Top 15 Best Brainstorming to Help Teams Collaborate in 2023

Are you looking for a great brainstorming tool to help teams collaborate and generate ideas in 2023? It can be hard to find the right technology but luckily, we have compiled a list of the top 15 best brainstorming tools that will make your life easier.

With these brainstorming methods, teams can come up with creative solutions to complex challenges while better promoting problem-solving skills amongst members. They’re designed to spark creativity and support collaboration – dissect every idea into actionable pieces so everyone on the team is working as efficiently as possible.

Check out our list and choose from some of the most popular online tools available!

1. ClickUp

ClickUp is a productivity and project management tool that includes a variety of features to support idea generation and collaboration. It allows users to brainstorm in real-time, share feedback instantly, and keep track of progress. The platform also has built-in task management tools to help prioritize tasks and ensure everyone knows what actions need to be taken.

Use ClickUp for project management, collaboration, brainstorming, and task management all in one place. ClickUp is not just a brainstorming app but also a work management tool for teams that need a highly-organized way to stay productive.

ClickUp Best Features:

• Create Mind Maps to visualize the structure of your projects with ClickUp’s Whiteboards 
• Use ClickUp’s Whiteboards to collaborate with your team and brainstorm
• Apply an existing template from ClickUp’s library of more than 1000 ready-to-use templates

ClickUp Limitations:

• Short learning curve for new users

ClickUp Pricing:

• Free Forever Plan
• Unlimited plan at $5 per user per month
• Business plan at $12 per user per month
• Business Plus plan at $19 per user per month
• Enterprise plan available for custom pricing

Sign up for ClickUp for free, no credit card required.

2. Mural

Mural is a digital workspace designed specifically for collaborative brainstorming and ideation. It offers a variety of features to support team collaboration and creativity. One of the key features of the app is its digital canvas, which offers a range of templates and tools for creating different types of visualizations. 

Mural also features collaboration features, allowing team members to work together on the same board in real time. Mural’s collaborative functions allow users to add comments, vote on ideas, and communicate to share their thoughts and feedback. This works best forr remote teams working on complex projects together. Its visualizations, collaboration tools, presentation mode, export options, and customization features make it a powerful tool for team productivity.

Mural Best Features:

• Digital whiteboards for brainstorming
• Collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other productivity tools

Mural Limitations:

• Limited customization options in the free version
• Steep learning curve for some users
• Some features may be overwhelming for simple brainstorming sessions

Mural Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Paid plan starts at $12 per user per month

3. MindMeister

MindMeister is a cloud-based mind-mapping tool that allows users to create visual diagrams to organize and develop their ideas. It offers a variety of features to support idea generation and organization. MindMeister is a versatile tool that allows users to add text, images, videos, links, and attachments to their mind maps, making it easy to capture different types of information. 

The app has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to get started and create their first mind map in minutes. MindMeister’s customization options, collaboration features, and ease of use make it an excellent choice for capturing and organizing ideas.

MindMeister Best Features:

• Multiple mind map formats
• Collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other productivity tools

MindMeister Limitations:

• Limited customization options in the free version
• Tools can be too complex for some teams
• Occasional bugs and glitches

MindMeister Pricing:

• Free plan available
• Paid plan starts at $4.99 per user per month

4. XMind

XMind is a powerful brainstorming and mind-mapping tool that helps teams generate ideas and organize them into actionable plans. It offers a wide range of features for thinking, creative ideas, structuring thoughts, and connecting related ideas. XMind uses a redesigned engine to deliver faster and more efficient performance for a seamless user experience.

Make a mind map with a proper color scheme and style that matches your need.XMind's Smart Color Theme allows you to choose the color you like and achieve a consistent look throughout your map instantly. Spend less time making a terrific mind map with the app’ssmart algorithm. XMind uses algorithms to choose the best color for every detail of your mind map.

