Obsidian Alternatives

Obsidian is described as 'Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files' 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 iPhone. The best alternative is Joplin, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Obsidian are Notion, Standard Notes, Zettlr and Google Keep.

Obsidian alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Obsidian.

This page was last updated

Obsidian

585

Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub

Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

Learn more about Obsidian

Joplin
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
591 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Tagging
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Sync with Dropbox
Joplin vs Obsidian
Most users think Joplin is a great alternative to Obsidian.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
vaynagiy
I like Joplin. Convinient for programmers
Top positive comment• ago

1

Guest
It's open source, allows crypto your md notes on some cloud storage
Top positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Joplin doesn't have the same focus as Obsidian. It's more of an Evernote alternative
Top negative comment• ago

6

Niminae
They are too different. They don't link as similarly and have a very different setup. Joplin is a better alternative to Evernote than Obsidian.
Negative comment• ago

0

syberiyxx
Very different structure and UI
Negative comment• ago

1

LongLife
They focus on different things.
Negative comment• ago

0

andersmmg
Joplin has a very different approach to organization compared to Obsidian
Negative comment• ago

1

Show more comments ▾
7 of 10 comments
Notion
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Software as a Service (SaaS)
416 alternatives to Notion
With so many tools, it's hard to keep everyone on the same page. Notion is a new tool that unifies them all.
Suggest and vote on features
Notion Features
1. Support for MarkDownNotion supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Kanban BoardNotion allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
3. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Notion simultaneously.
4. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Notion.
5. Support for LaTeXNotion supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Notion.
7. Support for @mentionsNotion supports the use of mentions through @ to a particular user, who will be notified personally.
8. Syntax HighlightingNotion supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Wiki
Custom templates
Visual bookmarks
Data export/import
Knowledge Base structuring
Hyperlinks
Tables
Tablet support
Nested Notes
Cross Linking
Notion vs Obsidian
Almost everyone thinks Notion is a great alternative to Obsidian.
arjshiv
great search, excellent native app (used to suck but now it's great), easier to think of written data as a database, better plugin ecosystem.
Top positive comment• ago

-1

nftshawn
Notion has more interoperability
Top positive comment• ago

0

passawitkaovilai
Because Notion is online only, it can have high latency when pulling databases of pages which Obsidian have no issues with.
Top negative comment• ago

13

Adam21
Easier to use than obsidian, free online storage and the AI ??is really amazing
Positive comment• ago

0

syberiyxx
No local copy of your notes. Notion can access your notes at any time. No offline support.
Negative comment• ago

0

g1_infosec
As of the time of speaking, Notion search function won't query data within databases so if you like to have some information organized in Tables you have to search on each database individually to find this data. Nightmare!
Negative comment• ago

0
Standard Notes
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
466 alternatives to Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.
Suggest and vote on features
Standard Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionStandard Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedStandard Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Support for MarkDownStandard Notes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsStandard Notes can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Works OfflineStandard Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Encrypted BackupStandard Notes uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
8. Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationStandard Notes supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Simple text editor
Sync on many devices
Customizable
Lightweight
Standard Notes vs Obsidian
pros, cons and recent comments
hex111
i feel better paying for open source user friendlier projects, wysiwyg is just necessary for people to reasonably shift from the data robbery monopolies.
Positive comment• ago

2

syberiyxx
Note-linking is a subscription only feature
Negative comment• ago

1
Zettlr
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
130 alternatives to Zettlr
Zettlr is a supercharged markdown editor that combines many writing editor features and collect them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
8. LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Link files
Integrated Search
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
Zettlr vs Obsidian
Almost everyone thinks Zettlr is a great alternative to Obsidian.
ujuam
It is the best open source alternative to Obsidian right now. The only downside (big for many) is that it lacks community plugins
Top positive comment• ago

6

Guest
Good alternative to Obsidian but backlinks are not as magic as in Obsidian. If you rename a file it will not modify links. You cannot link to a specific header. You need to use some ID which is a bit troublesome at first. Also you don't have a graph showing you all the links. But as this is Opensource, this is the best alternative to Obsidian which is closed source.
Top positive comment• ago

11

Hibiscus
Very basic application. In no way a competition for Obsidian.
Top negative comment• ago

