Amplenote vs Obsidian: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Amplenote and Obsidian comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Obsidian wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Pick Amplenote if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Amplenote
Transform ideas into actions with an all-in-one note-taking, to-do list, and calendar scheduling app.
Best for you if:
- • You want integrates notes, tasks, and calendar in one place, reducing app-switching
- • You want intelligent task prioritization using the Eisenhower Matrix
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want local-first privacy
- • You want extensible plugins
| At a Glance | Amplenote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Amplenote or Obsidian?
Choose Amplenote if
Transform ideas into actions with an all-in-one note-taking, to-do list, and calendar scheduling app.
- You want integrates notes, tasks, and calendar in one place, reducing app-switching
- You want intelligent task prioritization using the Eisenhower Matrix
Choose Obsidian if
Private and flexible note-taking
- You want local-first privacy
- You want extensible plugins
| Feature | Amplenote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.9/5 13 reviews | ★4.5/5 12 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingTask Management | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Amplenote
Transform ideas into actions with an all-in-one note-taking, to-do list, and calendar scheduling app.
Strengths
- +Integrates notes, tasks, and calendar in one place, reducing app-switching.
- +Intelligent task prioritization using the Eisenhower Matrix.
- +Strong security features including encryption and Vault Notes.
- +Rich content embedding within notes enhances context and meaning.
- +Seamless import/export and cross-device syncing.
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has limitations on file upload size and customer support.
- -Advanced features like Vault Notes and publishing are only available in higher-tier paid plans.
Key features
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Obsidian core app is genuinely free with no feature gating, every note-taking and knowledge management feature works without paying.
Watch out
Sync ($4-5/month) is almost mandatory for multi-device users. While you can use free alternatives (iCloud, Google Drive, Git), they introduce sync conflicts that Obsidian Sync solves with end-to-end encryption and proper conflict resolution. Most serious users end up paying for Sync
Strengths
- +Local-first privacy
- +Extensible plugins
- +Graph view
Weaknesses
- -Sync costs extra
- -Steep learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Amplenote vs Obsidian
| Plan | Amplenote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $4/user/month Sync |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $8/site/month Publish |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $50/user/year Commercial |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Amplenote pricing and Obsidian pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Amplenote
Want the highest-rated option?
Amplenote: 4.9/5 (13 reviews). Obsidian: 4.5/5 (12 reviews).
Go with: Amplenote
Value user reviews?
Amplenote: 13 reviews (4.9/5). Obsidian: 12 reviews (4.5/5).
Go with: Amplenote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Amplenote is rated higher: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Amplenote
- Higher user rating: 4.9/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (13 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Obsidian wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amplenote or Obsidian better?
Obsidian is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Amplenote and Obsidian used for?
Amplenote: Transform ideas into actions with an all-in-one note-taking, to-do list, and calendar scheduling app.. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Amplenote cost vs Obsidian?
Amplenote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.