The Best Obsidian AlternativesTop Note-taking & Task Management Tools 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, Linux, Android and Web-based apps. The best Obsidian alternative is Logseq, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Obsidian are Zettlr, sNotes – Students Notes, Joplin and Anytype.

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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 Android + Open Source. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Obsidian.
Obsidian iconObsidian
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Obsidian is a 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.

More about Obsidian
Obsidian alternatives page was last updated Mar 15, 2025
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Alternatives
  1. Logseq icon
     281 likes
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    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.

    128 Logseq alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • F-Droid

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Support for Themes

    Features

    1.  Bidirectional links
    2.  Graph view
    3.  Outliner
    4.  Local Storage
    5.  Backlinks
    6.  Knowledge base
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Knowledge Management
    9.  Works Offline
    10.  Note organization
    11.  Ad-free
    12.  Full-Text Search

    Logseq VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Logseq as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Comment summary: Logseq offers a different note-taking experience than Obsidian, with a focus on journaling connections and graph visualizations. Users appreciate Logseq being free, open-source, and suitable for offline use, but some criticize its limited file management and bugs. While Obsidian is praised for stability across platforms and effective sync features, Logseq is noted for being a strong personal knowledge management solution and a valuable FOSS alternative.
    Top Positive Comment
    jchalifour
    Feb 17, 2021
    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
    Oct 2, 2023
    1

    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.

    Most Recent Comment
    Farrukh
    Negative Aug 11, 2024
    -7

    LogSeq is not giving you as Freedom as you may find in Obsidian and Joplin. It is mostly bounded to connecting your notes to a Journal, while in others, you have to freedom to create your notes, journals, etc. independent of each other, in any structure you may like.

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    3 of 12 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Logseq icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Logseq is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Logseq is the most popular Web-based, Windows, Android & Mac alternative to Obsidian.

    • Logseq is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Obsidian.

    • Logseq is Free and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Logseq is Privacy focusedObsidian is not according to our users
  2. Zettlr icon
     223 likes
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    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.

    163 Zettlr alternatives

    License model

    • FreeOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • DE flagGermany
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Zettelkasten note method
    3.  File Tagging
    4.  Multiple export options
    5. Zotero icon  Zotero integration
    6.  Note organization
    7.  Link files
    8.  Built-in themes
    9.  Ad-free
    10.  Export to LaTeX
    11.  Works Offline
    12.  Write files in markdown

    Zettlr VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Zettlr as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Comment summary: Zettlr is recognized as a strong open-source alternative to Obsidian, appreciated for its simplicity and open-source nature. It offers many beneficial features like backlinking, although some users miss Obsidian's community plugins and graph visualization. While it's not considered a complete replacement for Obsidian, Zettlr's straightforward design is praised. However, some critics find it basic and not competitive enough against Obsidian's advanced capabilities.
    Top Positive Comment
    Sam Lander
    Jan 15, 2024
    3

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

    Top Negative Comment
    Hibiscus
    Jul 27, 2022
    5

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

    Most Recent Comment
    Ted Curran
    Positive Feb 12, 2025
    0

    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.

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    3 of 9 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Zettlr icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Zettlr is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Zettlr is Free and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Zettlr is Privacy focusedObsidian is not according to our users
  3. Copy a direct link to this comment to your clipboard

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

    48 sNotes – Students Notes alternatives

    License model

    • FreeProprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Educational

    Features

    1.  Knowledge base
    2.  Note organization
    3.  Hierarchical Structure
    4.  Handwritten Notes
    5.  No registration required
    6.  Works Offline
    7.  No Tracking
    8.  Full-Text Search
    9.  Ad-free

    sNotes – Students Notes VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about sNotes – Students Notes as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Most Recent Comment
    pogapiga
    Positive Mar 2, 2024
    5

    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 Mar 5, 2024
    3

    students notes supports handwriting notes, unlike Obsidian.

    kenzo-simon
    Positive Feb 21, 2024
    2

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

    Obsidian Icon
    sNotes – Students Notes icon
    • Almost everyone thinks sNotes – Students Notes is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • sNotes – Students Notes is Free and ProprietaryObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • sNotes – Students Notes is Privacy focused and LightweightObsidian is not according to our users
  4. Joplin icon
     819 likes
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    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.

