The Best Obsidian AlternativesTop Note-taking Tools & Todo List Managers like Obsidian

Obsidian is described as 'Note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style' and is a leading Note-taking tool in the office & productivity category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Obsidian for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Web-based, Linux and Android apps. The best Obsidian alternative is Logseq, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Obsidian are Zettlr, Joplin, sNotes – Students Notes and Anytype.

filter to find the best alternatives

Obsidian alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools, but if you're looking for Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Linux, Windows, Note-taking, Windows + Open Source, Graph view and Linux + Open Source. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Obsidian.
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Alternatives list

  1. Logseq icon

    Logseq

     320 likes

    Local-first, privacy-focused notebook supporting Markdown and Emacs Org mode. Offers offline use, encrypted backups, plugin extensibility, LaTeX support, real-time collaboration, and hierarchical organization for personal knowledge management.

    177 Logseq alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    • Flathub
    Logseq screenshot 1
     
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    13
    Logseq vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    jchalifour
    9

    Logseq is incredibly innovative and it respects my privacy and freedom by providing Free and open source software as opposed to proprietary tools.

    Top Negative Comment
    Power User
    3

    I found Obsidian to be a far more stable application than Logseq, which is important as I am switching platforms frequently and need something which functions properly and reliably on Mac, iPad, iPhone, Windows, and Linux. I decided to pay for Obsidian's sync feature and it has been smooth as butter - probably using a cloud drive would have worked well, but I find that convenience at a reasonable cost for an application I use daily is perfectly acceptable.

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    it's a great tool but offers different experience. so it is not technically an alternative for obsidian

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 13 comments
    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Logseq is CustomizableObsidian is not according to our users
  2. Zettlr icon

    Zettlr

     247 likes

    Unified writing platform offering note-taking, easy citations with Zotero integration, LaTeX/Word templates, snippets, themes, dark modes, code highlighting, multi-language support, and knowledge management with Zettelkasten for seamless writing from notes to books.

    184 Zettlr alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Zettlr Main Window (dark mode)
     
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    9
    Zettlr vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Sam Lander
    3

    There are better open-source alternatives, like Zim Wiki or Joplin.

    Top Negative Comment
    Hibiscus
    7

    Very basic application. In no way a competition for Obsidian.

    Ted Curran
    Positive
    1

    Zettler is the same type of app as Obsidian, with PKM features, graph view, and robust MD editing. Not quite as refined but nearly as powerful, it's the best free alternative.

    3 of 9 comments
    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
  4. Joplin icon

    Joplin

     884 likes

    Open source app for managing notes and to-dos with Markdown support. Syncs seamlessly across devices using services like Dropbox and OneDrive. Offers end-to-end encrypted synchronicity, offline access, rich import/export options, and a Web Clipper for browsers.

    118 Joplin alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Joplin screenshot 1
     
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    13
    Joplin vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    1

    It's open source, allows crypto your md notes on some cloud storage

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Top Negative Comment
    andgregorik
    23

    Joplin has a fracture of the features of Obsidian which is no wonder since Obsidian aims to become a powerful desktop knowledge base, unlike Joplin. For one thing, Joplin focuses on mobile<->desktop syncing and not on effective internal linking. They're similar at first glance only.

    Guest
    Positive
    1

    embedded synchronization, clipper, encryption. No useless for personal notes graphs

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    3 of 13 comments
    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Joplin is MinimalisticObsidian is not according to our users
  5. Ad
  6. sNotes – Students Notes icon

    sNotes – Students Notes

     122 likes

    Students Notes is a note-taking app designed for online learners to overcome information overload, organization, and memorization challenges.

    78 sNotes – Students Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    sNotes – Students Notes screenshot 1
     
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    3
    sNotes – Students Notes vs Obsidian Comments
    pogapiga
    Positive
    6

    sNotes offers a better way of organizing notes for students than Obsidian. It allows creating a hierarchy of notes that reflects the structure of the course material.

    jiliti_jimp
    Positive
    4

    students notes supports handwriting notes, unlike Obsidian.

    kenzo-simon
    Positive
    2

    I love the navigation system and the hierarchical organization of notes in sNotes.

    • sNotes – Students Notes is Free and ProprietaryObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
  7. Anytype icon

    Anytype

     277 likes

    Manage notes, tasks, and projects offline with Markdown support. Enjoy encrypted storage, P2P syncing, and powerful dynamic collections across all devices, while allowing redistribution and modification for non-commercial uses.

    149 Anytype alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Movie Database
     
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    4
    Anytype vs Obsidian Comments
    jchalifour
    Positive
    1

    It provides a lot of flexibility to organize and arrange information in ways that aren't possible in Obsidian (at least not without many plugins). Its developers commit to open code, respecting their users' rights.

    smisheduprog
    Positive
    3

    Not Open Source, Anytype is Open Code. Huge difference.

    Duplicake
    Positive
    0

    It's really good but the sync server is a bit hard to self host

    3 of 4 comments
    • Anytype is Freemium and ProprietaryObsidian is also Freemium and Proprietary
  8. Notion icon

    Notion

     652 likes

    Enhance team collaboration and content organization with Notion. Experience real-time access, intuitive drag-and-drop functionalities, and visually simple interfaces designed for productivity in managing tasks, notes, and databases effectively. Ideal for teams of every size.

    184 Notion alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Notion screenshot 1
     
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    8
    Notion vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Gregor Zobjak
    2

    Notion is online only so I don't can access my note when I'm offline + very closed system with a proprietary file format

    Top Negative Comment
    Aaron
    4

    No local copy of your notes. Notion can access your notes at any time. No offline support.

    begorim451
    Negative
    0

    notion requires account registrating, requires internet connection, not as much customizable as obsidian. however notion is easier to use and looks aesthetic

    3 of 8 comments
    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryObsidian is also Freemium and Proprietary
    • Notion is CustomizableObsidian is not according to our users
  10. Notesnook icon

    Notesnook

     182 likes

    Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.

