Notion vs Obsidian: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Notion 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:
Notion
All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards
Best for you if:
- • All-in-one workspace
- • Notes, docs, wikis, and databases
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
| At a Glance |  Notion |  Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Documentation | Documentation |
Rating | 87/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Notion | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | DocumentationWorkflow Automation | DocumentationNote-Taking |
How Notion and Obsidian Compare
Notion
All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Notion
Want the highest-rated option?
Notion: 87/100. 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?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are documentation tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Obsidian scores higher: 90/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Notion
The Bottom Line
Obsidian (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notion or Obsidian better?
Obsidian scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Notion and Obsidian used for?
Notion: All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Notion cost vs Obsidian?
Notion is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.