24 Best Brainstorming Tools Reviewed in 2024
Best Brainstorming Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 24 tools reviewed.
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Brainstorming tools are a valuable asset for any company. With the right software, teams can collaborate either remotely or in-person to generate and organize ideas effectively. But finding the right brainstorming tool can be a challenge, especially with so many options available.
Using my experience in project management software, I tested and compared several of the top brainstorming tools available. From there, I compiled my results into in-depth reviews to help businesses find the best software for their unique needs. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, I’m confident that you’ll locate your next brainstorming tool in the list below.
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Best Brainstorming Tools Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Figma | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Stormboard | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Ayoa | From $13/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Mentimeter | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Qmarkets | Pricing upon request | Website |
| XMind | From $19.99 (every 3 months) | Website |
| Freeplane | Free to use | Website |
| MindMup | From $2.99/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Coggle | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| IdeaBoardz | Free to use | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose Brainstorming Tools
As you work through your own unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Ease of Use: The tool you choose should be intuitive and easy to navigate. For example, if your team is not tech-savvy, a complex interface could hinder productivity rather than help it. Make sure to look for tools with drag-and-drop features or simple, user-friendly dashboards.
- Collaboration Features: Effective brainstorming often requires real-time collaboration. If your team is remote or distributed across different locations, a tool with strong collaboration features like real-time editing, commenting, and video conferencing can be highly valuable.
- Integration Capabilities: Your brainstorming tool should integrate well with other software you use. For instance, if your team relies heavily on project management tools like Trello or Asana, ensure the brainstorming tool you select can sync with these platforms to streamline workflows and avoid data silos.
- Customization Options: Different projects may require different brainstorming techniques. A tool that offers customization options, such as templates for mind maps, flowcharts, or Kanban boards, can be very beneficial. This flexibility allows you to tailor the tool to fit the specific needs of each project.
- Cost and Scalability: Consider your budget and the scalability of the tool. If you are a small startup, a free or low-cost option might be ideal. However, as your team grows, you may need a tool that can scale with you. Find one that offers more advanced features and additional user licenses to ensure that it’ll continue to grow with your company.
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Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
ClickUp
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Miro
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Brainstorming Tools Reviews
Here are my detailed analyses and overviews of each brainstorming tool. Below, I will walk you through the pros and cons, features, and best use cases for each tool to help you make an informed decision.
Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that enables design and development teams to work together on building great products. Its strong features support real-time collaboration, prototyping, and seamless integration with development workflows to streamline brainstorming processes.
Why I picked Figma: Figma provides the unparalleled ability to facilitate collaborative interface design. Unlike other tools, the software allows multiple team members to work on the same design file simultaneously, making it ideal for real-time collaboration. These features, combined with its advanced suite of design, prototyping, and development features, set it apart from other brainstorming tools.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time collaboration, design and prototyping in one place, and the ability to translate designs into code. Figma also offers tools for brainstorming, diagramming, and product development, as well as features for team meetings and strategic planning.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Trello, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Zeplin, Notion, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless developer handoff
- Comprehensive design tools
- Real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Limited offline access
- Learning curve for new users
Stormboard is a digital whiteboard platform that transforms unstructured interactions into data-rich collaborative workspaces. It’s ideal for teams needing to manage and analyze large amounts of information collaboratively, thanks to its integrated data collection and visualization tools.
Why I picked Stormboard: Stormboard stands out with its focus on data integration and collaborative features that are essential for modern, data-driven teams. Its ability to transform brainstorming sessions into actionable data sets it apart from other tools. Additionally, its strong data export options and seamless integration with other enterprise tools help make it a top brainstorming tool for organizations that need more in-depth software.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include smart templates, detailed reports and exports, and advanced security measures. Stormboard also offers live bi-directional integrations with tools like Jira, Rally, and Azure DevOps, which help in maintaining data consistency across platforms.
Integrations include Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Jira, Azure DevOps, Rally, Slack, Trello, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced security
- Bi-directional integrations
- Data export options
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Requires setup
Ayoa is a versatile brainstorming and task management tool that combines mind mapping, whiteboards, and task management features. It uses artificial intelligence to enhance brainstorming and productivity.
