The best Obsidian alternatives in 2026
Free local-first Markdown notes with AI through plugins such as Copilot. Obsidian scores 7.9/10 in our AI note-taking apps ranking. 4 alternatives score higher. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI note-taking apps ranking →- 1
Microsoft OneNote
Best forStudents and Microsoft 365 users who want free notes with optional Copilot
Free freeform notebook with ink, voice transcription and Copilot with Microsoft 365
Has that Obsidian doesn't: Records and transcribes audio or meetings · Handwritten notes with a pen or stylus
Free plan · paid from $9.99/month
Our Microsoft OneNote verdict →Obsidian vs Microsoft OneNote
8.2/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Notion
Best forPeople and teams who want notes, docs and projects in one AI-powered workspace
All-in-one workspace for notes, docs and tasks with AI that answers from your pages
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free plan · paid from $12/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Craft
Best forApple users who want polished, well-structured notes and docs with AI
Beautifully designed docs and notes app with an AI Assistant that knows your content
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan · paid from £6.40/month
8.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Goodnotes
Best forStudents and tablet users who take notes by hand
Leading handwriting notes app with AI audio transcription, meeting minutes and summaries
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free plan · paid from $11.99/year
8.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Apple Notes
Best foriPhone, iPad and Mac users who want simple, free notes with built-in AI
Free built-in notes on Apple devices with Apple Intelligence writing tools and Image Wand
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Capacities
Best forStudents and researchers building a structured personal knowledge base
Object-based notes for building a personal knowledge base, with an AI assistant on Pro
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Web clipper or quick capture from other apps
Free plan · paid from $9.99/month
7.8/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Evernote
Best forLong-time Evernote users who want AI added to a mature capture-everything app
Veteran notes app with an AI Assistant, AI transcription, AI Edit and semantic search
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free plan · paid from $15/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
Mem
Best forBusy professionals who want an AI to organise and follow up on their notes
AI-first notes app that tracks your tasks and recalls anything you've saved
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free plan · paid from $9/month
7.0/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Reflect
Best forMac and iPhone users who want private, local notes with optional AI
Open-source networked notes with daily notes, backlinks and bring-your-own-key AI
Has that Obsidian doesn't: AI writing help (draft, rewrite or summarise) · Records and transcribes audio or meetings
Free plan
6.7/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to Obsidian?
In our AI note-taking apps ranking, Microsoft OneNote scores highest among the alternatives (8.2/10). Best for: Students and Microsoft 365 users who want free notes with optional Copilot. Obsidian scores 7.9/10.
Is there a free alternative to Obsidian?
Yes. Microsoft OneNote has a free plan (OneNote is free with 5GB of OneDrive storage), and scores 8.2/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a Obsidian alternative?
Common reasons people switch: No built-in AI; setup depends on third-party plugins. Steep learning curve. Sync between devices costs extra or needs a workaround.