-1

softph
Zettlr simplicity is a quality. Open source.
Positive comment• ago

1

s20
Probably the best Open Source alternative to Obsidian, and what I was using for quite some time. Well, a few months anyway. It has backlinking and some other great features that make it more useful as a knowledge base, but if you're looking for a full replacement, you're going to miss a lot of features, not least of which is the graph.
Positive comment• ago

3

Sometimesa
Offers back-linking just like Obsidian does but it is Open-Source. Obsidian is proprietary software.
Positive comment• ago

13
Google Keep
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear
330 alternatives to Google Keep
Google Keep has several features including color coding notes, inserting images, creating lists, geo-fencing, shareable notes, and search by color.
Suggest and vote on features
Google Keep Features
1. Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeGoogle Keep supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. RemindersGoogle Keep allows you to set reminders for tasks, events or actions, based on parameters of time, place or condition.
6. Sync with Google CalendarGoogle Keep can be synchronized with Google Calendar
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Google Keep simultaneously.
Sync on many devices
Visual Organization
Share notes
Web-Based
Multiplatform
Photo notes
Tagging
Html parsing
Real-time sync
Integrated Search
Google Keep vs Obsidian
pros, cons and recent comments
Hibiscus
Nothing in common with Obsidian.
Top positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Light weight, clean, minimalistic and easy to use. Dead simple
Top positive comment• ago

0

SimplyTolex
Not similar. Google keep is like sticky notes + not private and not secure. Obsidian is about internal links and completely offline.
Top negative comment• ago

4

Gregor_zbjk
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.
Negative comment• ago

0

s20
Although it's decent for what it is if you don't mind Google stealing your online soul, of course), Google Keep isn't remotely an Obsidian replacement. Honestly, it's just digital post-it notes, and Obsidian is so much more than that. This is a bad alternative.
Negative comment• ago

2
Microsoft OneNote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Windows S
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
471 alternatives to Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft OneNote, part of the Microsoft 365 (Office), is a digital notebook application that gives people one place to gather notes and information. It also offers shared notebooks, syncing between multiple computers and devices via Windows...
Suggest and vote on features
Microsoft OneNote Features
1. Handwritten NotesMicrosoft OneNote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Microsoft OneNote.
3. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Microsoft OneNote.
4. Works OfflineMicrosoft OneNote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
6. Pressure SensitivityMicrosoft OneNote can change attributes like thickness or opacity, based on how much force you apply to your stylus/finger.
7. Dark ModeMicrosoft OneNote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. SubtasksMicrosoft OneNote allows you to create and manage tasks inside of a parent-main task.
9. WYSIWYG SupportMicrosoft OneNote integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Visual Organization
Text formatting
Insert images
Unicode Math Support
Support for styluses
Sketching
Unlimited Canvas Area
Real-time sync
Linking capability
Freehand Writing
Microsoft OneNote vs Obsidian
pros, cons and recent comments
s20
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.
Positive comment• ago

1
Logseq
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Self-Hosted
83 alternatives to Logseq
Logseq is a platform for knowledge sharing and management. It focuses on privacy, longevity, and user control. Notice: the backend code will be open-sourced as soon as we’re sure that the backend service meets the security standards.
Suggest and vote on features
Logseq Features
1. Support for MarkDownLogseq supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineLogseq can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeLogseq supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Logseq to stay focused and productive.
5. Ad-freeLogseq doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Full-Text SearchLogseq lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Privacy focusedLogseq is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
8. Spell CheckingLogseq can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
9. No TrackingLogseq will not track you or use your personal data.
Bidirectional links
Graph view
Outliner
Backlinks
Local Storage
Knowledge base
Knowledge Management
Note organization
Hyperlinks
Wiki
Logseq vs Obsidian
pros, cons and recent comments
lukorn
A great FOSS alternative with the same paradigm as Obsidian. Allows for many possible workflows.
Top positive comment• ago

3

ujuam
Great open source alternative, it even has plugin extensions. It is an interesting approach, though having to access a separate menu to search for your pages is very uncomfortable. It is a very basic and essential feature and I won't be using this app anymore because of it.

