Open Source Obsidian Alternatives

The best open source alternative to Obsidian is Zettlr. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Obsidian and 17 is open source so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Obsidian are Logseq, Standard Notes, Simplenote and CherryTree.

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

Obsidian alternatives page was last updated

Obsidian

704

Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear...

More about Obsidian

Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
File Organizer
Mac
Windows
Linux
145 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
- - Zettlr is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Obsidian.
- - Zettlr is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Obsidian.
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. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Interactive tables
Write files in markdown
Comments about Zettlr as a Alternative to Obsidian
Almost everyone thinks Zettlr is a great Obsidian alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
ph soft
Zettlr simplicity is a quality. Open source.
Top positive comment•
2

Sometimesa
Offers back-linking just like Obsidian does but it is Open-Source. Obsidian is proprietary software.
Top positive comment•
13

Hibiscus
Very basic application. In no way a competition for Obsidian.
Top negative comment•
-1

ujuam ba k
It is the best open source alternative to Obsidian right now. The only downside (big for many) is that it lacks community plugins
Positive comment•
8

student twenty
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•
3

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Logseq
Is this is 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
92 Logseq alternatives
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.
- - Logseq is the most popular Web-based, Android, iPhone, iPad & Self-Hosted alternative to Obsidian.
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. Ad-freeLogseq doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
4. Dark ModeLogseq supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Full-Text SearchLogseq lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
6. Privacy focusedLogseq is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. No TrackingLogseq will not track you or use your personal data.
8. PDF annotationLogseq support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
9. SubtasksLogseq allows you to create and manage tasks inside of a parent-main task.
Bidirectional links
Graph view
Outliner
Backlinks
Local Storage
Knowledge base
Knowledge Management
Note organization
Hyperlinks
Wiki
Comments about Logseq as a Alternative to Obsidian
Almost everyone thinks Logseq is a great Obsidian alternative.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
jchalifour
Logseq is incredibly innovative and it respects my privacy and freedom by providing Free and open source software as opposed to proprietary tools.
Top positive comment•
4

lukorn
A great FOSS alternative with the same paradigm as Obsidian. Allows for many possible workflows.
Top positive comment•
4

Gregor Zobjak
Loseq is very similar to Obsidian.md the only difference is that Loseq is more a short-form editor while Obsidian is a Long-form editor
Positive comment•
0

psychoidiot123
I like that it has similar features to Obsidian and that it's free and open source!
Positive comment•
1

ekaterina-o
Logseq has no usable file manager unlike Obsidian and limits folders you can use.
Positive comment•
3

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Standard Notes
Is this is 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
30 Standard Notes alternatives
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. Automatic BackupStandard Notes will automatically back up your data periodically.
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Sync on many devices
Simple text editor
Two-factor Authentication
Customizable
Comments about Standard Notes as a Alternative to Obsidian
Most users think Standard Notes is a great Obsidian alternative.
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•
3

Aaron
Note-linking is a subscription only feature
Negative comment•
3
Simplenote
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
15 Simplenote alternatives
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.
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Simplenote Features
1. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Dark ModeSimplenote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
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. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
7. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Clean design
Simple text editor
Protected by Password
Notes synchronisation
Android Sync
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Comments about Simplenote as a Alternative to Obsidian
Most users think Simplenote is a great Obsidian alternative.
Aaron
Stores unencrypted notes as plain-text in their cloud which Wordpress can access. Bare-bones. No simple note linking.
Negative comment•
2

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•
1

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•
-1
CherryTree
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
21 CherryTree alternatives
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
5. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Internal linking
Tree-style
Customizable
Export to HTML
Comments about CherryTree as a Alternative to Obsidian
Most users think CherryTree is a great Obsidian alternative.
student twenty
Kind of the same thing? More of a hierarchical note taker, but it runs locally, is super stable, and keeps you organized, so if you don't need all the bells and whistles, this'll get the job done.
Positive comment•
1
AppFlowy
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Rust
31 AppFlowy alternatives
AppFlowy is an open source alternative to Notion. You are in charge of your data and customizations.
Suggest and vote on features
AppFlowy Features
1. Privacy focusedAppFlowy is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
2. Works OfflineAppFlowy can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Kanban BoardAppFlowy allows you to organize your workflow by moving cards with drag-and-drop functionality between multiple columns.
4. Dark ModeAppFlowy supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Ad-freeAppFlowy doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. No TrackingAppFlowy will not track you or use your personal data.
7. WYSIWYG SupportAppFlowy integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
8. LightweightAppFlowy consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. PortableAppFlowy can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Note organization
Notebook
Support for MarkDown
Cloud Sync
Wiki
Rust
Trilium Notes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Google Chrome
Cloudron
Firefox
343 Trilium Notes alternatives
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.
Suggest and vote on features
Trilium Notes Features
1. Dark ModeTrilium Notes supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
2. End-to-End EncryptionTrilium Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. No TrackingTrilium Notes will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. Works OfflineTrilium Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Trilium Notes.
7. Ad-freeTrilium Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Privacy focusedTrilium Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
9. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Trilium Notes simultaneously.
Knowledge base
Tree of notes
Note organization
Encrypted Notes
REST API
Customizable
Electron based
Command line interface
Notebook
WYSIWYG Support
Opinions about Trilium Notes as a Alternative to Obsidian
Almost everyone thinks Trilium Notes is a great Obsidian alternative.
Joplin
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Cloudron
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
23 Joplin alternatives
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
Tagging
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Write files in markdown
Multiplatform
Synchronization
Plugin system
Export to HTML
Comments about Joplin as a Alternative to Obsidian
Some users think Joplin is a great Obsidian alternative, some don't.
all • positive • negative relevance • date
vaynagiy
I like Joplin. Convinient for programmers
Top positive comment•
1

Guest
It's open source, allows crypto your md notes on some cloud storage
Top positive comment•
0

andgregorik
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.
Top negative comment•
17

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•
0

Aaron
Very different structure and UI
Negative comment•
1

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5 of 10 comments