xTiles vs Gamma: Which Visual AI Tool Helps You Think Better in 2025
Introduction
In the evolving landscape of productivity, AI is no longer just a backend tool—it’s becoming a thinking partner. From generating content to organizing ideas, AI is now empowering individuals and teams to plan, brainstorm, and execute faster and smarter.
But when it comes to visual thinking—the process of organizing thoughts through diagrams, mind maps, and structured layouts—most AI tools fall short. That’s where two emerging platforms stand out: xTiles and Gamma.app.
These tools aren’t just digital notepads or slide makers. They’re intelligent assistants designed for how your brain actually processes ideas—visually.
I used both xTiles and Gamma for 7 straight days to plan, create, and present content. The results were fascinating—and totally different from each other. Here’s what I discovered.
What is xTiles?
If you’re someone who thinks better when ideas are visually laid out—xTiles might become your new favorite workspace. It’s an AI-powered productivity tool built for visual thinkers. Whether you’re planning content, journaling, studying, or organising a project, xTiles gives you flexible blocks to make your thoughts look and feel structured.
xTiles visual note-taking workspace in action
What makes it stand out? It’s not just another note-taking app — it thinks with you.
Key Features of xTiles:
🧠 Visual note-taking using customizable AI blocks
🔗 Mind mapping & card linking for non-linear thinking
🧰 Pre-built templates for everything from journaling to project planning
📤 Export options: PDF, Markdown, Web link — easy sharing & backups
✍️ Ideal for: Writers, content creators, researchers, and anyone who thinks in chunks or visuals
💡 Need a place where your brain dump turns into a structured plan? Try xTiles.
What is Gamma?
While xTiles is great for organizing your thoughts, Gamma takes those ideas and turns them into beautiful presentations, instantly. It’s like having a designer and a storyteller working beside you — powered by AI.
Gamma is an AI-first tool built to help you share ideas clearly and visually. Instead of spending hours designing slides, you just write your content, and Gamma handles the layout, formatting, and structure.
Gamma AI-generated slide deck interface
Key Features of Gamma:
🎨 AI-generated presentations — enter an idea, get full slide decks in seconds
📑 Smart formatting & themes — no more PowerPoint fuss
📊 Interactive elements — polls, charts, callouts, embeds
🔗 Easy sharing — present live, export as PDF, or share via link
👥 Perfect for: Founders, consultants, product managers, educators, and teams
💡 Want to pitch your next idea without wrestling with design tools? Gamma’s got you.
Feature
xTiles
Gamma.app
Focus
Visual Notes & Planning
AI Slide Creation
AI Features
Mind mapping, summarization
Auto slide generator, rewriter
Ease of Use
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Templates
Custom boards, workflows
Story templates, startup decks
Collaboration
Basic commenting
Real-time edits, feedback
Export Options
PDF, Notion, HTML
Deck, PDF, Web format
Free Plan Available?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
My Real-World Test Results
To truly understand how these tools work in practice, I decided to put both to the test for a full week.
I used xTiles to map out the content strategy for this blog — organizing topics, drafting outlines, and planning SEO structure. Its visual layout and drag-and-drop blocks made it feel like a digital whiteboard with just enough structure to keep me focused. I especially liked how I could link related ideas and build a clean overview of everything I was working on.
Then, I used Gamma to create a quick presentation for a pitch I had to make. I simply entered a few bullet points, and within minutes, I had a polished slide deck. No fussing with fonts or layouts — Gamma’s AI handled all of that. It even adjusted the tone and suggested improvements for clarity.
Here’s what I noticed:
xTiles helped me think and plan.
Gamma helped me package and present.
Both tools improved my workflow, but in very different ways.
Unlimited AI presentations, remove branding, priority support
Both tools offer solid free tiers that allow you to explore key features. The xTiles Starter plan ($5.75/month) upgrades your workspace with unlimited storage and premium templates—ideal for serious note-takers and planners. And Gamma’s annual plan ($8/month) gives you full unlimited AI presentation capabilities, brand removal, and support—perfect for professionals who present frequently.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Use?
If you’re a visual thinker who loves organizing ideas, xTiles is like your personal planning playground. It’s perfect for writers, students, researchers, or anyone who needs a flexible digital space to brainstorm and connect thoughts.
If you’re more about sharing polished content — especially decks, pitches, or proposals — Gamma is built for speed and presentation impact. It handles design for you, which is a game-changer for busy professionals.
👉 Here’s a simple rule of thumb:
Use xTiles to think and plan.
Use Gamma to present and share.
Both tools are incredibly powerful in their own way. I personally use xTiles for content strategy and Gamma when I need to turn those strategies into shareable decks.
🛠️ Try both for a week and see which one fits your workflow better — you might end up using both like I do!
