freeproprietary, freeLocal★ $0 forever
Obsidian
Local Markdown, backlinks and a plugin bazaar; sync is still your problem.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-08-14
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Free tier / Free tool)
- License
- proprietary, free
- Hosting Model
- Local (on your machine)
- Platforms
- desktopmobileone-click install
- Installation
- Install the native Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android app; no account is required for local use
- Where Your Data Lives
- Ordinary Markdown files and attachments in a user-chosen local vault folder, with app settings and plugins under `.obsidian`; optional paid Obsidian Sync stores end-to-end-encrypted replicas in Obsidian's cloud
- The Catch / Trade-off
- The local Markdown core is excellent, but the free path does not include Bear-like first-party multi-device sync and the app demands more setup and decisions.
Replaces 5 paid apps
up to $36.98/mo ($444/yr) in subscriptions
Obsidian FAQ
Common questions
Is Obsidian free and open source?+
Obsidian is a free tool that runs on local. Local Markdown, backlinks and a plugin bazaar; sync is still your problem.
What paid software does Obsidian replace?+
Obsidian serves as a free replacement for 5 paid SaaS applications: Bear Pro, Craft, Heptabase, Milanote, Roam Research, saving up to $36.98/month ($444/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up Obsidian?+
Installation: Install the native Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android app; no account is required for local use.
What is the catch or trade-off with Obsidian?+
The local Markdown core is excellent, but the free path does not include Bear-like first-party multi-device sync and the app demands more setup and decisions.