Obsidian
obsidian.md
Extensible note-taking app with AI plugin support for knowledge graphs.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Productivity
- Pricing:
- Freemium
- Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Free Plan:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a note-taking application that's 100% free in 2026, with unlimited vaults and every core feature included at no cost — the business model monetizes exclusively through optional add-ons: Obsidian Sync at $4/user/month (annual, for syncing notes across devices) and Obsidian Publish at $8/site/month (annual, for turning notes into a website), plus a $25 one-time Catalyst tip jar and an optional $50/user/year commercial license.
Its genuinely free-forever core app, with monetization entirely limited to specific optional add-ons (sync, publish, commercial use), is a meaningfully different business model than most modern note-taking apps that gate core features behind subscriptions — Obsidian's approach means individual users never need to pay anything unless they specifically want cross-device sync or a public website from their notes.
It's aimed at individuals wanting a genuinely free, feature-complete note-taking app with local file storage, with the optional Sync and Publish add-ons providing real additional value for users specifically needing cross-device access or public note publishing, while the commercial license applies specifically to for-profit business use. See our Business tools directory for related note-taking tools like Logseq and Mem.ai.
What Can You Use Obsidian For?
Free local note-taking
Takes notes stored locally with unlimited vaults at no cost.
Cross-device note syncing
Syncs notes across devices using the optional Obsidian Sync add-on.
Publishing notes as a website
Turns notes into a public website using the optional Obsidian Publish add-on.
Obsidian Features
- Unlimited vaults — Provides unlimited note vaults, included in the free core app.
- Obsidian Sync — Syncs notes across devices, available as a $4/user/month add-on.
- Obsidian Publish — Turns notes into a website, available as an $8/site/month add-on.
Who Is Obsidian For?
- Individuals — Uses the genuinely free core app for local note-taking with unlimited vaults.
- Users needing cross-device access — Uses the optional Sync add-on to access notes across multiple devices.
Obsidian Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely free-forever core app with every core feature included, not a stripped-down free tier
- Unlimited vaults included at no cost, unlike many competitors that limit note count on free plans
- Optional add-ons (Sync, Publish) are affordably priced for the specific added functionality they provide
Limitations
- Cross-device syncing requires the paid Sync add-on rather than being included free
- Commercial use requires an optional $50/user/year license
- Local-first storage means users need their own backup strategy without the Sync add-on
Obsidian Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Core app | $0 | Unlimited vaults, all core features |
| Sync | $4/user/month (annual) | Cross-device note syncing |
| Publish | $8/site/month (annual) | Turns notes into a public website |
| Commercial license | $50/user/year | For-profit business use |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #353
- Overall Score:
- 59.9/100
- Monthly Users:
- 1.5M+
- Rank Change:
- ▼ 28
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Obsidian or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Obsidian free?
Yes, the core app is 100% free with unlimited vaults and every core feature.
How much does syncing cost?
$4/user/month billed annually for the optional Obsidian Sync add-on.
Do I need a commercial license?
Yes, if using Obsidian for for-profit business use — $50/user/year.
What is Obsidian Publish?
An $8/site/month add-on that turns your notes into a public website.
Our Take
Obsidian's genuinely free-forever core app, with monetization limited entirely to optional add-ons, is a meaningfully different business model than subscription-gated competitors.
Individual users never need to pay anything unless they specifically want cross-device sync or public note publishing — the core note-taking experience remains fully free.
Obsidian Alternatives
Obsidian Comparisons
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