# iBlueSky (mindmapping) vs Trout

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iBlueSky (mindmapping) at 70% against Trout's 33%. iBlueSky (mindmapping) also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (11.4 vs 18.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Trout sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.49 per 2 months. iBlueSky (mindmapping) asks for nothing beyond the download.

iBlueSky (mindmapping) ships an update every 3 months, Trout every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iBlueSky (mindmapping) | Trout |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trout/id384470167/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | **70.4% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 20 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.4** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Ebling](https://appshunter.io/developer/1511128378) | [Digital-Dirtbag](https://appshunter.io/developer/384470170) |

## What reviewers say

### iBlueSky (mindmapping)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibluesky-mindmapping/id291664204)

Capture, develop, and organize your best ideas with an elegant and intuitive mind mapping tool. Supports large page sizes, multiple export formats, and rich branch customization. Realize your full potential by bringing your thoughts to life.

**Highlights:** Huge page size, Import Freemind & OPML, Export PDF, PNG, OPML, Freemind, text, Link branches, Attach notes to branches, Edit branch colors, Cut, copy, paste branches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- 💡 Useful for brainstorming and organizing thoughts
- 📤 Convenient email export options
- 🤝 Good compatibility with desktop mind mapping tools

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 📏 Limited functionality and customization options
- 💻 Not optimized for iPad, just a stretched iPhone app
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy with email export through developer's servers

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to use undo button
- Distortion of text in nodes with longer content
- Issues with syncing and transferring mind maps between devices

**Requested features**

- Undo/redo functionality
- Ability to change branch colors and styles
- Support for more file formats and cloud storage integration
- Improved zooming and panning controls
- Hierarchical organization of projects


### Trout

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trout/id384470167)

This app helps you organize thoughts and ideas non-linearly using words and images. You can categorize concepts with color and shape, and enhance your maps with sketches and photos. Share your organized ideas as images or PDFs, or export them in OPML or markdown formats.

**Highlights:** Associate words and images, Organize ideas non-linearly, Categorize by color and shape, Add sketches and photos, Share as image or PDF, Export OPML or markdown, Freeform or automatic layout

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60 Day subscription | $2.49 | per 2 months |
| Free trial | Free | one-time |
| Lifetime Purchase | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iBlueSky (mindmapping) free?

iBlueSky (mindmapping) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Trout free?

Trout is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do iBlueSky (mindmapping) or Trout have ads?

Neither iBlueSky (mindmapping) nor Trout shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iBlueSky (mindmapping) or Trout?

iBlueSky (mindmapping) ships an update every 3 months, and Trout every 5 months. Most recently, iBlueSky (mindmapping) was updated on September 25, 2026 and Trout on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*