Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Obsidian · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Obsidian vs Memos
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. Here is how Memos ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Obsidian ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Memos 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 Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
Obsidian vs Memos Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Obsidian (Paid) | Memos (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 | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 64.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Obsidian to Memos
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
How to deploy Memos
Clone https://github.com/usememos/memos or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Memos 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 Memos FAQ
Is Memos a good free alternative to Obsidian?+
Yes. Memos is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Obsidian. 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.
What is the catch when switching from Obsidian to Memos?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Obsidian.
How much do you save switching from Obsidian to Memos?+
Obsidian costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Memos 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 Memos instead of Obsidian?+
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.
