Obsidian vs Apple Notes
Obsidian is local-first markdown note-taking app with bidirectional linking and a plugin ecosystem, while Apple Notes is built-in note-taking app for Apple devices with iCloud sync, folders, and basic formatting. Obsidian is built for individuals who want local-first, markdown-based notes, whereas Apple Notes targets apple users who want simple, synced notes.
At a glance
|
Obsidian
|
Apple Notes
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Individuals who want local-first, markdown-based notes | Apple users who want simple, synced notes |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Backlinks | ✓ | — |
| Folders | — | ✓ |
| Graph View | ✓ | — |
| Local Storage | ✓ | — |
| Markdown | ✓ | — |
| Plugins | ✓ | — |
| Quick Notes | — | ✓ |
| Scan Documents | — | ✓ |
| iCloud Sync | — | ✓ |
Obsidian
Strengths
- Local-first — your notes are plain markdown files you own
- Powerful bidirectional linking and graph view
- Huge plugin ecosystem (1,000+)
- Works offline, fast and responsive
Weaknesses
- No real-time collaboration
- Sync requires paid add-on or third-party solution
- Steeper setup than Notion for non-technical users
- Mobile app is less polished than desktop
Apple Notes
Strengths
- Includes iCloud Sync as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
- Includes Folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
- The core product is free with no paywalled essentials
- Established product with 14+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem
Weaknesses
- May lack some advanced features
- Some advanced features require upgrading to a paid plan
- Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
- Moving notes out to another platform can be difficult — export options vary
The bottom line
Pricing: Both Obsidian and Apple Notes are free, so this decision comes down to features and philosophy rather than budget.
Feature gaps: Obsidian offers Backlinks, Graph View and Local Storage that Apple Notes lacks. Apple Notes brings Folders, Quick Notes and Scan Documents that Obsidian does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target individuals teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Obsidian's biggest strengths are: local-first — your notes are plain markdown files you own. powerful bidirectional linking and graph view. Apple Notes's biggest strengths are: includes icloud sync as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows. includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows.
Watch out for: With Obsidian, users commonly note that no real-time collaboration. With Apple Notes, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
Choose Obsidian if...
- You need a tool built for individuals who want local-first, markdown-based notes
- You specifically need Backlinks and Graph View
- You care about powerful bidirectional linking and graph view
Choose Apple Notes if...
- You need a tool built for apple users who want simple, synced notes
- You specifically need Folders and Quick Notes
- You care about includes folders as a core feature, purpose-built for note taking workflows
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