity
- Real-time editing for seamless collaboration
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- Not enough export options
Other Options
Here are a few more solid options that didn’t make the best brainstorming tools list:
- Mindomo
Brainstorming tool for cross-platform support
- Qmarkets
Brainstorming tool for intelligent idea management
- Stormboard
Brainstorming tool for a digital whiteboard with augmented intelligence
- Scrapple
Brainstorming tool for a flexible visual canvas
- Microsoft Visio
Brainstorming tool for simple, fun brainstorming
- Bubbl.us
Brainstorming tool for a colorful, visually-engaging interface
- Bit.ai
Brainstorming tool for robust content organization
- Milanote
Brainstorming tool for a note-based approach
- SpiderScribe
Brainstorming tool for multiple export options
- MindNode
Brainstorming tool for mind map customization options
Brainstorming Tool Selection Criteria
When selecting the best brainstorming tool to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like the ability to collaborate in real-time across distributed teams and the flexibility to capture both structured and unstructured ideas. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Generate and capture new ideas
- Organize thoughts using visual aids like mind maps or sticky notes
- Enable real-time collaboration among team members
- Share brainstorming sessions with external stakeholders
- Export ideas into various formats for further development
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Support for AI-assisted idea generation
- Integration with project management tools
- Templates tailored to specific brainstorming methods
- Voting or ranking systems for idea prioritization
- Offline access with automatic sync capabilities
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Clean and intuitive user interface
- Minimal learning curve for new users
- Responsive design across devices
- Logical navigation and tool labeling
- Clear visual hierarchy of ideas
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of interactive product tours
- Access to training videos or webinars
- Ready-to-use templates to jumpstart sessions
- In-app guidance and tooltips
- Ease of importing existing content or formats
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of live chat or email support
- Access to a searchable help center or knowledge base
- Community forums or user groups
- Speed and quality of support responses
- Availability of support during different time zones
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Transparent and flexible pricing tiers
- Free plans or trials with meaningful access
- Features included at each price level
- Competitive pricing compared to similar tools
- Licensing options for teams of different sizes
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Consistency in positive feedback
- Mentions of specific benefits or pain points
- Praise or criticism around ease of use
- Reported responsiveness of customer service
- Insights into team-wide adoption and engagement
How to Choose a Brainstorming Tool
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the tool grow with your team size and complexity? Look for user limits, performance lags with lots of data, or costs that spike as teams expand. |
| Integrations | Does it connect easily with your existing stack—like Slack, Jira, Figma, or Trello? Manual workarounds eat time and kill momentum. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor templates, workflows, or views to fit how your team thinks and works? One-size-fits-all setups usually slow things down. |
| Ease of use | Can cross-functional teams jump in with little explanation? If it takes hours to figure out, people won’t use it—no matter how powerful it is. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How fast can you get up and running? Look for import tools, product tours, and in-app guidance to get your team contributing in their first session. |
| Cost | What do you actually get for the price? Watch out for paywalls on collaboration features or high per-seat pricing that doesn’t match usage needs. |
| Security safeguards | Does it support SSO, data encryption, and user role controls? If you’re brainstorming product ideas or IP, don’t risk loose security standards. |
| Internal resourcing needs | Will someone need to manage templates, users, or integrations on an ongoing basis? Lightweight tools save time, especially for smaller teams. |
What are Brainstorming Tools?
Brainstorming tools are digital aids that help individuals or teams generate ideas, organize them into groups, and demonstrate relationships between ideas or topics. They belong to the same group of software as digital whiteboards or mind-mapping tools and are designed to stimulate creative thinking and group collaboration. They include numerous ways to visualize ideas using colors, symbols, tags, sticky notes, and other aids, as well as tools to collaborate with other team members, including @ messages and simultaneous co-authoring.
Brainstorming tools help groups work together to collaborate on ideas, organize tasks, and enhance creativity. They also add order to a previously paper-based or manual process by digitizing the act of brainstorming so you can always look back at your ideas for future reference (rather than referring back to a photo of your scrawls on the whiteboard in your company's meeting room).
Features of Brainstorming Tools
When selecting brainstorming tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to contribute ideas simultaneously, which helps teams stay aligned and productive during live sessions.
