Heptabase vs Obsidian
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Heptabase and Obsidian are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Heptabase if you want a longer free trial (7 days). Visual note-taking on an infinite canvas.
Choose Obsidian if you'd rather have a lower starting price (free – $4/mo) and a free plan to start on. Local-first Markdown knowledge base.
Heptabase vs Obsidian: side by side
| Dimension | Heptabase | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $8.99/mo | Free – $4/moWinner |
| Free plan | No | YesWinner |
| Free trial | 7 daysWinner | — |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Freemium |
| Best for | Researchers, Students | Researchers, Writers, Power Users |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android | Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Heptabase key facts
- Vendor
- Heptabase
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $8.99/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (7 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Researchers, Students
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- Taipei, Taiwan
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 Heptabase 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 Heptabase or Obsidian cheaper?
Obsidian is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $4/mo. Heptabase starts at from $8.99/mo; Obsidian starts at free – $4/mo.
Can Heptabase 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.