Obsidian vs Joplin: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Obsidian and Joplin 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 to try before committing
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source note-taking app with multimedia support.
- • Features end-to-end encryption and flexible sync options.
| At a Glance |  Obsidian |  Joplin |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $4/user/month/moSync | 2.99$ /month/moBasic |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Obsidian or Joplin?
Choose Obsidian if
Private and flexible note-taking
- Local-first privacy
- Extensible plugins
- Graph view
Choose Joplin if
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
- Open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format.
- Strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE).
- Highly customizable with plugins, themes, and API.
| Feature | Obsidian | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 29 reviews | ★4.3/5 67 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Strengths
- +Local-first privacy
- +Extensible plugins
- +Graph view
Weaknesses
- -Sync costs extra
- -Steep learning curve
Key features
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Strengths
- +Open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format.
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE).
- +Highly customizable with plugins, themes, and API.
- +Available across a wide range of platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Terminal).
- +Supports multimedia content and web clipping for comprehensive note-taking.
Weaknesses
- -E2EE setup requires manual enabling on each device.
- -Initial E2EE sync can be time-consuming for large note collections.
- -Advanced collaboration and sharing features are tied to paid Joplin Cloud plans.
Key features
Pricing: Obsidian vs Joplin
| Plan | Obsidian | Joplin |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | 2.99$ /month Basic |
| Tier 2 | $4/user/month Sync | 5.99$ /month Pro |
| Tier 3 | $8/site/month Publish | 7.99$ /month (*) Teams |
| Tier 4 | $50/user/year Commercial | Contact us Joplin Server Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Obsidian pricing and Joplin pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Obsidian has a free tier. Joplin is paid only.
Go with: Obsidian
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Obsidian
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Obsidian
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Obsidian is freemium. Joplin is paid. Obsidian lets you start free.
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
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Joplin
- Larger review base (67 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Obsidian is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Obsidian or Joplin better?
Obsidian is rated in our evaluation. Obsidian is freemium and Joplin is paid.
What are Obsidian and Joplin used for?
Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking. Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app..
What does Obsidian cost vs Joplin?
Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Joplin is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.