Notesnook vs Obsidian: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Notesnook 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Notesnook
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • End-to-end encrypted and zero-knowledge note-taking.
- • Open-source and available across desktop, web, and mobile.
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
| At a Glance |  Notesnook |  Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $4/user/month/moSync |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Notesnook or Obsidian?
Choose Notesnook if
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
- Strong emphasis on privacy with end-to-end and at-rest encryption.
- 100% open source, allowing for transparency and self-hosting.
- Available on multiple platforms (desktop, web, mobile) with seamless sync.
- You want a fully free tool (Obsidian requires payment)
Choose Obsidian if
Private and flexible note-taking
- Local-first privacy
- Extensible plugins
- Graph view
| Feature | Notesnook | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.4/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Notesnook
The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.
Strengths
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with end-to-end and at-rest encryption.
- +100% open source, allowing for transparency and self-hosting.
- +Available on multiple platforms (desktop, web, mobile) with seamless sync.
- +Feature-rich for diverse note-taking needs.
- +Community-driven open development.
Weaknesses
- -Free plan has limitations on storage, file size, and feature usage.
- -Some advanced features like full offline mode are only available in the Pro plan.
Key features
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Strengths
- +Local-first privacy
- +Extensible plugins
- +Graph view
Weaknesses
- -Sync costs extra
- -Steep learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Notesnook vs Obsidian
| Plan | Notesnook | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0/ month Free | $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 Notesnook pricing and Obsidian pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Notesnook is free. Obsidian is freemium.
Go with: Notesnook
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Notesnook
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Obsidian
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Notesnook is free. Obsidian is freemium. Go with Notesnook if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Notesnook
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Obsidian is our pick. That said, Notesnook is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notesnook or Obsidian better?
Obsidian is rated in our evaluation. Notesnook is free and Obsidian is freemium.
What are Notesnook and Obsidian used for?
Notesnook: The open-source, zero-knowledge private note-taking app for all your thoughts and ideas.. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Notesnook cost vs Obsidian?
Notesnook is completely free. Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.