Joplin vs Obsidian: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Joplin scores 81 out of 100 and Obsidian scores 80. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Joplin | Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 75 | 75 |
| Features | 97 | 97 |
| Price | 78 | 67 |
| Your data | 67 | 80 |
Pros and cons
Joplin
- Notes are end-to-end encrypted: the company cannot read them
- Runs on almost every platform
- Notes can be taken out as Markdown files
- Free plan available
Obsidian
- Notes are end-to-end encrypted: the company cannot read them
- Runs on almost every platform
- Notes can be taken out as Markdown files
- Free plan available
Facts side by side
| Fact | Joplin | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Open source code | Yes joplinapp.org | Not verified |
| Two-factor sign-in | Not verified | Yes obsidian.md |
| Supported platforms (of 6) | 5 joplinapp.org | 5 obsidian.md |
| Works offline | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Web clipper | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Collaboration on notes | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Free plan | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Cheapest paid plan per month | $3.35 joplinapp.org | $5.00 obsidian.md |
| Markdown export | Yes joplinapp.org | Yes obsidian.md |
| Founded | Not verified | 2020 obsidian.md |
| Company headquarters | France joplinapp.org | Not verified |
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