Comparison · Note-taking apps
Apple Notes vs Obsidian: which is better in 2026?
Obsidian ranks higher in our list of note-taking apps (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 85.5).
- 85.5Editorial score93.5
- 3Platforms5
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Apple Notes if you want
Quick notes across Apple devices with iCloud.
Free and built into Apple devices, with iCloud sync, scanning and audio transcription. It runs only on Apple platforms and has fewer organizing tools than Obsidian or Logseq.
Choose Obsidian if you want
Local-first notes and personal knowledge bases.
Keeps notes as plain Markdown files on your disk, with the deepest plugin ecosystem in this list. Sync and publishing cost extra, and the app is not open source, unlike Joplin and Logseq.
The main differences
- Only Obsidian runs on Linux.
- Only Obsidian runs on Windows.
- Only Obsidian runs on Android.
- Apple Notes is free; Obsidian is free plan, paid upgrades.
Side by side
 Apple Notes |  Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 85.5 | 93.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 12 | #1 of 12 |
| Price | FreeIncluded with macOS, iPadOS and iOS; iCloud sync is optional | Free plan, paid upgradesFree without limits; paid Sync and Publish add-ons |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | macOSiOS, iPadOSmacOS, iOS, iPadOS | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Made by | Apple | Not stated |
| Notes stored | Apple devices, optional iCloud | Local Markdown files |
| Shared editing | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Quick notes across Apple devices with iCloud | Local-first notes and personal knowledge bases |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Apple Notes vs Obsidian
- Is Obsidian better than Apple Notes?
- Obsidian ranks higher in our list of note-taking apps (#1 against #5, score 93.5 against 85.5). Apple Notes is best for: quick notes across Apple devices with iCloud. Obsidian is best for: local-first notes and personal knowledge bases.
- Which is cheaper, Apple Notes or Obsidian?
- Apple Notes: Included with macOS, iPadOS and iOS; iCloud sync is optional. Obsidian: Free without limits; paid Sync and Publish add-ons.
- Do Apple Notes and Obsidian run on the same platforms?
- Apple Notes supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS. Obsidian supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.Read more about Apple Notes and Obsidian
All articles- Guides · 4 min readHow to choose a note-taking app: storage, sharing and priceChoose a note-taking app by where notes are stored, how sharing works, platform reach and price. Compare Obsidian, Notion, Joplin and other top picks.
- Comparisons · 6 min readNotion vs Obsidian: Which Note-Taking App Fits You?Notion keeps pages on its servers for shared work, while Obsidian keeps Markdown files on your device. Compare pricing, platforms, sync and data control.
- Roundups · 5 min readBest apps for Linux, grouped by the job they doThe strongest apps on Linux, grouped by job: browsers, editors, notes, creative tools, security and chat. Includes where Linux support is thinner or limited.
