The present invention provides a multi-branched polyether amine, which has a structure represented by a formula I, wherein m is 1-16, n is 1-2, and o is 0-4. The present invention provides a preparation method of the multi-branched polyether amine, wherein the preparation method comprises: carrying out a reaction on glycerol, a diol compound, water and an acidic catalyst to obtain an intermediate product; and carrying out a reaction on the intermediate product and a chlorinated epoxide, an alkali compound and an organic amine to obtain the multi-branched polyether amine. According to the present invention, the multi-branched polyether amine has characteristics of good shale inhibition property, good clay hydration dispersibility, good lubricity and no biotoxicity, can be used for drilling fluids, and is suitable for drilling construction of the strong-water-sensitivity mud shales, the mud-containing rocks and other easily-collapsing stratums having high requirements, and the shale gas horizontal wells. The formula I is defined in the specification.