Xmind Best Features:

• Multiple mind map formats (including fishbone diagram)
• Variety of brainstorming features such as brainstorming mode and mind map editor
• Collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other productivity tools

Xmind Limitations:

• Steep learning curve for some users
• No free version

Xmind Pricing:

• Single user plan starts at $149 per user per year
• Team plan starts at $99 per user per year

5. IdeaFlip

IdeaFlip is a digital brainstorming tool that allows users to createvirtual sticky notes and collaborate with others. This web-based brainstorming application designed to help teams and individuals generate, organize, and prioritize ideas. It offers a range of features that facilitate the brainstorming process and make it easier for teams to collaborate and innovate.

IdeaFlipallows users to create and share digital sticky notes with their team members in real-time through a digital board. This makes it easy to capture ideas from multiple sources and organize them into categories or themes. Any user may also organize, vote, annotate, and connect these notes together.

IdeaFlip Best Features:

• Shareable and customizable Ideaflip sticky notes
• Collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other productivity tools

IdeaFlip Limitations:

• Limited customization boards and users with the free version
• Tools are limited to online brainstorming and collaboration

IdeaFlip Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Paid plan starts at $12 per user per month

6. Stormboard

Stormboard is a digital collaboration and whiteboard application that allows users to create virtual sticky notes and collaborate with others in real-time. Users can add comments on sticky notes, make changes to the board, and chat with each other to foster collaborative workspaces.

Stormboard offers a range of templates and frameworks to help teams get started quickly. These include business model canvas templates, project management templates, and retrospectives templates. The tool also provides reporting and analytics tools to help teams track progress and performance. 

Stormboard Best Features:

• Whiteboard sticky notes to sketch out ideas and brainstorm concepts
• Save time with automated template creeation that is relevant and aligned to your business goals
• StormAI helps you work faster by providing real-time assistance

Stormboard Limitations:

• Limited customization options in the free version
• Steep learning curve for some users
• Some features may be overwhelming for simple brainstorming sessions

Stormboard Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Paid plan starts at $10 per user per month

7. Lucidspark

Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard that offers a variety of features to support idea generation and collaboration. This collaboration tool is designed specifically for brainstorming. It offers several features that make it an ideal tool for teams looking to generate and organize ideas in real-time.

Lucidspark offers several idea-generation tools, such as mind maps, flowcharts, and concept maps. These tools help users connect related ideas and create a clear and concise representation of their thought process. The app's collaboration tools allow team members to work together on the same canvas at the same time. Users can add comments, vote on ideas, and chat with each other to foster communication and teamwork.

Lucidspark Best Features:

• Virtual canvas allows users to visually capture their ideas and organize them into categories
• Collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other productivity tools

Lucidspark Limitations:

• User interface can be improved
• Features and functions such as automation can be added

Lucidspark Pricing:

• Free trial available
• Individual Starts at $7.95
• Team Starts at $9/user
• Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing

8. MindNode

MindNode is a mind-mapping tool that allows users to create visual diagrams to organize and develop their ideas. MindNode is an excellent collaboration and brainstorming application that offers several features specifically designed for these purposes. Its mind-mapping features and collaboration tools make it a versatile and powerful tool for team productivity.

The application offers customization options, allowing users to tailor the look and feel of their mind maps with different themes and styles. This helps users create a personalized workspace that supports their creativity and productivity. MindNode provides users with multiple export options, including PDF, images, and text outlines, making it easyto share their ideas with others who may not have access to MindNode.

MindNode Best Features:

• Multiple mind map formats
• Outline helps users brainstorm in an organized and structured method
• Categorize and add context to your ideas with Visual Tags

MindNode Limitations:

• Limited customization options in the free version
• Limited collaboration tools for online or remote teams

MindNode Pricing:

• Free Editor Available
• MindNode Plus: $2.49/Month, $19.99/Year

9. WiseMapping

WiseMapping is a web-based mind-mapping tool that's ideal for brainstorming and project management. It offers a range of features designed to help users capture ideas and organize them effectively. One of the key features of WiseMapping is its customization options. Users can add different types of nodes to their maps, including images, text, and links. They can also customize the style and color of their maps to suit their needs.

WiseMapping also offers collaboration features, allowing team members to work together on the same mind map in real-time. Users can add comments, share links, and collaborate on ideas seamlessly. The app’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for users to get started and create their first mind map in minutes. Additionally, WiseMapping offers keyboard shortcuts, which makes the task even easier.

