# 18 Best Open Source Alternatives for Obsidian

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/obsidian
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Looking for the best open source alternative for Obsidian? Compare 18 verified free and open source alternatives to Obsidian (Macro Docs, Memos, Joplin) with license details, self-hosting requirements, and practical trade-offs.

## Obsidian Overview & Subscription Cost
- **Product**: Obsidian
- **Category**: [notes & knowledge](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge)
- **Paid Subscription Price**: $10/month per seat
- **1-Seat Annualized Cost**: $120/year
- **5-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $600/year
- **10-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $1,200/year
- **Can I Vibe-Code / Rebuild It Myself?**: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens)
- **Rebuild Verdict**: 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.

## Verified Free & Open Source Alternatives

| Alternative | Type | License | Runs On | GitHub Stars | Head-to-Head |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Macro Docs](https://caniforkit.com/fork/macro-docs) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 6.2k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-macro-docs) |
| [Memos](https://caniforkit.com/fork/memos) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 64.3k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-memos) |
| [Joplin](https://caniforkit.com/fork/joplin) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0+ | Self-host | ★ 57.1k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-joplin) |
| [SiYuan](https://caniforkit.com/fork/siyuan) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 47.1k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-siyuan) |
| [Logseq](https://caniforkit.com/fork/logseq) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 45.5k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-logseq) |
| [Tolaria](https://caniforkit.com/fork/tolaria) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 20.5k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-tolaria) |
| [Docmost](https://caniforkit.com/fork/docmost) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 22.3k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-docmost) |
| [Notesnook](https://caniforkit.com/fork/notesnook) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 14.9k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-notesnook) |
| [Blinko](https://caniforkit.com/fork/blinko) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 11.2k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-blinko) |
| [AnyType](https://caniforkit.com/fork/anytype) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 9.1k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-anytype) |
| [Silverbullet](https://caniforkit.com/fork/silverbullet) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.5k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-silverbullet) |
| [Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/fork/standard-notes) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 6.7k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-standard-notes) |
| [XWiki](https://caniforkit.com/fork/xwiki) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 1.3k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-xwiki) |
| [Beaver Notes](https://caniforkit.com/fork/beaver-notes) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 1.4k | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-beaver-notes) |
| [Darkwrite](https://caniforkit.com/fork/darkwrite) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 320 | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-darkwrite) |
| [OpenNotas](https://caniforkit.com/fork/opennotas) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 179 | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-opennotas) |
| [Justnote](https://caniforkit.com/fork/justnote) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 67 | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-justnote) |
| [Koru](https://caniforkit.com/fork/koru) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 33 | [Compare vs Obsidian](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-koru) |

## In-Depth Alternative Profiles

### Macro Docs
- **Fork Page**: [Macro Docs Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/macro-docs)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Macro Docs](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-macro-docs)
- **Official Website**: https://macro.com/documents/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/macro-inc/macro
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 6.2k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: Collaborative 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/macro-inc/macro or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Memos
- **Fork Page**: [Memos Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/memos)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Memos](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-memos)
- **Official Website**: https://usememos.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/usememos/memos
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 64.3k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Memos 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 Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/usememos/memos or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Joplin
- **Fork Page**: [Joplin Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/joplin)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Joplin](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-joplin)
- **Official Website**: https://joplinapp.org/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/laurent22/joplin/
- **License**: AGPL-3.0+
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 57.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, mobile, cli, extension, one-click install
- **Summary**: Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, Markdown support, web clipping, and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: It is more portable and configurable, but its interface and editing experience feel less native and polished on Apple devices than Bear's.
- **Installation**: 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
- **Data Storage**: 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

### SiYuan
- **Fork Page**: [SiYuan Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/siyuan)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs SiYuan](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-siyuan)
- **Official Website**: https://b3log.org/siyuan/en/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/siyuan-note/siyuan
- **License**: AGPL-3.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 47.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, mobile, self-hosted, extension, one-click install
- **Summary**: Personal knowledge management system with WYSIWYG block editing, bidirectional links, spaced repetition flashcards, a relational database, and end-to-end encrypted sync.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: SiYuan is a powerful local block database but lacks Anytype's encrypted peer-to-peer spaces, object-type UX, and relationship-centric collections.
- **Installation**: 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
- **Data Storage**: 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