Why I picked Ayoa: Ayoa offers a unique combination of mind mapping and task management features, powered by AI. This tool stands out because it not only helps in generating and organizing ideas but also in managing tasks efficiently. Additionally, the software uses AI to prompt thinking, generate ideas, and streamline task management, making it an advanced tool for both individual and team use.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multiple mind mapping modes, integrated whiteboards, task board and Gantt views, document and outline views, and AI-powered mind mapping.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Evernote, Slack, Trello, Asana, Zoom, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple view options
- Integrated task management
- AI-powered mind mapping
Cons:
- Inconsistent synchronization across devices
- Overwhelming interface for new users
Mentimeter is an interactive presentation software that allows users to create, interact with, and analyze presentations. It enables real-time audience engagement through live polls, quizzes, and word clouds, ensuring all voices are heard.
Why I picked Mentimeter: Mentimeter offers the unique ability to transform passive presentations into interactive conversations. Unlike other tools, it excels at engaging audiences through real-time polls and anonymous questions, making it ideal for both educational and professional settings. Additionally, its ease of use and advanced data analysis capabilities make it the best tool for interactive presentations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time audience interaction, anonymous questions, and detailed post-presentation analytics.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Trello, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed analytics
- Anonymous questions
- Real-time audience interaction
Cons:
- Customization limits
- Restriction on data export
Qmarkets is a leading provider of enterprise innovation management software, offering an advanced Q-360 platform for managing and enhancing organizational innovation.
Why I picked Qmarkets: Qmarkets provides users with strong AI-enhanced innovation management capabilities, which set it apart from other brainstorming tools. The platform's integration of AI across its suite of tools makes it particularly effective for managing complex innovation processes. Furthermore, Qmarkets offers an advanced approach to leveraging AI for streamlining and optimizing innovation workflows.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered idea management, continuous improvement processes, trend management, technology scouting, and innovation portfolio tracking.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Salesforce, SAP, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Office 365, and Trello.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable platform
- Robust integration options
- Comprehensive AI features
Cons:
- Mobile performance
- Complex setup process
XMind is a versatile mind mapping software and brainstorming software designed to help users organize and visualize their ideas effectively. Its diverse mindmapping structures make it ideal for users who need an advanced toolset for various brainstorming needs.
Why I picked XMind: XMind is known for its extensive range of mind mapping structures and its ability to combine multiple structures within a single mind map. This makes it stand out from other brainstorming tools by offering a unique and cohesive way to handle complex projects. Additionally, XMind's versatility in structuring information is unmatched, making it the best tool for versatile mindmapping structures.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a variety of mindmapping structures such as Fishbone, Org Chart, Timeline, and Treetable, which allow users to visualize their ideas in multiple ways. The app also offers a ZEN mode for focused work, a Pitch mode for presentations, and an Outliner for hierarchical organization.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Asana, Jira, and Confluence.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Pitch mode for presentations
- ZEN mode for focused work
- Multiple mind mapping structures
Cons:
- Learning curve
- No lifetime license for individual users
Freeplane is a powerful and free open-source tool for brainstorming and mind mapping. It excels in advanced mind mapping thanks to its extensive scripting capabilities and customization options.
Why I picked Freeplane: Freeplane offers users advanced scripting features, which set it apart from other mind mapping tools. Its ability to support advanced scripting makes it ideal for users who need to automate tasks or customize their mind maps extensively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an advanced scripting environment, support for various data formats, and the ability to run on any operating system with Java. Freeplane also offers extensive customization options and can be run portably from a USB drive.
Integrations include YourKit Java Profiler, Weblate, Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, LaTeX, Groovy, and Jython.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Extensive scripting support
- Free and open-source
Cons:
- Limited mobile support
- Steeper learning curve
MindMup is a free online brainstorming tool that allows users to create, share, and publish mind maps.
