Obsidian vs Simplenote: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Obsidian scores 80 out of 100 and Simplenote scores 57. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Obsidian | Simplenote | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 75 | 25 |
| Features | 97 | 80 |
| Price | 67 | 100 |
| Your data | 80 | 0 |
Pros and cons
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
Simplenote
- Affordable paid plan
- Runs on almost every platform
- Free plan available
- App code is open source and can be reviewed by anyone
- No end-to-end encryption
Facts side by side
| Fact | Obsidian | Simplenote |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end encryption | Yes obsidian.md | No simplenote.com |
| Open source code | Not verified | Yes simplenote.com |
| Two-factor sign-in | Yes obsidian.md | Not verified |
| Supported platforms (of 6) | 5 obsidian.md | 6 simplenote.com |
| Works offline | Yes obsidian.md | Yes simplenote.com |
| Web clipper | Yes obsidian.md | Not verified |
| Collaboration on notes | Yes obsidian.md | Yes simplenote.com |
| Free plan | Yes obsidian.md | Yes simplenote.com |
| Cheapest paid plan per month | $5.00 obsidian.md | $0.00 simplenote.com |
| Markdown export | Yes obsidian.md | Not verified |
| Founded | 2020 obsidian.md | Not verified |
| Company | Not verified | Automattic Inc. simplenote.com |
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