Side by side
Foam vs Snippets
Both stand on note-taking apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIExtensionLinux+3
Choose Foam if you want a free, open-source system for linked Markdown research notes, especially within Visual Studio Code. Its publishing, collaboration, and CLI options add flexibility around a workspace. Look elsewhere if you depend on Obsidian community plugins, Canvas, or Tasks syntax.
Visit Foam Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Snippets offers a no-cost plan with unlimited workspaces and notes, plus a Cloud option with synchronization and sharing features. Check the discrepancy in note-sharing details and the coming-soon billing note before choosing a plan.
Visit SnippetsThe facts
| Foam | Snippets | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Cloud: $12 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docs.foam.md | snippets.ch |
| On note-taking apps | #57 of 216 | #61 of 216 |
Foam: what it does well
- Stores notes as standard Markdown files users own.
- Connects notes with wikilinks, backlinks, and a graph view.
- Includes templates, daily notes, tags, and note embeds.
- Supports offline access, sharing, and real-time collaboration.
- Offers CLI search and workspace access for AI agents via MCP.
What to know first
- Obsidian community plugins, Canvas, and Tasks syntax are unsupported.
- JavaScript templates can escape the in-process sandbox.
- Collects anonymous usage data, though users can opt out.
Snippets: what it does well
- Works offline across five listed platforms
- Free plan includes unlimited workspaces and notes
- GitHub integration is listed
- Cloud plan includes encrypted synchronization and API access
What to know first
- General note-sharing field says No
- Pro billing is marked Coming Soon
Alternatives to Foam Alternatives to Snippets The whole list