Why I picked MindMup: MindMup’s ease of use and accessibility make it stand out among other brainstorming tools. Its frictionless interface and powerful keyboard shortcuts help users focus on their ideas without distractions. Additionally, the software’s seamless integration with Google Drive and the ability to collaborate in real-time makes it easy for teams to share and brainstorm ideas together, even in remote settings.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to create unlimited mind maps for free, save maps to Google Drive, and convert maps to PDF, PowerPoint, and outlines. Users can also collaborate in real-time and publish maps online.
Integrations include Google Drive, Office 365, Google Apps, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Real-time collaboration
- Unlimited map publishing
Cons:
- Customization limitations
- Basic design options
Coggle is a web-based tool for creating and sharing mind maps and flowcharts, allowing real-time collaboration for brainstorming and planning. It allows multiple users to work simultaneously on diagrams, making it ideal for team collaboration sessions.
Why I picked Coggle: Coggle is known for its strong real-time collaboration capabilities, which set it apart from other mind mapping tools. The ability to see changes instantly and work together with colleagues in different locations makes it a standout choice for collaborative brainstorming. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Google Drive enhance its utility for team projects.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time collaboration, unlimited diagrams, unlimited image uploads, full change history, markdown support, and various export options such as PDF and image formats.
Integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Entra ID, Auth0, Edpuzzle, Quill, Khan Academy, Wordwall, Bamboozle, and YouTube.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Google Drive integration
- Unlimited diagrams
- Real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Customization limit
- Limited color options
IdeaBoardz is a collaborative tool designed for virtual brainstorming and retrospectives. It excels in these areas by allowing users to easily create, organize, and share ideas in a structured format, making it ideal for teamwork and feedback sessions.
Why I picked IdeaBoardz: IdeaBoardz is known for its simplicity and effectiveness in facilitating brainstorming and retrospective sessions. Unlike other tools, it offers a straightforward interface that focuses on idea generation and organization without unnecessary complexity. Along with these features, the software also provides various templates and formats specifically designed for these activities, ensuring that teams can efficiently gather and analyze feedback.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable templates for different types of brainstorming and retrospective sessions, real-time collaboration, and the ability to export boards as PDF or Excel files.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- Simple interface
- Mobile compatibility
Cons:
- Customization limits
- Limited advanced features
Other Brainstorming Tools
Below is a list of additional brainstorming tools that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- WiseMapping
Best for open-source use
- Bubbl.us
Best for user-friendly mind mapping
- Mindomo
Best for concept mapping
- Canva
Best for creating visually appealing presentations
- Lucidspark
Best for interactive brainstorming sessions
- Miro
Best for visual collaboration and whiteboarding
- Viima
Best for collecting and managing ideas
- monday.com
Best for strategic planning and team management
- MindMeister
Best for mind mapping and idea organization
- Brightidea
Best for innovation management and idea tracking
- MeetingPulse
Best for real-time audience engagement
- TheBrain
Best for visualizing complex information
- Mural
Best for remote team collaboration
- Boardmix
Best for team brainstorming and collaboration
Related Project Management Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- Project Management Software
- Resource Management Software
- Workflow Automation Software
- Time Tracking Software
- Task Management Software
- Collaboration Tools
- Gantt Chart Maker
- Productivity Tools
- Project Tracking Software
- Project Scheduling Software
Brainstorming Tools Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing a brainstorming tool should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score):
- Real-time collaboration
- Idea organization and categorization
- Visual brainstorming (mind maps, flowcharts)
- Integration with other productivity tools
- Exporting and sharing options
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score):
- Unique functionality
- New and innovative features
- Enhanced collaboration capabilities
- Advanced visualization techniques
Usability (10% of total weighting score):
- Balance of power and complexity vs ease of use
- Interface design aesthetic
- Intuitive navigation and user-friendly layout
- Customizable workspace
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score):
- Quick, simple, and easy onboarding process
- Availability of training videos, templates, and interactive product tours
- Chatbots and webinars for user support
- Smooth migration to the tool and quick realization of value
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score):
- Availability and responsiveness of support channels
- Quality of help documentation and resources
- Access to live support and community forums
- Support for troubleshooting and technical issues
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score):
- Competitive pricing against similar tools
- Range of features offered at different pricing tiers
- Cost-effectiveness for the features provided
- Transparent pricing structure
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score):
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on usability and functionality
- Comments on customer support and onboarding experience
- Insights into the tool's reliability and performance
Trends for Brainstorming Tools
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for brainstorming tools, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- AI-Powered Idea Generation: AI algorithms are now being used to generate ideas based on user input. This technology can help teams overcome creative blocks and significantly speed up the brainstorming process.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Brainstorming tools now offer real-time collaboration features, allowing multiple users to contribute simultaneously. This fosters a more dynamic and interactive brainstorming session and enhances team synergy.