    314 Notesnook alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak
    Notesnook screenshot 1
     
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    5
    Notesnook vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    jchalifour
    2

    Notesnook respects its users by providing the software as open source, Obsidian does not.

    edwardixon
    Positive
    0

    Cheapest sync! Greatest mobile apps! App notes you actually want to use Easy text formatting. Simple to use. Simple, good notes experience

    Soup
    Positive
    0

    It's very good for taking notes, however there's no "graph" layout like obsidian does. Maybe in the future it will get that feature.

    3 of 5 comments
    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
  11. Standard Notes icon

    Standard Notes

     689 likes

    Secure note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, unlimited syncing across all platforms, offline access, detailed organization through tags, strong passcode and biometric protections, and premium features like encrypted files, themes, web clipper, super note types, and hardware key support.

    133 Standard Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid
    Standard Notes homepage.
     
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    3
    Standard Notes vs Obsidian Comments
    Aaron
    Negative
    9

    Note-linking is a subscription only feature

    hex111
    Positive
    4

    i feel better paying for open source user friendlier projects, wysiwyg is just necessary for people to reasonably shift from the data robbery monopolies.

    Sam Lander
    0

    Standard Notes is not really an alternative to Obsidian. Standard Notes is open-source, more secure/private, and more simple.

    Standard Notes can be used across multiple devices and syncs.

    Obsidian telephones home constantly, even if you turn off updates and community plugins. But Obsidian is a very beautiful markdown app, that does more than just note-taking or to-do lists like Standard Notes.

    • Standard Notes is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Standard Notes is Minimalistic, Security-focused and CustomizableObsidian is not according to our users
  12. Microsoft OneNote icon

    Microsoft OneNote

     1139 likes

    Comprehensive digital notebook offering organizers, shared notes, multi-device syncing, and optical character recognition, plus cloud-based data management for efficient information handling and accessibility.

    154 Microsoft OneNote alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Windows Phone
    • iPad
    • Apple Watch
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Microsoft OneNote screenshot 1
     
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    2
    Microsoft OneNote vs Obsidian Comments
    Sam Lander
    3

    OneNote is an alternative, but it is even less private than Obsidian, less beautiful, and more resource-intensive.

    So I am not sure why anyone would use it, other than being able to easily sync across devices.

    student twenty
    Positive
    5

    This is a weird one, because while the two are very different, OneNote and Obsidian do have very similar goals. If Obsidian doesn't work for you, OneNote offers another way to collect notes and thoughts. I personally can't stand it, and it doesn't have a Linux app, but it's really well made software with a long track record, and it's free. So, yeah - good alternative if you don't mind the privacy issues.

    • Microsoft OneNote is Freemium and ProprietaryObsidian is also Freemium and Proprietary
  13. AppFlowy icon

    AppFlowy

     188 likes

    Open-source workspace offering complete data control, deep customization via themes, plugins, and templates, native multi-platform support using Flutter and Rust, offline access, privacy features, collaborative tools, and easy extensibility for all users.

    98 AppFlowy alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Self-Hosted
    • Snapcraft
    • Rust
    • Flathub
    AppFlowy screenshot 1
     
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    1
    AppFlowy vs Obsidian Comments
    Alstroemeria
    Negative
    0

    One's a work-flow manager, another is a note-taking app

    • AppFlowy is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • AppFlowy is CustomizableObsidian is not according to our users
  14. Zim icon

    Zim

     511 likes

    Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...

    323 Zim alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Zim screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Zim vs Obsidian Comments
    Sam Lander
    Positive
    1

    Zim has all of the same basic features as Obsidian, but it uses far less system resources. Both allow you to download and write plugins, such as advanced pasting (to fix carriage returns when copying pdf text). Both are themable.

    Additionally, it's open-source, unlike Obsidian.

    andgregorik
    Negative
    5

    Zim was a pioneer that's now considered an oldtimer, while Obsidian takes much of its features and brings it into 2020+. Obsidian is more "wiki" than Zim, but it uses a different terminology. I've completely migrated from Zim (and CherryTree) to Obsidian.

    gorgonzolla
    Positive
    1

    I've used ZIM for years. It is all offline on Linux, Mac and Windows, and is therefore much faster than online platforms. Used with Dropbox etc it can sync between your devices, but if you need IOS or Android access look elsewhere.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Zim is Free and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
  15. Google Keep icon

    Google Keep

     836 likes

    Google Keep is a multifunctional tool that merges note-taking with browsing, allowing capture of thoughts, checklists, or voice notes, with cross-device synchronization. Features include color-coded notes, voice transcription, geo-fencing, collaboration, cloud storage, and seamless Google integration.

    112 Google Keep alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Android Wear
    Google Keep screenshot 1
     
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    6
    Google Keep vs Obsidian Comments
    Top Positive Comment
    Hibiscus
    4

    Nothing in common with Obsidian.

    Top Negative Comment
    Power User
    3

    Simple note taking isn't the same as a purpose-built knowledge management tool at all. This isn't a jab at Google Keep which does an OK job for what it is, but it's not an alternative if you want what Obsidian offers.

    Gregor Zobjak
    Negative
    2

    Not an good note taking utility at all... Google Keep is only a digital version of Sticky notes but with the very big contra that Google can steal your personal information Overall you don't have any Organization... you didn't have folders or something that's similar... the only thing you have is a Taging system that is poor.

    3 of 6 comments
    • Google Keep is Free and ProprietaryObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
12 of 188 Obsidian alternatives