Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Obsidian · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Obsidian vs Beaver Notes
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. Here is how Beaver Notes ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Obsidian ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Beaver Notes is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Obsidian. Switching from Obsidian ($10/mo) saves $120/yr per solo seat, or $600/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Beaver Notes
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Obsidian vs Beaver Notes Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Obsidian (Paid) | Beaver Notes (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $10 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $120 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $120) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $600) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 1.4k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Obsidian to Beaver Notes
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Beaver Notes
Clone https://github.com/beaver-notes/beaver-notes or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Beaver Notes instead of vibe-coding a Obsidian clone?
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.
Obsidian vs Beaver Notes FAQ
Is Beaver Notes a good free alternative to Obsidian?+
Yes. Beaver Notes is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Obsidian. 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.
What is the catch when switching from Obsidian to Beaver Notes?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Obsidian to Beaver Notes?+
Obsidian costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Beaver Notes is $0/mo. Switching saves $120/yr for a solo user, $600/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Beaver Notes instead of Obsidian?+
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.
