Joplin vs Obsidian
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Joplin is a free, open source note-taking and to-do application that can handle a large number of notes organized into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor. The notes are in Markdown format. Joplin is also available for mobile devices as a progressive web app.
Obsidian is a note-taking and personal knowledge management app built around plain markdown files stored locally on your device. Rather than a rigid folder hierarchy, Obsidian encourages a networked structure through bidirectional links, backlinks, and an interactive graph view that visualizes how notes connect. Because notes are just markdown files on disk, Obsidian is fast, works fully offline, and keeps your data portable - there is no proprietary lock-in. A large community plugin ecosystem extends the core app with everything from spaced-repetition flashcards to kanban boards and calendar views. Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish are optional paid add-ons for cross-device syncing and publishing notes as a website, but the core app is free for personal use.
Free for personal use; commercial licenses and sync/publish are paid add-ons.
- Free and open source
- Highly customizable
- Supports end-to-end encryption
- Available on multiple platforms
- Full data ownership with local markdown files
- Extremely fast and works offline
- Massive plugin ecosystem
- One-time payment for sync (no forced subscription)
- Limited collaboration features
- No built-in audio or video recording
- Limited integration with other apps
- Steeper learning curve than typical note apps
- Mobile app less polished than desktop
- Sync/Publish cost extra
What reviewers say
Joplin Reviews
No reviews yet.
Obsidian Reviews
4.0 (2)Highly recommend Obsidian
Obsidian has quickly become part of our daily workflow. Extremely fast and works offline. One minor gripe: sync/publish cost extra, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker. Would recommend to anyone considering it.
Highly recommend Obsidian
Obsidian has quickly become part of our daily workflow. Extremely fast and works offline. One minor gripe: mobile app less polished than desktop, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker. Would recommend to anyone considering it.
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Alternatives to Joplin
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataJoplin is the safer default for cost‑sensitive users who need free, open‑source, encrypted note‑taking, while Obsidian offers richer linking, plugins, and local ownership at a higher price.
Key differences
- •Joplin is completely free and open source; Obsidian uses a freemium model with paid sync/publish add‑ons.
- •Joplin stores notes locally with optional end‑to‑end encryption; Obsidian stores local markdown files with no built‑in encryption.
- •Obsidian provides bidirectional linking, graph view, and 1000+ plugins; Joplin lacks advanced linking and plugin ecosystem.
- •Obsidian has native integrations (Git, iCloud, Dropbox); Joplin has no listed integrations.
- •Joplin’s support is via email and GitHub Issues; Obsidian offers community forums and Discord.
Pricing & value
Joplin is free and open source; Obsidian’s sync/publish features require paid licenses.
Ease of use / learning curve
Joplin’s feature set is straightforward; Obsidian’s linking, graph, and plugins add complexity.
Features & depth
Obsidian offers bidirectional linking, graph view, and 1000+ plugins; Joplin lacks these advanced features.
Integrations & ecosystem
Obsidian lists integrations with Git, iCloud, Dropbox; Joplin has no key integrations.
Collaboration
Both have limited collaboration; Joplin’s end‑to‑end encryption may be preferable for private solo work.
Security & privacy
Joplin provides optional end‑to‑end encryption; Obsidian does not include built‑in encryption.
Support
Obsidian offers active forum and Discord; Joplin only email and GitHub Issues.
Choose Joplin if…
Students or researchers needing a free, secure, simple note‑taking app with no collaboration needs.
Choose Obsidian if…
Power users or writers who want advanced linking, plugins, and local markdown ownership, and are willing to pay for sync.
Common questions
Is there any cost to start using either tool?
Joplin is completely free; Obsidian is free for personal use but sync/publish features require paid licenses.
Can I encrypt my notes?
Joplin offers optional end‑to‑end encryption; Obsidian does not provide built‑in encryption.
Do either app support integrations with cloud services?
Obsidian integrates with Git, iCloud, and Dropbox; Joplin has no listed integrations.