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Productivity · head to head

MindManager vs Ulysses

MindManager logo

MindManager

Productivity

Visualize your path to success

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ulysses logo

Ulysses

Productivity

Distraction-free writing application for creative professionals

From
$5.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: MindManager actual prices are not displayed on the pricing page despite having a clear tier structure; Ulysses no free tier available
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which MindManager and Ulysses actually diverge.

Attributes where MindManager and Ulysses differ
AttributeMindManagerUlysses
Starting priceOn request$5.99/month
Pricing modelquotesubscription
PlatformsWebMacOS, IOS, IPadOS
FoundedUnknown2003

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Productivity).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in MindManager

Nothing recorded that Ulysses does not also cover.

Only in Ulysses

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Markdown support
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Organization with sheets and groups
  • iCloud sync
  • Dark and light themes
  • Full-screen mode
  • Search and filter

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

MindManager

  • Visualizing scattered ideas into organized strategiesnot Ulysses
  • Planning meetings with collaboration toolsnot Ulysses
  • Creating Gantt charts and process mapsnot Ulysses
  • Organizing information across multiple diagram typesnot Ulysses

Ulysses

  • Writing and editing on Apple devicesnot MindManager
  • Cross-device document synchronizationnot MindManager
  • Markdown-based writingnot MindManager

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

MindManager

  • Actual prices are not displayed on the pricing page despite having a clear tier structure
  • Enterprise plan requires contacting sales for quote
  • Specific annual subscription rates are not shown on public pages

Ulysses

  • No free tier available
  • Only subscription model, no one-time purchase option
  • Family Sharing limited to 5 additional members (6 total users)

Pricing, plan by plan

MindManager

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the MindManager review.

Ulysses

$5.99/month
  • Annual Subscription$39.99/year
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates
  • Monthly Subscription$5.99/month
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates

Which should you pick?

Choose MindManager if

Nothing in the data separates MindManager from Ulysses on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

MindManager review

Choose Ulysses if

  • You need distraction-free writing.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
  • You also want markdown support.
Ulysses review

Questions people ask

Is MindManager or Ulysses better?
Neither clearly leads. MindManager starts at On request and Ulysses at $5.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, MindManager or Ulysses?
MindManager starts at On request and Ulysses at $5.99/month.
Does MindManager or Ulysses run on more platforms?
MindManager runs on Web. Ulysses runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
What is MindManager best used for?
MindManager is most often used for visualizing scattered ideas into organized strategies, planning meetings with collaboration tools, creating gantt charts and process maps, organizing information across multiple diagram types. Of those, visualizing scattered ideas into organized strategies and planning meetings with collaboration tools are not what Ulysses is typically brought in for.
What can MindManager do that Ulysses cannot?
Ulysses covers Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, Syntax highlighting, Organization with sheets and groups.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MindManager: How much does MindManager cost?

MindManager offers Essentials, Professional, and Enterprise tiers with annual subscription pricing, but specific dollar amounts are not displayed on the public pricing page. Click the 'Buy now' button to see current rates.

Source
Ulysses: What are Ulysses pricing options?

Ulysses costs $39.99 per year (annual) or $5.99 per month (monthly). Student discounts are available. Volume licensing is available for businesses through their licensing portal.

Source
MindManager: Is there a free trial for MindManager?

Yes, MindManager offers a 30-day fully functional free trial for desktop versions without requiring upfront payment.

Source
Ulysses: Does Ulysses include Family Sharing?

Yes, both annual and monthly Ulysses subscriptions include Apple Family Sharing, allowing up to five additional family members to use Ulysses on their devices at no extra cost.

Source
MindManager: What is included in the Professional plan?

The Professional plan includes the complete desktop and web experience and is marked as the Best Value tier. It offers a one-time purchase option in addition to annual subscription.

Source
Ulysses: Can I get Ulysses through a subscription service?

Yes, Ulysses is available through the Setapp subscription service as an alternative to direct subscription. Volume licensing is also available for businesses and organizations through their licensing portal.

Source
MindManager: Can educators and students get a discount?

Yes, MindManager provides a specialized Education tier for students and educators with unspecified pricing.

Source
Ulysses: Does Ulysses pricing vary by location?

Prices listed apply to the U.S., and local pricing may differ in other regions. Check your regional App Store for exact pricing.

Source
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