Our take
Pick Heynote if developers who will stay on Free while they keep a first Scratch math + JSON buffer — then keep it at $0, not Obsidian Sync $4 first unless they want an encrypted vault, and not if they need native sync or a mobile app (this is a local desktop buffer). Pick MindNode if apple users who will stay Free or pay $24.99/yr for themes/outline — not Obsidian first unless they want a local vault.
Best for
Heynote A scratch buffer you start at a public $
MindNode Map that idea at a public $
Free plan
Heynote No free plan
MindNode $0 · mind mapping included
Lowest paid
Heynote Not published by the vendor
MindNode Not published by the vendor
Watch out
Heynote No native sync / no mobile app
MindNode Plus is a subscription
Last checked
Heynote 2026-10-23 · heynote.com
MindNode 2026-10-26 · mindnode.com
developers who will stay on Free while they keep a first Scratch math + JSON buffer — then keep it at $0, not Obsidian Sync $4 first unless they want an encrypted vault, and not if they need native sync or a mobile app (this is a local desktop buffer).
Read the Heynote pageapple users who will stay Free or pay $24.99/yr for themes/outline — not Obsidian first unless they want a local vault.
Read the MindNode page
