Obsidian vs Apple Notes: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Obsidian and Apple Notes 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:
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Cross-device syncing
- • Simple note-taking
| At a Glance |  Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 90/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Obsidian | Apple Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingMind Mapping | Note-TakingTask Management |
Understanding the Differences
Both Obsidian and Apple Notes solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Obsidian positions itself as "private and flexible note-taking" while Apple Notesfocuses on "free note-taking for apple users". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Obsidian
Obsidian makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 90/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Apple Notes
Apple Notes is worth considering if you need a free tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Obsidian lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Obsidian
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Obsidian handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Obsidian
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Obsidian
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Zero budget? Apple Notes won't cost you anything.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Obsidian higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Apple Notes more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Obsidian Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Apple Notes If
- You need a completely free solution
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Obsidian (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Obsidian scores higher in our analysis, but Apple Notes might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Obsidian or Apple Notes better?
Based on our analysis, Obsidian scores higher with 90/100. Obsidian isfreemium while Apple Notes is free. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Obsidian to Apple Notes easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Obsidian and Apple Notes offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Obsidian is freemium with a free tier.Apple Notes is completely free. Visit their websites for current trial offers.