Skip to main content

The best mind-mapping software

Brainstorming sessions are great, but sometimes you can drown in a thicket of ideas, half-concepts, and free-floating words. If that sounds familiar, you might want to consider a mind-mapping tool. Mind maps are digital flow charts that can be used to describe ideas and list possibilities.

In more advanced forms, they can also be used to describe complex structures and concepts so your entire team can better understand them. Here are the best mind-mapping software options available, their most impressive strengths, and how you can download them for your next big meeting.

MindMeister (free)

Mindmeister

MindMeister is a web-based mapping tool, and one of the best options if your team is utilizing multiple operating systems or works remotely.

The map works in real time, which makes it ideal for long-distance brainstorming, and the presentation functions allow you to display complex ideas in a natural way, which is great for strategy development. If you’re looking for more features, the software also works well with MeisterTask to create a workflow-oriented solution. MindMeister now offers a free version of its mind-mapping service, Basic, which includes: up to three mind maps, email support, and real-time collaboration. The premium service plans for MindMeister start at $5 per month per user.

Learn more at:

MindMeister

Coggle (free)

Coggle

Coggle is a Chrome-based extension that’s focused on collaboration, so if you need to build a mind map with other people, this is the first option you should consider. The maps are simple, with a few different formats to choose from, though you can add images as necessary. The app also lets you make comments, chat, and view revision history, making it a fantastic collaboration tool if you’re working with a large team.

It also features robust compatibility with Google Drive and Google contacts, making it an easy choice for those already invested in Google’s ecosystem.

Learn more at:

The Chrome Store

Wisemapping (free)

Wisemapping

Wisemapping is a free, web-based mind-mapping option that’s been around for years and remains a solid choice for building maps from the ground up. If you need a many-forked or detailed map for your work, you’ll appreciate the many customization tools that Wisemapping provides, allowing you to turn simple tree-based maps into complex constructions.

However, expect to spend a little time learning how to use all the Wisemapping tools, as they aren’t as intuitive as some available options.

Learn more at:

Wisemapping

Bubbl.us (free)

Bubbl.us

Bubble.us no doubt got its name from the friendly, bubble-like node shapes that it uses to build diagrams. It’s one of the friendly tools on our list for pure, personal brainstorming, allowing you to rapidly connect a bunch of thoughts before they vanish. They also have a fun collection of quick map templates for building websites, creating organizational charts, and so on.

There aren’t many customization options, but it’s very easy to get started, and everything is free unless you want to pay $5 per month for teamwork and sharing capabilities.

Learn more at:

Bubbl.us

Editors' Recommendations

Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
The best tablets in 2023: our 10 favorite ones to buy
Disney+ app on the iPad Air 5.

As much as we love having the best smartphones in our pockets, there are times when those small screens don't cut it, and we just need a larger display. That's when you turn to a tablet, which is great for being productive on the go and can be a great way to unwind and relax too. While the tablet market really took off after the iPad, it has grown to be quite diverse with a huge variety of products — from great budget options to powerhouses for professionals.

We've tried out a lot of tablets here at Digital Trends, from the workhorses for pros to tablets that are made for kids and even seniors, there's a tablet for every person and every budget. For most people, though, we think Apple's iPad Air is the best overall tablet — especially if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. But if you're not an Apple user, that's fine too; there are plenty of other great options that you'll find in this roundup.

Read more
Best MacBook Deals: Save on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Macbook Air (2018) Review

Apple is one of the best laptop brands out there. If you've grown up using the operating system and can't move to Windows, or you're just impressed by the high-quality internal components and gorgeous designs, you know you're an Apple fan for life. As a fan, it's always worth checking out the best Apple deals, by the way. Back to MacBooks, they're perfect for creative professionals and casual users alike. These devices are significant investments though, so shoppers who are interested in them should be on the lookout for any discount they can get. We’re here to help with that — we’ve rounded up some of the best MacBook deals you can take advantage of right now, but you need to hurry because there’s no telling how long they’ll stay online.
Best MacBook deals

Apple MacBook Air 2020 (M1 Chip, 13-inch, 256GB SSD) --
Apple MacBook Air 2022 (M2, 13.6-inch, 256GB SSD) --
Apple MacBook Pro 2022 (M2, 13-inch, 256GB SSD) -- 
Apple MacBook Pro 2021 (M1 Pro, 14-inch, 1TB SSD) --
Apple MacBook Pro 2023 (M2 Pro, 14.2-inch, 512GB SSD) --
Apple MacBook Pro 2023 (M2 Pro, 16.2-inch, 512GB SSD) --

Read more
Best 17-inch Laptop Deals: Get a large laptop for $330
Dell XPS 17 front view showing display and keyboard.

If you're feeling cramped on your phone or tablet, it's time to expand your world view -- the view through your laptop screen, that is. The largest screen size most companies go up to is 17-inches. It's more than enough to edit spreadsheets, watch Netflix, or game with ease and comfort. If "ease and comfort" is your vibe, these 17-inch laptop deals might be more up your alley.

The larger screens offer more digital real-estate to work with and generally they have a bit more power tucked inside than the average laptop. Luckily for you, there's always some great 17-inch laptop deals up for grabs if you can find them, and we've already taken care of that for you by scoping out the best 17-inch laptop deals and rounding them all up in one place.
HP Laptop 17 -- $330, was $500

Read more