Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Obsidian · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Obsidian vs Koru
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. Here is how Koru ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Obsidian ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Koru 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.
Obsidian vs Koru Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Obsidian (Paid) | Koru (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 | — | ★ 33 (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Obsidian to Koru
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Koru
Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono 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 Koru 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 Koru FAQ
Is Koru a good free alternative to Obsidian?+
Yes. Koru is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Obsidian. 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.
What is the catch when switching from Obsidian to Koru?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Obsidian to Koru?+
Obsidian costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Koru 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 Koru instead of Obsidian?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/koruworks/mono or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
