Apple Notes vs Obsidian
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
The verdict
Both Apple Notes and Obsidian are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Apple Notes — Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
Choose Obsidian if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Local-first Markdown knowledge base.
Apple Notes vs Obsidian: side by side
| Dimension | Apple Notes | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free – $4/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Best for | Apple Users, Individuals | Researchers, Writers, Power Users |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Apple Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Apple
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Apple Users, Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Cupertino, CA, USA
Obsidian key facts
- Vendor
- Obsidian
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $4/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Researchers, Writers, Power Users
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Remote
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Notes better than Obsidian?
Neither is universally better — Obsidian edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apple Notes or Obsidian cheaper?
Apple Notes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Apple Notes starts at free; Obsidian starts at free – $4/mo.
Can Apple Notes replace Obsidian?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.