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.

Recommended Videos

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
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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

Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
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…
Microsoft Supercharges AI to fix Windows software bugs
Windows 11 on several devices.

Microsoft is developing an AI system to make detecting and fixing software problems on your Windows 11 PC easier, MSPowerUser reports. The system analyzes error data to resolve issues efficiently, and Microsoft is also working on turning Copilot into a multi-user chat platform.

MSPowerUser recently came across a new patent document with a publication date in February 2025. Specifically, it's a 25-page document that describes how the new system would work. According to the document, the new AI system would detect the issues and suggest or apply solutions to refine the troubleshooting process. Although the AI system is designed for developers, regular users can also benefit by getting automated fixes and smart support. Furthermore, the system can create reports for more complex issues to assist developers in debugging more efficiently.

Read more
I tried Opera’s new browser for mindfulness — here’s how it went
Opera Air web browser for relaxation on MacBook Pro M4 Pro.

Opera, the company behind one of the best web browsers we know, has released a new browser designed to escape the overwhelm of the limitless web. Called "Opera Air," the browser arrives as another option from the company instead of replacing the primary Opera browser or the gaming-centric Opera GX.

The browser, Opera says, is built around the principles of minimalism and will aid in managing stress, enhancing focus, and maintaining emotional clarity through tools built into the browser. I spent a couple of days, including a few stressful work days with tight deadlines, and here's how Opera Air helped -- or didn't help -- me bound back to a calmer and more productive state of mind.
Opera Air's tools for mental relaxation
Opera sent me a pre-release build of Opera Air a few days before launch. So, I wouldn't judge the browser for its stability or visual perfectness -- though there weren't any significant glitches to call out.
Audio tracks for enhanced thinking

Read more
Sticky Password vs. Enpass: best one-time purchase password managers
Sticky Password and Enpass pricing appears in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Sticky Password and Enpass are two leading password managers that offer one-time purchase options. Passkeys have the potential to eliminate the need for passwords, but there are plenty of online accounts that lack passkey support.
The bottom line is you still need a great password manager to streamline account access, protect your logins from hackers, and simplify sharing accounts with family and friends.
Tiers and pricing
Sticky Password has a low-cost annual subscription, a lifetime plan, and a free version. Sticky Password

The price isn’t the only detail that matters when choosing a password manager but a single payment option is hard to beat. Sticky Password’s lifetime plan sells for as low as $40, which is less than an annual subscription to Dashlane. Of course, Dashlane includes a premium VPN to help offset the expense.

Read more