TheBrain Alternatives

TheBrain is described as 'helps you organize all your Web pages, contacts, documents, emails and files in a context-driven visual map' and is a very popular Mind Mapping tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to TheBrain for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, iPhone, Linux and iPad. The best alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or Pocket. Other great apps like TheBrain are Logseq, Zotero, Freeplane and Turtl.

TheBrain alternatives are mainly Mind Mapping Tools but may also be Note-taking Tools or Todo List Managers. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of TheBrain.

This page was last updated

TheBrain

127

Freemium • Proprietary
Mind Mapping Tool

Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad

TheBrain helps you organize all your Web pages, contacts, documents, emails and files in a context-driven visual map.

Learn more about TheBrain

Obsidian
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
170 alternatives to Obsidian
Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Support for LaTeXObsidian supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
9. PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Note organization
Knowledge Base structuring
Write files in markdown
Obsidian vs TheBrain opinions
cachorromuzkiz
It innovated with the backlinks. that thebrain listened and copied them. other than that, still behind theBrain but useful nonetheless
Positive comment•
-1
Joplin
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
Cloudron
593 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Joplin vs TheBrain opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Joplin is a simple markdown viewer for note taking. TheBrain can do much much more is a knowledge management, TheBrain has feature like Associative Mapping, Events and Reminders, Mind Map View, Reports, Collaboration, Notes, Web Links, Timeline View, Tags, etc
Negative comment•
6

cachorromuzkiz
its not similar at all.... the brain uses a graphic experience of a mindmap.
Negative comment•
2

Guest
Joplin is a note taking and to-do application. The Brain is a knowledge manager.
Negative comment•
6
Pocket
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Bookmark Manager
Read It Later Tool
Mac
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Safari
Opera
Firefox
135 alternatives to Pocket
Save webpages to read later, and eliminate cluttering of bookmarks with sites that are merely of a one-time interest. With Pocket, you can read at home, work, on the plane, or during your commute; even without an internet connection.
Suggest and vote on features
Pocket Features
1. Text to SpeechPocket allows you to transform written text into spoken text.
2. Dark ModePocket supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Pocket using IFTTT.
Offline Reading
Browser extension
Visual bookmarks
Save Articles
Adapted article view
Bookmarks
Mobile friendly
Opera extension
Pocket vs TheBrain opinions
Guest
it's just collection of articles and sources, not the brain
Negative comment•
-1

cachorromuzkiz
its not a mind-map or a knowledge database. it should be with others bookmark lists
Negative comment•
0
Logseq
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Self-Hosted
89 alternatives to Logseq
Logseq is a platform for knowledge sharing and management. It focuses on privacy, longevity, and user control. Notice: the backend code will be open-sourced as soon as we’re sure that the backend service meets the security standards.
Suggest and vote on features
Logseq Features
1. Support for MarkDownLogseq supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineLogseq can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Ad-freeLogseq doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeLogseq supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedLogseq is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Full-Text SearchLogseq lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Spell CheckingLogseq can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
8. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Logseq to stay focused and productive.
9. No TrackingLogseq will not track you or use your personal data.
Bidirectional links
Graph view
Outliner
Local Storage
Backlinks
Knowledge base
Knowledge Management
Note organization
Hyperlinks
Wiki
Zotero
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Research Manager
Document Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
iPhone
iPad
Microsoft Edge
Google Chrome
Safari
Microsoft Office Word
Google Drive - Docs
LibreOffice
Firefox
71 alternatives to Zotero
Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, share research and cite your research sources directly in your favourite word processor, with 300 MB free online storage.
Suggest and vote on features
Zotero Features
1. Ad-freeZotero doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
2. PDF annotationZotero support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsZotero can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Support for MarkDownZotero supports MarkDown for document formatting.
6. Privacy focusedZotero is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. Full-Text SearchZotero lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Zotero simultaneously.
9. File TaggingZotero can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
Browser integration
LibreOffice Integration
Microsoft Office integration
Knowledge Management
Export to LaTeX
Cross-references
Library Management
WebDAV Support
Google docs integration
Compatible with Microsoft Office
Freeplane
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mind Mapping Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Java
81 alternatives to Freeplane
Freeplane is a powerful and free software for building mind maps. It is a redesigned version of the well known FreeMind , and is created by one of FreeMind's key developers.
Suggest and vote on features
Freeplane Features
1. Support for scriptingFreeplane supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. PortableFreeplane can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. Works OfflineFreeplane can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
4. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Freeplane.
5. Support for LaTeXFreeplane supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Knowledge Management
Summary Nodes
Project Tracking
Conditional styles
Shared Nodes
Turtl
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
Android Tablet
Self-Hosted
Google Chrome
Firefox
180 alternatives to Turtl
Whether it's bookmarks or passwords, files or shopping lists...Turtl organizes it all and makes it easy to find later. Sync across your devices. Leave nothing behind.
Suggest and vote on features
Turtl Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionTurtl has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Support for MarkDownTurtl supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. Privacy focusedTurtl is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Turtl simultaneously.
Encrypted Notes
Sync on many devices
To do lists
Data portability
AES Encryption
Save Attachments
WebExtenion
Android Sync
List management
Password encryption
Discontinued
The last update is from 2019.
yEd Graph Editor
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Mind Mapping Tool
Diagram Editor
UML Modeling Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
107 alternatives to yEd Graph Editor
yEd is a powerful diagram editor that can be used to quickly create diagrams manually or import external data for analysis and auto-magically arrange even large data sets by just pressing a button. You can use yEd to quickly create flow charts, BPMN and UML diagrams...
Suggest and vote on features
yEd Graph Editor Features
1. Auto LayoutyEd Graph Editor supports layouts that dynamically grow and adapt to the size of its contents.
2. PortableyEd Graph Editor can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Export to SVG
Flow Chart
BPMN diagrams
Flow diagram visualisation
XML import / export
Modules
Import From Excel
Grid layout options
Class Diagrams
Create UML entities
yEd Graph Editor vs TheBrain opinions
Xmind
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Mind Mapping Tool
Project Management Tool
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
115 alternatives to Xmind
Xmind is a full-featured mind mapping and brainstorming tool that helps to unleash creativity, capture inspiration, brainstorm ideas, boost productivity, and more.
Suggest and vote on features
Xmind Features
1. Handwritten NotesXmind supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineXmind can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Xmind.
4. PortableXmind can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. No TrackingXmind will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Xmind.
7. Privacy focusedXmind is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
8. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Xmind simultaneously.
9. Import/Export OPML FeedsImport and export your feed subscriptions into OPML format with Xmind.
Brainstorming
Knowledge Management
Icon sets
Support for MarkDown
Ad-free
Xmind vs TheBrain opinions
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
It doesn't have the associative tools to be similar to TheBrain.
Negative comment•
0
FreeMind
Do you think this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mind Mapping Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
111 alternatives to FreeMind
FreeMind is a premier free mind-mapping software written in Java. The recent development has hopefully turned it into high productivity tool. We are proud that the operation and navigation of FreeMind is faster than that of MindManager because of one-click "fold /...
Suggest and vote on features
FreeMind Features
1. Works OfflineFreeMind can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with FreeMind.
Brainstorming
Simple installation
Distraction-free Writing
Mind Map view
Shortcut keys
Java based
Knowledge Management
Minimap
Discontinued
Last version from 2016. See https://sourceforge.net/projects/freemind/files/

FreeMind vs TheBrain opinions
Some users think FreeMind is a great alternative to TheBrain, some don't.
Guest
Absolutely Indescribable!
Positive comment•
0