- Visual idea mapping: Lets users organize thoughts using diagrams or mind maps, making it easier to see relationships and develop concepts.
- Template library: Provides ready-made structures for common brainstorming formats, so teams can start quickly without setting up from scratch.
- Commenting and feedback tools: Enables team members to leave input directly on ideas, which supports discussion and refinement.
- Voting or prioritization: Allows teams to rank or score ideas to focus on the most promising ones and make decisions faster.
- Export options: Supports saving or sharing sessions in various formats like PDF, PNG, or CSV, making follow-up work easier.
- Access controls: Lets admins manage who can view, edit, or comment, protecting sensitive ideas and maintaining order in collaborative spaces.
- Cloud-based access: Ensures team members can participate from anywhere with internet, supporting remote and hybrid work models.
- Whiteboard functionality: Offers a flexible space for freeform thinking, sketching, or diagramming without constraints.
- Integration support: Connects with tools like Slack, Trello, or Google Drive to streamline workflows and reduce context switching.
Benefits of Brainstorming Software
Implementing brainstorming tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Faster idea generation: Real-time input and visual tools help teams come up with more ideas in less time.
- Better team alignment: Shared workspaces and commenting keep everyone on the same page and reduce miscommunication.
- More organized sessions: Templates and mapping features give structure to brainstorming, so ideas don’t get lost or forgotten.
- Easier decision-making: Voting tools and prioritization features help teams quickly identify the most valuable ideas.
- Improved remote collaboration: Cloud access and integrations make it easy for distributed teams to join in and stay engaged.
- Stronger idea follow-through: Export options and connected workflows help turn rough ideas into real next steps.
- Clearer documentation: Every contribution gets recorded automatically, so you don’t have to rely on memory or notes.
Costs and Pricing of Brainstorming Tools
Selecting brainstorming tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in brainstorming tool solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Brainstorming Tools
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic idea capture, limited templates, single user access, and minimal export options. |
| Personal Plan | $5–$15/user/month | Unlimited boards, additional templates, cloud storage, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $10–$25/user/month | Team collaboration, real-time editing, integrations with third-party apps, and priority support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $20–$40/user/month | Advanced admin controls, SSO, audit logs, dedicated onboarding, and custom security settings. |
Brainstorming Tools FAQs
Because of my extensive experience in using brainstorming tools, people often ask me for more information on this topic. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:
How do brainstorming tools support remote teams?
Brainstorming tools let remote teams share ideas in real time, no matter where they are. You can use shared boards, live editing, comments, and video calls to collaborate like you’re in the same room. Look for tools with cloud access, autosave, and cross-device compatibility to keep things moving.
Why is brainstorming important?
Brainstorming is critical as a way of promoting creativity, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. It’s a fantastic way for teams to generate new ideas, using out-of-the-box thinking to challenge assumptions.
By involving everyone in inclusive meetings, it boosts team morale, increases engagement, and inspires a new way of thinking. This can ultimately lead to improved decision-making and more effective solutions.
What are some popular brainstorming techniques?
There are many different brainstorming techniques you can use to come up with new ideas. These include mind-mapping, SWOT analysis, Rapid Ideation, and Brainwriting. Other popular options include Six Thinking Hats and SCAMPER (Substituting, Combining, Adapting, Modifying, Putting to another use, Eliminating, or Reverse).
The best technique to use depends very much on the context of your situation, plus the goals of the brainstorming session. I recommend mixing and matching different techniques to find what works best for you.
Is brainstorming the same as mind mapping?
Although the two concepts are related, brainstorming is not the same as mind mapping. Brainstorming is a general term that applies to generating a wide range of new ideas in any way that works.
Mind mapping, on the other hand, describes a visual tool or technique that helps teams organize their thoughts and ideas. So while brainstorming focuses on generating new ideas, mind mapping aids you in organizing and visualizing these ideas.
How do you manage too many ideas during a brainstorming session?
Set a timer for each round of brainstorming and limit how many ideas each person can share. Use voting or scoring features to narrow things down. Group similar ideas together to avoid repeats, and revisit any low-priority ones later if needed.
Better Brainstorming
Choosing the right brainstorming tool can make all the difference in turning scattered ideas into focused action. Whether you're working solo or with a cross-functional team, the right fit depends on your workflow, collaboration style, and goals.
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