Obsidian Alternatives (2026): 10 Tools Compared

Obsidian has a loyal following because it keeps your notes as plain files on your own device and lets you link them together. That approach isn't for everybody. Some people find the setup fiddly, some want a polished mobile app, some want team sharing, and others want a tool that stays out of the way and simply holds their notes. If that sounds like you, it's worth looking around before you settle on a second brain.

This page lists ten note-taking and knowledge tools in no particular order. I've deliberately put smaller, independent and open-source projects next to a few familiar names, since many people find their best fit among the lesser-known options. I drew on each tool's own website and directory listings rather than guessing. For a wider survey of the category, see my guide to note-taking apps.

Obsidian alternatives in a single table

The free plan column reflects what each tool's own site says. Yes means a permanent free plan or a free open-source option. Trial only means a free trial but no ongoing free plan, and No means neither is stated, so check the current plans before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
AppFlowy	Open-source workspace	Projects, wikis and notes you can self-host	Yes
Capacities	Linked-object notes	Notes organised as connected objects, not folders	Yes
Craft	Notes and docs app	Polished notes, tasks and docs across devices	Yes
Evernote	Note-taking app	Notes, tasks and calendar with search	Yes
Heptabase	Visual knowledge base	Spatial boards for researching and connecting ideas	Trial only
Joplin	Open-source notes	Free notes and to-dos on desktop and mobile	Yes
Logseq	Outliner knowledge base	Open-source, privacy-first linked notes	Yes
Notesnook	Encrypted notes	End-to-end encrypted, open-source note-taking	Yes
Notion	All-in-one workspace	Notes, databases and team documents together	Yes
SiYuan	Self-hosted workspace	Privacy-first, open-source knowledge workspace	Yes

Ten Obsidian alternatives, tool by tool

AppFlowy

Best for: People who want an open-core workspace with the option of hosting their own data.

Capacities

Best for: Thinkers who want people, books and ideas stored as linked items.

Craft

Best for: Anyone who wants a tidy, design-led app that syncs across their devices.

Evernote

Best for: Long-time note keepers who want one familiar place for notes and tasks.

Heptabase

Best for: Students and researchers who think best by laying ideas out on a canvas.

Joplin

Best for: People who want an open-source app with a choice of sync services.

Logseq

Best for: Fans of outlines and daily journals who want an open-source tool.

Notesnook

Best for: Privacy-minded people who want simple notes that sync without fuss.

Notion

Best for: Teams and solo workers who want notes sitting beside tasks and databases.

SiYuan

Best for: Technical users who want a self-hosted, block-based knowledge tool.

Choosing among Obsidian alternatives: what matters in a notes app

A notes app is a long-term home for your thinking, so a poor choice is irritating to undo. Think about how you work, not how an influencer's setup looks.

• Where your notes live: plain files on your device, or inside the vendor's own system?
• Linking: do you want links and a map of connections, or simple folders and tags?
• Writing style: free-form pages, outlines, or structured objects and databases?
• Devices: does the mobile app feel as good as the desktop one?
• Sharing: do you need to work with other people, or is this just for you?
• Privacy: is end-to-end encryption or self-hosting important to you?
• Getting out: can you export everything in an open format like Markdown?

If you're weighing a full workspace against a pure notes tool, my roundup of Notion alternatives may help you see where each style fits.

Moving away from Obsidian: questions to settle first

Your notes are the valuable thing here, not the app, so plan the move around them.

• How many notes are there, and do I really need all of them?
• Do I rely on plugins or special formatting that the new tool won't understand?
• Will the new app import Markdown files cleanly, including links and images?
• Can I try it with a small folder before moving everything?
• What's my backup plan if the new app disappears or changes direction?
• Will other people need access, and does that change my choice?

Second-brain slip-ups to avoid when you switch notes apps

• Spending weeks building an elaborate system before writing a single useful note.
• Importing every old note, including the ones you'll never read again.
• Choosing an app for its plugin library when you only need a place to write.
• Ignoring the mobile app, then finding you never capture ideas on the go.
• Locking your notes into a format you can't export.

Notes work best alongside a few other habits and tools. My collection of productivity tools covers some good companions.

Why a small notes app can be the right choice

Smaller and open-source note tools are usually built by people who use them every day. They tend to focus on writing and thinking rather than a long list of extras, and their communities are often friendly and quick to help. The trade-off is that you should check a few things first: is the project still being updated, can you export your notes, and is there somewhere to ask questions? Try it with a week of real notes before you commit.

Do you make a notes or knowledge tool? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Final steps for your Obsidian alternatives shortlist

Pick two tools and use each for a few days with real work: a meeting, a reading list and a half-formed idea. Notice which one you reach for without being reminded. Then export a small batch from both to confirm your notes could always leave. The one that feels natural and keeps your data portable is usually the right choice.

Frequently asked questions

Why look for an alternative to Obsidian?

People move on for different reasons: a simpler setup, a better mobile app, built-in sharing or a different style of organising. Others just want to compare options before settling.

Are there free note-taking apps with linking?

Yes. Several tools have a free plan and some are free open-source projects. The table shows what each site says, but plans change, so check before you sign up.

Can I move my Obsidian notes to another app?

Usually yes, because Obsidian notes are Markdown files. Many apps import Markdown, though links, images and plugin features may need tidying afterwards.

Do I need a notes app that works offline?

If you write on trains, planes or patchy connections, yes. Some tools store everything on your device first, while others rely more on the cloud.

What is the difference between a notes app and a workspace?

A notes app focuses on writing and linking ideas. A workspace adds databases, tasks and team features, which suits shared work but can feel heavier for personal notes.