Obsidian and Joplin are both powerful note-taking apps that work offline and store your data locally. But where Obsidian focuses on knowledge management with a visual graph, Joplin opts for end-to-end encryption and a traditional notebook structure. Which one fits your way of working?
Obsidian in brief
Obsidian is a note-taking app that helps you build a personal knowledge network. The tool stores everything in Markdown files on your own computer. The unique aspect lies in the bi-directional links between notes and the visual Graph View that shows how your knowledge is interconnected. With the new ‘Bases’ feature, you even get database capabilities, comparable to Notion. Obsidian works on all platforms and has a huge plugin library. The basic version is free, but for synchronization between devices you pay extra.
Joplin in brief
Joplin is a fully open-source note-taking app with a focus on privacy and security. The tool offers end-to-end encryption and works offline-first. Your notes are stored in a traditional notebook structure, just like you’re used to from Evernote. What’s special: you can sync for free via your own Dropbox, OneDrive, or Nextcloud. Joplin Cloud is optional. The app supports Markdown, has a Web Clipper for saving web pages, and offers a plugin system for additional functionality. Everything is free, unless you choose Joplin’s own cloud service.
Obsidian vs Joplin: the differences
The biggest difference lies in the philosophy. Obsidian works with loose Markdown files in folders on your computer. You can open them with any text editor. Joplin uses a database structure that stores your notes in its own format. This makes exporting to other tools more difficult, but it does give Joplin better performance with large amounts of notes.
The interface differs significantly. Obsidian has a modern, polished look with lots of visual elements. The Graph View shows your notes as a network of connected dots. The new Canvas offers an infinite whiteboard for visual thinking. Joplin opts for a classic three-column layout: notebooks on the left, note list in the middle, content on the right. That interface feels dated, but it works clearly for those accustomed to traditional note-taking apps.
In terms of security, Joplin scores stronger. The app offers native end-to-end encryption for all your notes, even during synchronization. Obsidian offers encrypted sync only as a paid add-on. For those who value privacy, that’s a relevant difference. Joplin also lets you sync for free via your own cloud storage. Obsidian charges € 4 per month for their Sync Standard service.
The plugin ecosystems differ in size. Obsidian has thousands of community plugins for almost any imaginable function. From advanced task management to integration with external tools. Joplin has a smaller but growing plugin offering. Both apps support extensions, but Obsidian offers more choice and often better documentation.
Mobile apps show a different picture. Obsidian’s mobile version runs slowly, especially with large vaults. The app has recently received widgets for quick access. Joplin’s mobile app is functional but more limited than the desktop version. The new Rich Text Editor in beta promises improvement. Both apps work offline, but neither excels on mobile.
For collaboration, both tools are limited. Obsidian has no native collaboration features. You can share notes as a website via Obsidian Publish, but that costs € 8 per month. Joplin offers a Teams subscription for € 6,69 per month, but real-time collaboration is also missing there. Both tools are primarily intended for personal use.
The prices compared
Obsidian is free for personal use. All core features, plugins, and local storage cost nothing. Want to sync between devices? Then Sync Standard costs € 4 per month (€ 48 per year). For publishing notes as a website, you pay € 8 per month (€ 96 per year). You can combine both add-ons. A commercial license has not been necessary for most users since early 2025.
Joplin is completely free as open-source software. You can sync for free via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Nextcloud with end-to-end encryption. Choose Joplin Cloud? Then you pay € 2,39 per month for Basic (10GB storage), € 4,79 for Pro (50GB), or € 6,69 for Teams (100GB). Prices have recently increased: Basic previously cost € 1,99 per month. Annual payment saves about 20%.
On price, Joplin wins if you want to sync for free via your own cloud. Obsidian asks € 48 per year for sync, while Joplin offers that for free. Do you choose cloud storage? Then Joplin Cloud Basic (€ 28,69 per year) is cheaper than Obsidian Sync (€ 48 per year). For publishing, Obsidian is more expensive: € 96 per year versus no comparable option at Joplin.
Conclusion
Both tools are free to use, but serve different purposes. Obsidian wins on modern interface, plugin ecosystem, and knowledge management features like Graph View and Canvases. The tool suits those who want to build a visual knowledge network and are willing to pay for synchronization. Joplin wins on privacy, free sync options, and traditional structure. The tool suits those who value end-to-end encryption and want control over storage.
Based on price-quality ratio, Joplin scores better for budget-conscious users. You get free sync with encryption via your own cloud storage. Obsidian offers more advanced features, but asks € 48 per year for that. For knowledge workers who value visual connections, Obsidian justifies that price. For those who simply want secure notes with free sync, Joplin is the logical choice.
Do you work with large amounts of interconnected information? Then Obsidian fits better. Are you looking for a secure, free replacement for Evernote? Choose Joplin. Both tools work offline and give you control over your data. The difference lies in how you want to organize that data and what you want to pay for it.
