Obsidian costs $10/mo.
These cost $0.
18 free alternatives to Obsidian, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Obsidian is Macro Docs (Open Source Open Source). Across this category, 10 self-hostable tools are available (including Memos and Joplin). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $600/year compared to Obsidian's $10/mo subscription.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Obsidian vs Free Alternatives
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $10/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macro Docs | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 6.2k | Obsidian vs Macro Docs → |
| Memos | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 64.3k | Obsidian vs Memos → |
| Joplin | open source | AGPL-3.0+ | Self-host | ★ 57.1k | Obsidian vs Joplin → |
| SiYuan | open source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 47.1k | Obsidian vs SiYuan → |
| Logseq | open source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 45.5k | Obsidian vs Logseq → |
| Tolaria | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 20.5k | Obsidian vs Tolaria → |
| Docmost | open source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 22.3k | Obsidian vs Docmost → |
| Notesnook | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 14.9k | Obsidian vs Notesnook → |
| Blinko | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 11.2k | Obsidian vs Blinko → |
| AnyType | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 9.1k | Obsidian vs AnyType → |
| Silverbullet | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.5k | Obsidian vs Silverbullet → |
| Standard Notes | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.7k | Obsidian vs Standard Notes → |
| XWiki | open source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 1.3k | Obsidian vs XWiki → |
| Beaver Notes | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 1.4k | Obsidian vs Beaver Notes → |
| Darkwrite | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 320 | Obsidian vs Darkwrite → |
| OpenNotas | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 179 | Obsidian vs OpenNotas → |
| Justnote | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 67 | Obsidian vs Justnote → |
| Koru | open source | Open Source | Local | ★ 33 | Obsidian vs Koru → |
The picks
18 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
Macro Docs
open sourceOpen SourceLocal6.2knov 2026Collaborative markdown documents with real-time CRDT editing, AI agent cursors, mention linking, and built-in properties tied to your tasks, channels, and email.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/macro-inc/macro or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 02
Memos
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host64.3knov 2026Memos is a self-hosted, open-source note-taking app built around a private timeline. Write in Markdown, skip the folder setup, and keep your data on your own server.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/usememos/memos or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 03
Joplin
open sourceAGPL-3.0+Self-host57.1knov 2026Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.
The catch vs ObsidianIt is more portable and configurable, but its interface and editing experience feel less native and polished on Apple devices than Bear's.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopmobilecliextensionone-click install
- install
- Install the native desktop/mobile app; then optionally choose Joplin Cloud, a third-party sync target, or a self-hosted Joplin Server
- setup
- The app itself installs cleanly, but free multi-device use requires choosing and correctly configuring a sync target; enabling E2EE must start on one device and the master-key password cannot be recovered
- engines
- Optional desktop AI connects to Joplin Cloud AI, Anthropic, or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint including OpenAI, Ollama, LM Studio, OpenRouter, and vLLM; semantic search uses a downloaded local embedding model
- your data
- Each device keeps a local `database.sqlite` with notes, notebooks, tags, metadata, sync state, and encryption keys plus a `resources/` attachment directory; configured sync targets receive Joplin item records/resources, optionally end-to-end encrypted
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 04
SiYuan
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host47.1knov 2026Personal knowledge management system with WYSIWYG block editing, bidirectional links, spaced repetition flashcards, a relational database, and end-to-end encrypted sync.
The catch vs ObsidianSiYuan is a powerful local block database but lacks Anytype's encrypted peer-to-peer spaces, object-type UX, and relationship-centric collections.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopmobileself-hostedextensionone-click install
- install
- Desktop/mobile package, or Docker image for browser-based self-hosting
- setup
- The desktop app installs cleanly, but free cross-device sync is not a turnkey feature: official cloud sync is a paid membership feature and Docker hosting does not transparently become desktop/mobile sync
- engines
- Built-in AI features connect to OpenAI-compatible APIs using a configured endpoint and key
- your data
- A workspace stores block documents as structured .sy JSON files plus assets on disk; SQLite files hold indexes and auxiliary state; documents can export to Markdown, HTML, PDF, and Word
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 05
Logseq
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host45.5knov 2026Local-first, open-source knowledge management tool with bidirectional linking, outlines, flashcards, PDF annotations, and whiteboards for building a connected second brain.