### Logseq
- **Fork Page**: [Logseq Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/logseq)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Logseq](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-logseq)
- **Official Website**: https://logseq.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/logseq/logseq
- **License**: AGPL-3.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 45.5k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, mobile, one-click install
- **Summary**: Local-first, open-source knowledge management tool with bidirectional linking, outlines, flashcards, PDF annotations, and whiteboards for building a connected second brain.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Its links and whiteboards are powerful, but whiteboard polish, mobile experience, and performance are rougher, while the newer database path still carries beta risk.
- **Installation**: 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
- **Data Storage**: 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

### Tolaria
- **Fork Page**: [Tolaria Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/tolaria)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Tolaria](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-tolaria)
- **Official Website**: https://tolaria.md/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 20.5k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: A 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/refactoringhq/tolaria or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Docmost
- **Fork Page**: [Docmost Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/docmost)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Docmost](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-docmost)
- **Official Website**: https://docmost.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/docmost/docmost
- **License**: AGPL-3.0
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 22.3k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Self-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 Obsidian**: It is simpler and faster, but has fewer enterprise macros, workflow controls, templates, marketplace integrations and Jira-native connections than Confluence.
- **Installation**: 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
- **Data Storage**: Pages, users, comments, and history in PostgreSQL; jobs/cache in Redis; attachments in a persistent local volume by default or S3/Azure Blob

### Notesnook
- **Fork Page**: [Notesnook Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/notesnook)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Notesnook](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-notesnook)
- **Official Website**: https://notesnook.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 14.9k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: End-to-end encrypted note-taking app with zero-knowledge architecture, cross-device sync, web clipper, and a self-hostable sync server.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/streetwriters/notesnook or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Blinko
- **Fork Page**: [Blinko Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/blinko)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Blinko](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-blinko)
- **Official Website**: https://blinko.space
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/blinko-space/blinko
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 11.2k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: The 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 Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: 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.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### AnyType
- **Fork Page**: [AnyType Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/anytype)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs AnyType](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-anytype)
- **Official Website**: https://anytype.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 9.1k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: A 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Silverbullet
- **Fork Page**: [Silverbullet Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/silverbullet)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Silverbullet](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-silverbullet)
- **Official Website**: https://silverbullet.md/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/silverbulletmd/silverbullet
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 6.5k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: A self-hosted, browser-based note-taking system that turns plain Markdown pages into a queryable, scriptable knowledge base you control.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/silverbulletmd/silverbullet or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Standard Notes
- **Fork Page**: [Standard Notes Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/standard-notes)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Standard Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-standard-notes)
- **Official Website**: https://standardnotes.com
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/standardnotes/app
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 6.7k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: Cross-platform note-taking app with end-to-end encryption, offline access, and powerful organization features for privacy-conscious users.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/standardnotes/app or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### XWiki
- **Fork Page**: [XWiki Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/xwiki)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs XWiki](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-xwiki)
- **Official Website**: https://xwiki.com
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **GitHub Stars**: 1.3k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Summary**: XWiki is a flexible, feature-rich wiki software that helps organizations structure and share knowledge efficiently.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
- **Installation**: 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.
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.

### Beaver Notes
- **Fork Page**: [Beaver Notes Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/beaver-notes)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Beaver Notes](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-beaver-notes)
- **Official Website**: http://beavernotes.com/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 1.4k
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: A 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Darkwrite
- **Fork Page**: [Darkwrite Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/darkwrite)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Darkwrite](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-darkwrite)
- **Official Website**: https://darkwrite.app
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 320
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: A 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/astudentinearth/darkwrite or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### OpenNotas
- **Fork Page**: [OpenNotas Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/opennotas)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs OpenNotas](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-opennotas)
- **Official Website**: https://opennotas.io/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 179
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: OpenNotas is a multi-platform, end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that offers simplicity, synchronization, and offline functionality.
- **The Catch vs Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/tonghoai/opennotas or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Justnote
- **Fork Page**: [Justnote Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/justnote)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Justnote](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-justnote)
- **Official Website**: https://justnote.cc
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 67
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: Justnote 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/stxapps/justnote-client or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

### Koru
- **Fork Page**: [Koru Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/koru)
- **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Obsidian vs Koru](https://caniforkit.com/vs/obsidian-vs-koru)
- **Official Website**: https://www.koru.do/
- **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/koruworks/mono
- **License**: Open Source
- **Runs On**: Local
- **GitHub Stars**: 33
- **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026
- **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Summary**: Write, 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 Obsidian**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 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.

### 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.

### What is the catch when switching away from Obsidian?
While Macro Docs replaces core Obsidian features without subscription fees, the real-world trade-off is: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [notes & knowledge Software Category Hub](https://caniforkit.com/category/notes-knowledge)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Self-Hosted Software Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)