Side by side
Goodnotes vs Obsidian
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 AndroidiPhoneMac+2
Goodnotes offers a free starting tier and paid options that expand file capacity and collaboration features. Check the free plan’s storage and import limits against the way you plan to use it.
Visit Goodnotes
Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+3
Obsidian's free local app is suited to offline note-taking, with plugins and Canvas for shaping a personal workflow. Sync and Publish add collaboration or hosted sharing, but have separate prices and plan limits.
Visit ObsidianThe facts
| Goodnotes | Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Commercial: $50 a year |
| Plans published | 13 | 6 |
| Maker | Goodnotes | Obsidian |
| Website | goodnotes.com | obsidian.md |
| On note-taking apps | #8 of 216 | #12 of 216 |
Goodnotes: what it does well
- Available on Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows
- Supports offline access and note sharing
- Real-time collaboration is available
- Free plan includes 100 MB of storage
- Integrates with Google Drive and calendar services
What to know first
- Free plan limits imports to 5 MB
- Free plan limits storage to 100 MB
- AI Pass availability varies by region and eligible plan
Obsidian: what it does well
- Core app is free and needs no sign-up.
- Notes remain available offline on the user's device.
- Thousands of plugins and an open API support customization.
- Shared vaults provide real-time updates for teams.
- Apps cover desktop, mobile, and Chrome extension platforms.
What to know first
- Sync Standard allows one vault and 1 GB storage.
- Sync Standard limits individual files to 5 MB.
- Sync and Publish are separate paid services.
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