- Integration with Project Management Software: Brainstorming tools are increasingly integrating with project management software. This allows for a seamless transition from idea generation to project execution, ensures continuity, and reduces the need for multiple platforms.
- Visual Mind Mapping: Visual mind mapping features are becoming more sophisticated. These tools help users organize and visualize their thoughts more effectively, catering to visual learners and enhancing overall comprehension.
- Voice Recognition: Voice recognition technology is being incorporated into brainstorming tools. Users can now dictate their ideas, which are then transcribed in real-time, making the process more accessible and efficient.
Brainstorming tools are starting to embrace trends like AI-powered ideation, enhanced collaboration features, and immersive visualization techniques. These innovations not only streamline the creative process but also foster more dynamic and inclusive environments, allowing teams to generate and refine ideas more effectively in remote and hybrid work settings.
What Are Brainstorming Tools?
Brainstorming tools are software applications designed to facilitate the generation, organization, and refinement of ideas. They're commonly used by teams, project managers, and creative professionals to enhance collaborative thinking and problem-solving. These tools help capture diverse perspectives, streamline idea development, and improve decision-making processes.
Key components often include mind mapping for visualizing connections between ideas, idea boards for categorizing and prioritizing thoughts, and collaborative features.
Features of Brainstorming Tools
Choosing the right brainstorming tool is essential for fostering creativity and collaboration within teams. When selecting a brainstorming tool, consider several key features that can significantly impact the success of your brainstorming sessions, such as:
- Real-Time Collaboration: This allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, regardless of their location. It’s important to ensure that all team members can contribute their ideas in real-time, fostering a more dynamic and interactive brainstorming session.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is essential for ensuring that all team members, regardless of their technical proficiency, can easily navigate and utilize the tool. This helps in maintaining focus on the brainstorming process rather than on figuring out how to use the software.
- Customizable Templates: Having access to a variety of templates can help in quickly setting up brainstorming sessions tailored to specific needs. Customizable templates save time and provide a structured approach to idea generation.
- Visual Organization Tools: Features such as mind maps, flowcharts, and note-taking help in visually organizing ideas. This makes it easier to see relationships between different concepts and to structure thoughts in a coherent manner.
- Integration with Other Tools: Seamless integration with other software such as project management tools, cloud storage, and communication platforms enhances the functionality of brainstorming tools. It allows for easy import and export of data, making the brainstorming process more efficient.
- Security and Data Protection: Ensuring that the tool complies with data protection regulations and offers features such as password protection and encrypted data storage is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information.
- Multimedia Support: The ability to incorporate images, videos, and other multimedia elements can enhance the brainstorming process by providing additional context and making the sessions more engaging.
- Voting and Prioritization: Features that allow team members to vote on and prioritize ideas help in quickly identifying the most promising concepts. This streamlines the decision-making process and ensures that the best ideas are given the attention they deserve.
- Offline Access: The ability to access and work on brainstorming sessions offline ensures that team members can contribute ideas even without an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for remote teams or individuals working in areas with limited connectivity.
- Facilitation Tools: Tools such as timers, presentation modes, and facilitator controls help in managing the brainstorming session effectively. These features ensure that the session stays on track and that all participants are engaged.
