9 Obsidian Alternatives and Competitors

A curated list of the best free, open source alternatives and competitors to Obsidian, ranked based on category revelancy & feature completeness.

# Open-source Alternatives

Open-source alternatives offer extensive customization through public code access. Most of them provide free / paid cloud service. Some might require self-hosting to use.

Github stars 33.2k stars
Fully open-source

Logseq empowers you to build your own digital garden by taking notes, managing tasks, and connecting information in a freeform, graph-based environment

Logseq

Logseq is an open-source, local-first knowledge management tool that combines note-taking, task management, and graph visualization. It allows users to create and link notes using a freeform, markdown-based approach, forming a personal digital garden of interconnected information.

Logseq is best used for
  1. Personal knowledge management: Build a searchable repository of personal notes, ideas, and insights
  2. Research and study: Organize research materials, literature notes, and academic references
  3. Project planning and task tracking: Manage tasks, projects, and workflows in a freeform environment

Organize and control your notes, tasks, and databases in a flexible, open-source app designed for secure, collaborative workflows

AppFlowy

AppFlowy is an all-in-one workspace solution enabling users to create, organize, and connect ideas across devices with an emphasis on privacy. This open-source platform combines task management, note-taking, and project planning in a customizable, offline-friendly environment. Users can self-host AppFlowy for full data control and add new features through community-driven plugins.

AppFlowy is best used for
  1. Personal productivity: Manage and prioritize tasks and ideas effectively
  2. Team collaboration: Share projects securely with local data control
  3. Documentation: Create structured, searchable records for projects

Organize, visualize, and connect ideas in an open-source platform with privacy-first design and offline accessibility

Affine

Affine is a versatile knowledge management app combining note-taking, drawing, and planning tools in one place. It lets users organize content in blocks, manage tasks, and visualize concepts on whiteboards, all while syncing across devices. The open-source nature allows users to customize and adapt the workspace as needed.

Affine is best used for
  1. Brainstorming sessions: Map out ideas visually on whiteboards
  2. Project planning: Organize and connect related notes for cohesive project views
  3. Team collaboration: Share and sync ideas with customizable privacy settings

Easily create, share, and organize knowledge in a streamlined workspace designed for team collaboration and secure document management

Outline

Outline is an open-source knowledge base platform ideal for storing and sharing team documents in an organized, searchable format. With support for markdown editing, real-time collaboration, and rich integrations, it provides a flexible environment to organize and retrieve information efficiently. Outline's permissions management and user-friendly interface enhance knowledge sharing within teams.

Outline is best used for
  1. Team knowledge sharing: Centralized repository for team knowledge
  2. Project documentation: Create and organize project details efficiently
  3. Collaboration hub: Real-time document editing and feedback for teams

A visual canvas for diagramming, note-taking and knowledge management tool that transforms how teams / individuals capture, link, and explore complex ideas.

DeepNotes

Deepnotes is a web-based collaborative workspace designed to create non-linear, interconnected notes and visual knowledge graphs. Its innovative approach allows users to build dynamic, spatial networks of information with intuitive linking and visualization capabilities.

DeepNotes is best used for
  1. Team Knowledge Management: Collaborative information mapping
  2. Research and Documentation: Non-linear idea exploration
  3. Project Planning: Complex interconnected brainstorming

Organize and protect your thoughts in a versatile notebook with privacy-focused encryption and offline capabilities

Notesnook

Notesnook is a secure, offline-compatible note-taking app designed to keep your information private with end-to-end encryption. Users can create and organize notes, to-do lists, and ideas across devices while maintaining a distraction-free workspace. The app also supports rich formatting options, making it versatile for various content types.

Notesnook is best used for
  1. Journaling: Private and secure place for personal reflections
  2. Organized note storage: Create and structure notes to keep track of related ideas and tasks
  3. Research notes: Securely store sensitive data and research insights

Joplin helps you securely manage your notes, to-do lists, and files across all your devices, while providing powerful features for organizing and searching your information

Joplin

Joplin is an open-source, cross-platform note-taking and to-do application that focuses on security, flexibility, and syncing. It allows users to create, organize, and search their notes using a familiar markdown-based interface. Joplin stores all data locally in encrypted files, giving users full control over their information.

Joplin is best used for
  1. Personal knowledge management: Build a secure, searchable repository of notes, ideas, and information
  2. Task and project planning: Organize tasks, to-do lists, and reminders in a centralized location
  3. Secure note-taking: Create sensitive notes and documents with end-to-end encryption

# Closed-source Alternatives

If you are looking for more features or an enterprise solution, you might want to consider closed source alternatives. Some of them has decent free tier.

Freemium

Transform how teams collaborate by combining docs, projects, and tools into a unified digital headquarters

Notion

Notion is a versatile workspace that combines note-taking, document creation, and project management into one seamless platform. It lets users create, organize, and share content using customizable blocks and templates. The platform's flexibility allows for building everything from simple notes to complex databases.

Notion is best used for
  1. Team collaboration: Central hub for team documentation, project tracking, and knowledge sharing
  2. Personal productivity: Note-taking, task management, and life organization
  3. Content creation: Writing, planning, and publishing blog posts, documentation, or wikis
Freemium

Stay organized and productive by keeping all your notes, documents, and thoughts in one searchable digital space

Evernote

Evernote is a note-taking application that helps users capture, organize, and share their thoughts and information. It enables quick note creation with various formats including text, images, audio, and web clippings. The app uses a notebook-based structure to keep everything organized and easily searchable.

Evernote is best used for
  1. Research & study: Collect and organize research materials, class notes, and references
  2. Business organization: Store meeting notes, business cards, and important documents
  3. Personal archiving: Save recipes, travel plans, and personal memories
Obsidian

Obsidian
Freemium

Personal knowledge hub that connects your thoughts using powerful linking tools

Muhammad Syakirurohman Made by
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