Best Features:

• Free to use and requires no software installation
• Offers a range of collaboration tools for remote teams
• Supports mind mapping and flowchart creation

Limitations:

• Some users may find the interface to be outdated and clunky
• Limited functionality compared to more advanced tools available

Pricing:

• Free to use

10. Microsoft Whiteboard

Microsoft Whiteboard is a whiteboard and collaboration tool built for teams to work together on projects. It is designed to facilitate the brainstorming process by providing a virtual whiteboard to sketch ideas, create diagrams, and share them with others. The app is free to use and can be accessed from the web or mobile devices.

One of the key features of Microsoft Whiteboard is its versatility. Users can add text, drawings, sticky notes, images, and more to their boards, making it easy to capture different types of information. Additionally, users can customize the colors, shapes, and styles of their boards to fit their needs. Microsoft Whiteboard offers collaboration features, allowing team members to collaborate on ideas and work on projects at the same time.

Microsoft Whiteboard Best Features:

• Real-time collaboration tools such as comments and voting
• Integration with other Microsoft Office tools

Microsoft Whiteboard Limitations:

• Limited customization options in the free version
• Steep learning curve for some users
• Some features may be overwhelming for simple brainstorming sessions

Microsoft Whiteboard Pricing:

• Free plan available
• Office 365 plan at $5/user/month

11. Ayoa

Ayoa is an online meeting and brainstorming tool designed to help teams collaborate, organize, and develop ideas. This AI-powered tool empowers users to come up with great ideas, get tasks done, and stay connected with their team, It is designed to make brainstorming and collaboration easier by providing a range of features such as whiteboards, project management tools, and collaboration tools. Ayoa also offers visual maps and diagrams that help users organize their ideas and increase productivity.

Ayoa Best Features:

• Freehand organic mind maps to connect your thoughts and ideas
• Use Whiteboards to build dashboards and capture information on your digital note board
• Multiple views and mind map options to organize your ideas and workflow

Ayoa Limitations:

• Limited customization options and tools with the free version
• Steep learning curve for some users

Ayoa Pricing:

• Free version available
• Mind Map: $10/user per month
• Task: $10/user per month
• Ayoa Ultimate: $13/user per month

12. Mindly

Mindly is a simple yet powerful mind-mapping tool that's ideal for collaborative brainstorming. It offers a range of features designed to help users capture and organize their ideas effectively. Mindly is an excellent brainstorming tool that offers several features specifically designed for collaborative brainstorming sessions. Its simplicity, collaboration tools, portability, and integration features makes it a powerful tool for team productivity.

The tool allows users to create virtual mind maps that can be used to plan projects, take notes, and more. One of the key features of Mindly is its simplicity. The app has an easy-to-use interface, which makes it easy for users to create their first mind map in minutes. 

Best Features:

• Mobile-optimized interface for gathering ideas and organizing your thoughts
• Add passcodes to mind maps for privacy and security  
• Customizable icons and figures are essential for expressing actions and ideas

Limitations:

• Limited functionality compared to more advanced tools available
• Can be overwhelming for those who require more structure in their brainstorming sessions

Pricing:

• Free version available
• iOS Full Version: $6.99
• Mac Full Version: $29.99
• Android Full Version: $5.49

13. Scapple

Scapple is a brainstorming tool that allows users to drag and drop their ideas onto a virtual canvas. It's ideal for those who want a more free-form approach to brainstorming and prefer mind maps over lists.

Scapple is also a mind mapping tool designed to help individuals and teams visualize and organize their ideas in a non-linear fashion. It allows users to create virtual boards where they can connect different ideas, concepts, and notes using freeform text, images, and other media.

Scapple Best features:

• Allows for easy creation of connections and relationships between ideas
• Fee-form workspace allows users jot down their ideas as notes on a virtual corkboard.
• Supports image insertion to help bring ideas to life

Scapple Limitations:

• Limited functionality compared to other more advanced tools
• Separate license needed for Mac and Windows

Scapple Pricing:

• Available for a one-time purchase of $19.99 for Mac and Windows licenses

14. IdeaBoardz

IdeaBoardz is a web-based brainstorming tool that lets users add virtual sticky notes to a virtual board. It's ideal for remote teams working on projects together. One of the key features of IdeaBoardz is its virtual sticky notes, which team members can use to add and organize their ideas on a virtual board. The sticky notes can be customized with different colors and fonts, making it easy to categorize and differentiate between ideas.