From real-time collaboration and mind mapping to integration capabilities and idea management, these tools provide the necessary framework to streamline the brainstorming process and transform ideas into actionable plans. By leveraging these features, teams can efficiently generate, refine, and execute their ideas in a structured and productive manner.
Benefits of Brainstorming Tools
Brainstorming tools provide numerous advantages that can greatly enhance the creative process for individuals and organizations. Some of the perks associated with brainstorming tools include:
- Enhanced Idea Generation: Brainstorming tools provide a structured environment that encourages the free flow of ideas, helping users to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
- Improved Collaboration: These tools allow team members to contribute ideas in real-time, regardless of their location, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative brainstorming session.
- Efficient Organization of Thoughts: With features like mind maps and categorization, brainstorming tools help users organize their ideas logically, making it easier to develop and refine concepts.
- Increased Productivity: By streamlining the brainstorming process, these tools save time and effort, allowing teams to focus more on developing actionable plans and less on managing the brainstorming session itself.
- Better Decision Making: Brainstorming tools often include features for voting and prioritizing ideas, which helps teams to quickly identify the most promising concepts and make informed decisions.
Investing in brainstorming tools can enhance idea generation, improve team collaboration, and lead to more successful projects. These tools are essential for any organization aiming to foster creativity and drive innovation.
Costs & Pricing of Brainstorming Tools
Selecting brainstorming tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. These tools can significantly enhance idea generation and collaboration, but costs vary based on features and organization size.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features.
Plan Comparison Table for Brainstorming Tools
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic mind mapping, limited boards, basic collaboration, and limited storage |
| Personal Plan | $5 - $10/ user/month | Unlimited boards, enhanced collaboration, custom templates, and basic integrations |
| Business Plan | $10 - $20/ user/month | Advanced collaboration, project management tools, extensive integrations, and added security |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Custom features, advanced security, dedicated support, and extensive integrations |
Each plan caters to different needs. When choosing a plan, consider your team's size, project requirements, and budget to ensure that you get the right brainstorming tool for you and your business.
Brainstorming Tools FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions I’ve received about brainstorming tools.
How do I integrate brainstorming tools with other project management software?
Most brainstorming tools offer integrations with popular project management software like Trello, Asana, and Jira. To integrate, you typically need to access the settings or integrations section of your brainstorming tool and follow the prompts to connect it with your project management software. This often involves authorizing the connection and selecting specific boards or projects to sync.
What are the best practices for organizing ideas within a brainstorming tool?
To organize ideas effectively, start by categorizing them into themes or groups. Use color-coding, tags, or labels to differentiate between different types of ideas. Additionally, creating a clear hierarchy or structure, such as mind maps or flowcharts, can help in visualizing the relationships between ideas. Regularly reviewing and refining these categories ensures that the brainstorming session remains productive and focused.
How can I ensure data security when using brainstorming tools?
Ensure that the brainstorming tool you choose complies with industry-standard security protocols, such as data encryption and secure access controls. Look for tools that offer two-factor authentication and regular security updates. Additionally, review the tool’s privacy policy to understand how your data is stored and used.
Are there brainstorming tools that support both text and visual inputs?
Yes, many brainstorming tools support a combination of text and visual inputs. Tools like MindMeister and Lucidchart allow users to create mind maps and flowcharts that incorporate both text and images. This flexibility can help in capturing a wider range of ideas and making the brainstorming process more dynamic.
How do I track the progress of ideas generated during brainstorming sessions?
To track the progress of ideas, use features like task assignments, due dates, and progress tracking available in many brainstorming tools. Integrating your brainstorming tool with project management software can also help in monitoring the development of ideas from conception to implementation. Regular check-ins and updates within the tool can ensure that ideas are progressing as planned.
Is there a limit to the number of participants in a brainstorming session?
The limit on participants depends on the specific tool and the pricing tier you choose. Some tools may cap the number of participants in their free versions, often limiting them to small teams. However, many tools offer higher or unlimited participant limits in their paid plans, making them suitable for larger teams and more extensive collaboration needs. Always check the tool’s specifications and pricing details to find the best fit for your team size.
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