Notion vs Obsidian
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
Notion (Plus $10/seat/month, free plan) is a cloud-based all-in-one workspace with real-time collaboration; Obsidian (free, Sync optional at $4/month) is a local-first Markdown editor with bidirectional links and a graph view. Notion for team collaboration and cloud access; Obsidian for private, offline-first knowledge management.
| Pricing | Notion | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 10 USD | 0 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Notion — Pros
- Generous free plan
- Notes, wiki and databases in one workspace
- Web, desktop and mobile apps
Obsidian — Pros
- Free for personal use with no limits
- Notes stored locally as plain Markdown
- Large community plugin ecosystem
Notion — Cons
- Advanced features require the paid Plus plan
- Proprietary software, no self-hosted option
Obsidian — Cons
- Sync costs $4/mo and Publish $8/mo (optional)
- No built-in real-time collaboration on free tier
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FAQ
Is Notion cheaper than Obsidian?
Notion starts at 10 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Obsidian starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do Notion and Obsidian have a free plan?
Both Notion and Obsidian offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does Notion vs Obsidian support?
Notion is available on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Obsidian is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Are Notion and Obsidian in the same category?
Yes. Both Notion and Obsidian are classified as productivity tools.