About Obsidian
Obsidian is a note-taking app that takes your privacy seriously by storing your notes as local Markdown files. This means that all your thoughts and ideas are kept securely on your device unless you choose to sync them to the cloud. In practice, this is fantastic for anyone who values their data privacy and doesn't want to rely on third-party servers. The app allows for bidirectional linking, which means you can create connections between notes that build a web of knowledge. This is especially useful for researchers or students who may need to cross-reference multiple sources without losing track of their thoughts.
One of the standout features of Obsidian is its plugin ecosystem. With over a thousand community-built plugins available, you can extend the app's functionality significantly. For instance, if you're studying for an exam, you could use a spaced repetition plugin to help you memorise key concepts. Or, if you're a writer, you might find plugins that assist with managing your references or even generating ideas. The infinite Canvas feature is also worth mentioning, providing an unlimited whiteboard for brainstorming. It’s a visual way to organise your thoughts, and I found it particularly helpful when working on complex projects.
Pricing is another aspect where Obsidian manages to strike a good balance. The app is free for personal use, which is excellent for casual users who just want a safe space to jot down their notes. If you need to sync across devices, the cost is a reasonable $4 per month. Publishing your notes as a website is another optional feature at $8 per month, but I found that this might be a tad steep unless you really need that functionality. For commercial use, the $50 per user per year fee is pretty standard compared to other similar tools, making it a viable option for teams.
However, Obsidian isn't necessarily for everyone. The initial learning curve can be steep, especially if you're not familiar with Markdown or the concept of linking notes. For those who prefer a more straightforward, less techy approach to note-taking, this might feel overwhelming. People who are used to cloud-based solutions with an easy drag-and-drop interface could find Obsidian’s navigation and setup a bit cumbersome. But if you’re willing to invest the time, the payoff in terms of knowledge management can be substantial.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
I’ve spent quite a bit of time testing Obsidian, and I must say, it’s a mixed bag of brilliance and a bit of head-scratching frustration. On one hand, the promise of local storage and privacy is a huge draw for me. There's something comforting about knowing my notes are stored right on my own device, without the spectre of data mining lurking in the background. The bidirectional linking feature is like a web of connections that allows me to see how my thoughts relate to one another, which is particularly handy when I'm working on complex projects or research.
The plugin system? Absolutely stellar. I’ve dabbled with a few plugins that help with spaced repetition for study sessions, and it’s made my revision process feel less like a chore and more like an engaging puzzle. The Canvas feature is another high point—a bit like having an infinite whiteboard where I can visually lay out my ideas. I found it especially useful during brainstorming sessions where I needed to see everything at once.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I’ll admit, the learning curve for Obsidian can be quite steep. I remember my first week of trying to navigate the app; it felt a bit like trying to learn a new language. If you’re not already familiar with Markdown or the concept of linking notes, you might feel a bit lost. The mobile app, while functional, doesn’t quite measure up to the desktop version, which can be a letdown when you want to jot down ideas on the go. Plus, while there are countless plugins, some can be a bit hit-or-miss in terms of quality.
When I stack Obsidian against its main competitor, Notion, the differences become glaringly clear. Notion is all about team collaboration and offers a more user-friendly interface, but you pay for that convenience with your data being stored in the cloud. Obsidian, on the other hand, is for those who want complete control over their data and don’t mind investing a bit of time to learn the ropes. If you’re someone who loves to connect ideas and build a knowledge base, Obsidian is perfect for you. Just be ready for that initial learning curve.
As for pricing, the free personal version is genuinely useful. I can see casual users sticking with it without needing to pay a penny. The syncing option at $4 per month is reasonable, and the publishing feature at $8 feels a bit steep unless you’re really into sharing your notes as websites. Overall, Obsidian is a powerful tool for anyone serious about note-taking and knowledge management, but it might not be the best fit for those who prefer simplicity and ease of use.
Getting started with Obsidian
After reading this guide, you'll be able to set up Obsidian and create your first notes with links, making it easy to build a web of interconnected ideas.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first note
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
Use the "Quick Switcher" feature (Ctrl + O or Cmd + O) to rapidly switch between notes without needing to navigate through the sidebar.
Common mistake to avoid
Avoid creating too many separate vaults for different topics. Instead, keep related notes within the same vault to maximise the benefits of linking and graph views.
The Verdict
Obsidian is a fantastic note-taking tool for anyone who values privacy and wants to build a personal knowledge base through interconnected notes. However, it does come with a steep learning curve and may not suit those who prefer a straightforward, user-friendly approach. If you're willing to invest the time, Obsidian can offer incredible value; if simplicity is your priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
Best For
- Researchers who need to manage complex information and interlink ideas.
- Students preparing for exams who benefit from spaced repetition.
- Writers looking for a distraction-free environment to brainstorm.
- Project managers needing to visually map out interconnected tasks.
- Developers documenting code and linking technical notes.
- Individuals who enjoy journaling and wish to connect their thoughts.
At a Glance
Obsidian is a powerful, privacy-focused note-taking app that excels in linking your thoughts and ideas through a robust plugin ecosystem. With local Markdown file storage, you maintain control over your data while enjoying features like visual graphs and community-driven enhancements.
Strengths
- +The local storage of Markdown files provides unmatched data privacy, ensuring your notes remain completely under your control without the risk of third-party access.
- +Bidirectional linking allows you to connect related notes effortlessly, making it easy to build a personal knowledge graph that can reveal insights and patterns in your understanding.
- +The extensive plugin ecosystem is a real highlight, with thousands of community-built options that can enhance your note-taking experience, from AI suggestions to study aids.
- +The Canvas feature offers a unique infinite whiteboard for brainstorming, which can be a game-changer for visual thinkers who need to organise complex ideas.
- +Obsidian's free tier for personal use is genuinely useful, allowing casual users to explore its features without any financial commitment.
- +The pricing for syncing and publishing is reasonable, especially compared to other tools that can charge significantly more for similar features.
- +Cross-platform availability means you can access your notes from virtually any device, whether you're on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Limitations
- -The learning curve can be steep for new users, particularly those unfamiliar with Markdown or the concept of linking notes, which may deter some potential users.
- -The mobile app feels less polished than the desktop version, missing some key features and making it a bit frustrating for users who want a consistent experience across devices.
- -While the plugin ecosystem is vast, the quality and reliability of plugins can vary greatly, meaning you might encounter some that are buggy or not well-maintained.
- -The publishing feature comes at a cost that may not be justifiable for all users, especially when free alternatives exist for sharing notes online.
- -The lack of a built-in collaboration feature can be a dealbreaker for teams who need real-time editing capabilities and straightforward sharing options.
Use Cases
- -Researchers who need to curate and interconnect vast amounts of information across different topics without losing track of their sources.
- -Students preparing for exams who can benefit from spaced repetition plugins to reinforce their learning and recall key concepts effectively.
- -Writers looking for a distraction-free environment to brainstorm ideas and manage references in a structured way.
- -Project managers who want to visually map out their projects and keep track of interrelated tasks and notes.
- -Developers who require an efficient way to document their code and link various technical notes without relying on cloud solutions.
- -Individuals who enjoy journaling and want to create a rich tapestry of their thoughts connected through links and visualisation.
