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SPECIFICTION
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Obsidian

obsidian.md

From $4.17/mo Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroidBrowser extension
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Spec score 9.5 #3 of 216 in Note-taking apps

What it is

Obsidian is a note-taking app for keeping notes and building a personal knowledge workspace. Its core app is free, has no sign-up requirement, and stores notes on the user's device so they remain available offline. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and as a Chrome extension. Canvas provides an open workspace for research, brainstorming, diagrams, and ideas; thousands of plugins and an open API allow workflow customization. Shared vaults support team work with real-time updates. Sync adds synchronization and version history: Standard costs $5 per user per month billed annually, with one vault, 1 GB of storage, a 5 MB maximum file size, and one month of history. Plus costs $10 per user per month billed annually, with 10 vaults, 10 GB, a 200 MB maximum file size, and 12 months of history. Publish is $10 per site per month billed annually and includes up to 4 GB hosting per site. It offers themes, custom domains, password protection, and SEO optimization.

Spec sheet

Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,Chrome extensionRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Paid from
4Read 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Integrations
Notion,Airtable,Microsoft OneNote,Evernote,Apple Notes,Apple Journal,Google Keep,Bear,Craft,Roam Research,Logseq,Tomboy,GnoteRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Founded
2020Read 23 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Canvas Workspace
Canvas provides an infinite space for research, brainstorming, diagrams, and ideas.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Education Discount
Students, faculty, and nonprofit employees receive a 40% discount on Sync and Publish.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
End-to-End Encryption
Obsidian Sync uses AES-256 end-to-end encryption.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Free Tier
The core app is free without limits and does not require sign-up.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Local Storage
Notes are stored privately on the user's device and remain accessible offline.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Note sharing
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Offline access
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Open File Formats
Obsidian uses open file formats to avoid locking users into the product.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Plugins And API
Thousands of plugins and an open API support workflow customization.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Plus Limits
Sync Plus includes 10 vaults, 10 GB storage, and a 200 MB maximum file size.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Publish Features
Publish supports themes, custom domains, password protection, and SEO optimization.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Publish Pricing
Publish costs $8 per site per month annually or $10 monthly.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Real-time collaboration
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Refund Policy
Sync and Publish purchases qualify for full refunds within seven days.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Standard Limits
Sync Standard includes one vault, 1 GB storage, and a 5 MB maximum file size.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Storage limit
1Read 20 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Supported Platforms
Obsidian supports Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and headless servers.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Sync Pricing
Sync costs $4 per user per month annually or $5 monthly.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Team Sharing
Shared vaults let teams work on shared files with real-time updates.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Telemetry Policy
The apps do not collect telemetry data and do not sell user data.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
User Supported
Obsidian describes itself as 100% user-supported and independently developed.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Version History
Sync provides version history, with one month on Standard and 12 months on Plus.Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md

Plans and prices

Sync Standard $5 a month billed annually 1 synced vault · 1 GB total storage · 5 MB maximum file size · 1 month version history Per user; 1 synced vault, 1 GB total storage, 5 MB maximum file size Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Sync Plus $10 a month billed annually 10 synced vaults · 10 GB total storage · 200 MB maximum file size · 12 month version history · Upgradable to 100 GB storage Per user; 10 synced vaults, 10 GB total storage, 200 MB maximum file size Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Publish $10 a month billed annually Up to 4 GB hosting per site Per site Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Catalyst $25, paid once one-time payment Early access to beta versions · Community badges · Exclusive channels Supports Obsidian; includes beta access, community badges, and exclusive channels Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Commercial $50 a year billed annually Support development · Featured organization eligibility Supports development and includes featured organization eligibility Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md
Free Free No sign-up required; no strings attached Read 28 Sep 2026 · obsidian.md

Every Obsidian plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Core app is free and requires no sign-up.
  • Notes stay on-device and work offline.
  • Available across desktop, mobile, and Chrome extension.
  • Plugins and an open API support customization.
  • Shared vaults provide real-time team updates.

Limits

  • Sync and Publish are paid services.
  • Sync Standard is limited to one vault and 1 GB.
  • Sync Standard has a 5 MB maximum file size.

Who it suits

Obsidian suits people who want offline notes in open file formats and a customizable workspace. Teams can use shared vaults, while users who need hosted pages can consider Publish.

Verdict

Obsidian's core app offers offline note storage without a sign-up, while optional services add sync or hosted publishing. Compare Sync plan limits and pricing if you need those services.

Where Specifiction places it

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