Obsidian vs Standard Notes
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Encrypted notes app focused on longevity and privacy.
The verdict
Both Obsidian and Standard Notes are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Obsidian if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Local-first Markdown knowledge base.
Standard Notes — Encrypted notes app focused on longevity and privacy.
Obsidian vs Standard Notes: side by side
| Dimension | Obsidian | Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $4/mo | Free – $90/user/yr |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Researchers, Writers, Power Users | Privacy Conscious Users, Writers |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
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
Standard Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Standard Notes
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $90/user/yr
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious Users, Writers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Obsidian better than Standard Notes?
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 Obsidian or Standard Notes cheaper?
Obsidian is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $4/mo. Obsidian starts at free – $4/mo; Standard Notes starts at free – $90/user/yr.
Can Obsidian replace Standard Notes?
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.