The catch vs ObsidianIts links and whiteboards are powerful, but whiteboard polish, mobile experience, and performance are rougher, while the newer database path still carries beta risk.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopmobileone-click install
- install
- Download the desktop/mobile release or use the hosted web app; no server is required for a local graph
- setup
- Stable local installation is simple, but the visually stronger DB graph/RTC path is still beta or alpha and explicitly carries data-loss warnings; free cross-device file-graph sync requires choosing and safely operating a third-party file-sync method
- your data
- Classic file graphs are folders of Markdown or Org-mode files plus Logseq configuration/cache files and can be synced with a file service; the newer DB graph stores the graph in a local SQLite database, while optional Logseq Sync/RTC sends graph data to Logseq's service
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 06
Tolaria
open sourceOpen SourceLocal20.5knov 2026A free, open source note-taking app built on plain Markdown files, Git version control, and direct AI model integration. No account required.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 07
Docmost
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host22.3knov 2026Self-hosted wiki platform for enterprise teams with real-time collaboration, built-in AI, SSO, RBAC permissions, and compliance support for ITAR, FedRAMP, and GDPR.
The catch vs ObsidianIt is simpler and faster, but has fewer enterprise macros, workflow controls, templates, marketplace integrations and Jira-native connections than Confluence.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Hosted signup or Docker Compose with PostgreSQL and Redis
- setup
- Self-hosting requires Docker, a strong APP_SECRET, database credentials, persistent volumes, and normally a domain, TLS reverse proxy, and SMTP
- your data
- Pages, users, comments, and history in PostgreSQL; jobs/cache in Redis; attachments in a persistent local volume by default or S3/Azure Blob
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 08
Notesnook
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host14.9knov 2026End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 09
Blinko
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host11.2knov 2026The next generation of open-source AI-powered card notes designed to help you quickly capture and organize inspiration so that ideas never run out.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/blinko-space/blinko or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 10
AnyType
open sourceOpen SourceLocal9.1knov 2026A local-first, encrypted workspace for notes, tasks, databases, and chats. Your data stays on your device, syncs peer-to-peer, and never passes through a central server.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 11
Silverbullet
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host6.5knov 2026A self-hosted, browser-based note-taking system that turns plain Markdown pages into a queryable, scriptable knowledge base you control.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/silverbulletmd/silverbullet or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 12
Standard Notes
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host6.7knov 2026Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/standardnotes/app or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 13
XWiki
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host1.3knov 2026XWiki is a flexible, feature-rich wiki software that helps organizations structure and share knowledge efficiently.
The catch vs ObsidianRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 14
Beaver Notes
open sourceOpen SourceLocal1.4knov 2026A privacy-focused, offline-first note-taking app that stores everything on your device, with Markdown, note linking, file attachments, LaTeX math, and bring-your-own sync.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 15
Darkwrite
open sourceOpen SourceLocal320nov 2026A customizable, offline-first note editor that lets you format text, create lists, add images, and export to HTML - all while maintaining your privacy.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 16
OpenNotas
open sourceOpen SourceLocal179nov 2026OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 17
Justnote
open sourceOpen SourceLocal67nov 2026Justnote is a secure note-taking app that lets you easily create and sync notes across devices while maintaining full control of your data.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
- 18
Koru
open sourceOpen SourceLocal33nov 2026Write, organize, and run AI agents in a private workspace that stores everything locally, syncs peer-to-peer, and works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The catch vs ObsidianCommunity-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- desktopcross-platformone-click install
- install
- Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- your data
- All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- checked
- 2026-11-07
Obsidian Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)
Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 18 free alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Obsidian open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Obsidian?+
The top free alternative to Obsidian is Macro Docs (open source, Open Source). Collaborative markdown documents with real-time CRDT editing, AI agent cursors, mention linking, and built-in properties tied to your tasks, channels, and email. Other popular Obsidian replacements include Memos, Joplin, SiYuan.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Obsidian?+
Yes. Of the 18 free alternatives to Obsidian, 10 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Memos (Open Source), Joplin (AGPL-3.0+), SiYuan (AGPL-3.0), Logseq (AGPL-3.0), Docmost (AGPL-3.0), Notesnook (Open Source), Blinko (Open Source), Silverbullet (Open Source), Standard Notes (Open Source), XWiki (Open Source).
How much does switching from Obsidian to a free alternative save?+
Obsidian starts at $10/month per seat ($120/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Macro Docs saves $600 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Obsidian clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Obsidian is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Obsidian or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 18 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Macro Docs.
What is the catch when switching from Obsidian to Macro Docs?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