    75 Joplin alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • FR flagFrance
    • European Union flagEU

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Self-Hosted
    • AppImageHub
    • Snapcraft
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • F-Droid
    • Cloudron
    • Homebrew
    • Chocolatey
    • Termux
    • Mozilla Firefox

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  Support for MarkDown
    2.  Cloud Sync
    3.  End-to-End Encryption
    4.  Web Clipper
    5.  Works Offline
    6.  Local Storage
    7.  Tagging
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  File Sync
    10.  Encrypted Notes
    11. Android icon  Android Sync
    12.  WebDAV Support

    Joplin VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Joplin as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Comment summary: Joplin and Obsidian differ significantly in features and setup. Joplin, preferred for its offline capability, open source nature, and cost-free access, is compared more to Evernote than Obsidian. Whereas Joplin focuses on mobile-desktop syncing and hierarchical note-taking, Obsidian offers a graph-based organization and aims to be a powerful desktop knowledge base. Some comments criticize Obsidian for paywalls on basic features.
    Top Positive Comment
    Guest
    Feb 28, 2023
    1

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

    Top Negative Comment
    andgregorik
    Oct 31, 2020
    21

    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.

    Most Recent Comment
    Guest
    Negative Mar 1, 2025
    0

    Basic features cost money / paywall

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    3 of 12 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Joplin icon
    • Most users think Joplin is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Joplin is the most popular Android Tablet alternative to Obsidian.

    • Joplin is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Joplin is Privacy focusedObsidian is not according to our users
  5. Anytype icon
     240 likes
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    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.

    106 Anytype alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • CH flagSwitzerland

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused

    Features

    1.  Works Offline
    2.  End-to-End Encryption
    3.  Synchronization
    4.  Decentralized
    5.  Visual Organization
    6.  Knowledge Management
    7.  Support for MarkDown
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Local Storage
    10.  Wiki
    11.  Team Collaboration
    12.  Cross-Platform

    Anytype VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Anytype as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Most Recent Comment
    smisheduprog
    Positive Jan 11, 2025
    2

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

    jchalifour
    Positive May 21, 2024
    0

    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.

    baozidai
    Positive Mar 23, 2024
    -1

    Opensource. Graphview. And a lot of things like Notion.

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    3 of 4 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Anytype icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Anytype is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Anytype is Freemium and ProprietaryObsidian is also Freemium and Proprietary
    • Anytype is Privacy focused and DecentralizedObsidian is not according to our users
  6. Notion icon
     616 likes
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    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.

    107 Notion alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumProprietary

    Country of Origin

    • US flagUnited States

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    Features

    1.  Database Management Tool
    2.  Support for MarkDown
    3.  Wiki
    4.  Custom templates
    5.  Team Collaboration
    6.  Visual bookmarks
    7.  Relational Database
    8.  Knowledge Base structuring
    9.  Data export/import
    10.  Kanban Board
    11.  Real time collaboration
    12. LaTeX icon  Support for LaTeX

    Notion VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Notion as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Top Positive Comment
    Adam21
    Mar 1, 2023
    0

    Easier to use than obsidian, free online storage and the AI ??is really amazing

    Top Negative Comment
    passawitkaovilai
    Mar 3, 2021
    24

    Because Notion is online only, it can have high latency when pulling databases of pages which Obsidian have no issues with.

    Most Recent Comment
    begorim451
    Negative Jan 5, 2025
    0

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

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    3 of 8 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Notion icon
    • Most users think Notion is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Notion is the most popular SaaS alternative to Obsidian.

    • Notion is Freemium and ProprietaryObsidian is also Freemium and Proprietary
  7. Notesnook icon
     138 likes
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    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.

    250 Notesnook alternatives

    License model

    • FreemiumOpen Source

    Country of Origin

    • PK flagPakistan

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Flathub
    • F-Droid
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Flatpak

    Properties

    1.  Privacy focused
    2.  Lightweight
    3.  Distraction-free

    Features

    1.  Encrypted Notes
    2.  Private notes
    3.  Works Offline
    4.  Note organization
    5.  End-to-End Encryption
    6.  Dark Mode
    7.  Ad-free
    8.  Support for MarkDown
    9.  No Tracking
    10.  Cloud Sync
    11.  Web Clipper
    12.  Reminders

    Notesnook VS Obsidian

     
    Comments about Notesnook as an Alternative to Obsidian
    Most Recent Comment
    jchalifour
    Positive Jun 7, 2023
    2

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

    Soup
    Positive Jan 4, 2025
    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.

    mohamedmhagag
    Positive Nov 15, 2024
    0

    Nice, Polished UI and experience Love it

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    3 of 4 comments
    Obsidian Icon
    Notesnook icon
    • Almost everyone thinks Notesnook is a great Obsidian alternative.

    • Notesnook is Freemium and Open SourceObsidian is Freemium and Proprietary
    • Notesnook is Privacy focusedObsidian is not according to our users
7 of 105 Obsidian alternatives