IdeaBoardz is designed for remote teams, making it easy to collaborate across different locations. It supports real-time updates, so team members can work together on the same board and see changes in real time.

IdeaBoardz Best Features:

• Offers tools to support team collaboration and remote work scenarios
• Offers real-time updates and voting options to streamline idea selection
• Offers a range of templates to help users get started quickly

IdeaBoardz Limitations:

• Limited features for creating advanced visualizations or mind-maps
• Some users may find the interface to be outdated and clunky

IdeaBoardz Pricing:

• Free to use

15. MindGenius

MindGenius is a powerful mind mapping tool that's ideal for brainstorming and project management. It allows users to create virtual mind maps that can be used for project planning, note-taking, and more. MindGenius helps users refine their ideas by using filtering, categorization, and prioritization options, which helps in improving the overall quality of the brainstorming session. 

The tool also offers collaboration features, allowing team members to work together on the same map in real-time. Users can co-author, add comments, and collaborate on ideas seamlessly. MindGenius is available on multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac OS X, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

MindGenius Best Features:

• Offers a wide range of templates for different types of projects and scenarios
• Integration options with Microsoft Office and other productivity tools
• Supports project management features such as Gantt charts

​​MindGenius Limitations:

• Less intuitive than some of the simpler tools on this list
• Can be overwhelming for those who don't need advanced visualization features

MindGenius Pricing:

• Offers a 14-day free trial
• Subscription: £10/seat per month
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

16. Popplet

Popplet is an easy-to-use brainstorming tool that lets users create visual mind maps. It's ideal for those who prefer a more simple and easy-to-understand interface. This web-based brainstorming tool is designed to help users capture ideas and organize them in a visual and interactive way. It also allows users to create diagrams, and flowcharts that can be used to brainstorm ideas, plan projects, and more.

The app allows users to add text, images, videos, links, and drawings to their mind maps, making it easy to capture different types of information. Users can customize the colors and fonts of their Popplets to suit their needs and preferences. Popplet also offers collaboration features, allowing users to work together on the same Popplet in real-time. This makes it an ideal tool for remote teams working on projects together.

 Popplet Best Features:

• Offers different types of visualizations such as mind maps and timelines
• Allows for easy collaboration with team members
• Offers export options such as PDF and image files

 Popplet Limitations:

• Limited functionality compared to some of the more advanced tools available
• Can be overwhelming for those looking for more structure or organization in their brainstorming sessions

 Popplet Pricing:

• Offers a free plan with limited functionality
• Premium plans start at $3 per month

Benefits of Using a Brainstorming Tool

Using a brainstorming tool can help teams quickly and easily capture ideas, improve collaboration, and boost creativity. It also offers several benefits such as:

Streamlined idea selection process. Brainstorming tools make it easy for teams to organize their ideas into categories or themes and quickly identify the best ones.

Real-time collaboration. Brainstorming tools allow team members to collaborate in real-time, which can help foster communication and teamwork.

Increased productivity. Brainstorming tools can help streamline the ideation process, allowing teams to generate more ideas in less time.

Improved organization. Brainstorming tools offer a range of features that make it easier for users to organize their thoughts and keep track of their ideas.

Find the Best Brainstorming Tool for Your Team

With so many great brainstorming tools available today, it can be difficult to choose one that best meets your needs. 

Consider the type of work and project you have when looking for a brainstorming tool or app to use. It helps to understand the needs of your team and the features you need to overall improve your workflow.

Whether you're presenting, brainstorming, diagramming, or project planning, ClickUp Whiteboards offers real-time updates, collaborative editing, templates, and an infinite canvas to act on your ideas the moment they happen. Teams can write notes, draw freehand, add shapes, and embed media that seamlessly connect to current projects—without having to rely on other apps for increased functionality. 

ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform designed to help remote teams of any size collaborate together and centralize their work in a single place. Brainstorm and collaborate with your team using ClickUp. Sign-up for free and get started today!