Obsidian is a markdown-based note-taking app that stores your notes as plain files on your own device. Unlike Notion, which locks your data in a cloud database, Obsidian gives you full ownership of your knowledge base while offering powerful linking and graph features.
What Is Obsidian?
Obsidian was launched in 2020 by Shida Li and Erica Xu. It works on top of a local folder of markdown files, called a “vault.” You can use it for personal notes, project documentation, Zettelkasten-style thinking, or a personal wiki. Your notes are searchable, linkable, and permanently yours.
Key Features
- Bidirectional links: Link notes together and see what links back, building a network of ideas.
- Graph view: Visualize the connections between your notes as an interactive graph.
- Backlinks pane: See every note that references the current page without leaving the editor.
- Plugins: A huge community plugin ecosystem adds calendars, Kanban boards, spaced repetition, and more.
- Canvas: Arrange notes and images on an infinite whiteboard for brainstorming.
- Sync (paid): Optional end-to-end encrypted sync across devices.
Pricing
Obsidian is free for personal use on desktop. The Commercial license costs $50 per user per year. Obsidian Sync, the official sync service, costs $8 per month billed annually. Mobile apps are free for personal use.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Your data is plain markdown files, works offline, incredibly fast, huge plugin ecosystem, no vendor lock-in.
Cons: Steeper learning curve, collaboration features require paid Sync, no built-in database like Notion, mobile apps feel less polished.
Who Should Use Obsidian?
Obsidian is perfect for researchers, writers, students, and anyone who values data ownership and offline access. If you want a long-term knowledge system that won’t disappear when a company shuts down, Obsidian is the strongest choice.
Unlock the Telegram group to access all tools on this site
A one-time payment of US$5 gives you access to the Telegram group and all tools on this site. No subscription.
Enable JavaScript to securely check payment and reveal the invite link.
Share this article
