Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Obsidian
Best for Power UsersPrice
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Summary
A free, open-source app that stores notes locally by default — no cloud required. PCMag's top pick for privacy-conscious users who don't want their notes living on someone else's server.
A local-first, Markdown-based app beloved by knowledge workers who want full control over their notes. Reddit's note-taking community consistently recommends it for anyone who thinks in systems.
Pros
- Fully open-source and free with no subscription
- Notes stored locally by default — complete data ownership
- Supports Markdown with a clean editor
- Optional sync via your own cloud (Nextcloud, Dropbox, etc.)
- Notes stored locally as plain Markdown files — you own your data forever
- Powerful bi-directional linking and graph view for connecting ideas
- Massive plugin ecosystem for customization
- Free for personal use
Cons
- Interface is functional but not polished compared to commercial apps
- No built-in collaboration features
- Mobile apps are less refined than desktop
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Sync across devices requires paid Obsidian Sync or third-party solution
- No built-in collaboration features
Our take
Joplin is the rare app that's both free and genuinely privacy-respecting. If you've ever felt uneasy about your notes sitting in a corporate cloud, this is your answer.
If you're the type who builds a second brain and links ideas together, Obsidian is in a class of its own. The community around it is massive and the plugin ecosystem is unmatched.
Buy