It would also be good if they added more color themes, as the only dark theme is not very dark to say the least.
Top positive comment• ago

3

ekaterina-o
Logseq has no usable file manager unlike Obsidian and limits folders you can use.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Lightweight and powerful
Positive comment• ago

0

Niminae
Logseq has most of the same features of Obsidian, including being able to be used offline. There's a graph mode and dark mode, but there are also included plugins for journaling and flash cards. Only downside is the Android app is still in beta and very finicky.
Positive comment• ago

0

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

3
Evernote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
549 alternatives to Evernote
Evernote is a cross-platform, freemium app designed for note taking, organizing, and archiving.
Suggest and vote on features
Evernote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Works OfflineEvernote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. OCRExtract the text from a screen capture or file and paste it into another document for edits.
4. Handwritten NotesEvernote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
5. Calendar IntegrationEvernote lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
6. Dark ModeEvernote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
7. Support for MarkDownEvernote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. PDF annotationEvernote support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
9. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Evernote.
Text formatting
Hyperlinks
Screenshot OCR
Tagging
Folders
Sits in the System Tray
Note organization
Export to HTML
Export to PDF
Notifications
Evernote vs Obsidian
Some users think Evernote is a great alternative to Obsidian, some don't.
riveravaldez
Obsidian claims to keep your data as .md plain files, locally.
Negative comment• ago

5

s20
Don't get me wrong, Evernote is a knowledge base, but it's approach is so wildly different that it's hard to think of it as an alternative to Obsidian. Still, it's functional an had some pretty great features, so if Obsidian doesn't work for you, maybe this will? More comparable to OneNote, but it does the job.
Positive comment• ago

0

ChrisWayg
Evernote has the best web-clipper by far in comparison to any other apps I have used. Formatting can be a mess, as it is a proprietary format and not Markdown. Offline use has gotten worse than a few years ago. The apps have become slower, bloated and overloaded with features. Still using it due to lots of legacy data and the web-clipper, but currently I prefer more lightweight apps like Obsidian and Bear where my data is available in form of Markdown files.
Comment• ago

0
Typora
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
134 alternatives to Typora
Typora gives you a seamless experience as both a reader and a writer. It removes the preview window, mode switcher, syntax symbols of markdown source code, and all other unnecessary distractions. Instead, it provides a real live preview feature to help you concentrate on the...
Suggest and vote on features
Typora Features
1. Support for MarkDownTypora supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
3. Distraction-freeTypora has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
4. WYSIWYG SupportTypora integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
5. Support for LaTeXTypora supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Typora.
7. LightweightTypora consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Code FormattingTypora supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
9. Spell CheckingTypora can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Write files in markdown
Save as Markdown
Simple text editor
Code Syntax Highlighting
Export to PDF
Clean design
Multiplatform
Nested Folders
Minimalistic
Multiple languages
Typora vs Obsidian
Most users think Typora is a great alternative to Obsidian.
Guest
it complements Obsidian, but not really a replacement.
Top positive comment• ago

11

Guest
It's a good alternative because it has Hyperlinking (internal/external), that means we can do backlinks (not automatic though) and it supports Zettelkasten method.
Top positive comment• ago

1

RemovedUser
Typora is only a markdown editor, Obsidian is also a markdown editor, but they're not very similar. Typora is also paid, but some months ago it was free, so there are frequent changes that aren't good for users
Top negative comment• ago

0

s20
Typora is an excellent tool, and a beautiful one at that, but it's absolutely not an Obsidian alternative. It just doesn't do the same job at all. If you want an outstanding Markdown editor/reader, Typora is for you. But a knowledge base it ain't.
Comment• ago

3

GeorgeRey
not really an alternative to Obsidian. More like a complement.
Positive comment• ago

14
Simplenote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Kindle Fire
399 alternatives to Simplenote
Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.
Suggest and vote on features
Simplenote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. Full-Text SearchSimplenote lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. No TrackingSimplenote will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Ad-freeSimplenote doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Protected by Password
Clean design
Simple text editor
Android Sync
Notes synchronisation
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Simplenote vs Obsidian
pros, cons and recent comments
Mayank-Arora
Simplenote is love. You must try it once. I have SimpleNote installed on my Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iPad. It works on all browsers and all operating systems. It is so easy to take notes and have them sync across all devices and web. It is so easy to quickly get to your notes. I can't live without simplenote as I have so much dependency on this simple tool. Simplenote really makes it simpler to organize 'note taking' task.
Positive comment• ago

0

syberiyxx
Stores unencrypted notes as plain-text in their cloud which Wordpress can access. Bare-bones. No simple note linking.
Negative comment• ago

1

Niminae
The most prominent feature of Obsidian is bi-directional linking between notes. Simplenote is more akin to sticky notes; they aren't really similar at all.
Negative comment• ago

0