Apple Notes vs Obsidian: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Apple Notes 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
| At a Glance |  Apple Notes |  Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Transcription | Documentation |
Rating | 86/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Apple Notes | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | TranscriptionNote-Taking | DocumentationNote-Taking |
How Apple Notes and Obsidian Compare
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Free · 86/100 score
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Apple Notes is a transcription tool. Obsidian is in documentation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apple Notes is free. Obsidian is freemium.
Go with: Apple Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Apple Notes: 86/100. Obsidian: 90/100.
Go with: Obsidian
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Obsidian
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apple Notes is free. Obsidian is freemium. Go with Apple Notes if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Apple Notes is a transcription tool. Obsidian is in documentation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Obsidian scores higher: 90/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Better fit for transcription
The Bottom Line
Obsidian (90/100) is our pick. That said, Apple Notes is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Notes or Obsidian better?
Obsidian scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Apple Notes is free and Obsidian is freemium.
What are Apple Notes and Obsidian used for?
Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Apple Notes cost vs Obsidian?
Apple Notes is completely free. Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.