--- og_image: "/images/guides/best-open-source-alternatives-to-obsidian-2026.webp" title: "Best Open-Source Obsidian Alternatives 2026" description: "Obsidian Sync costs $8/month. These open-source note-taking tools — Logseq, SiYuan, AFFiNE, Joplin, Standard Notes — self-host your knowledge base for free." date: "2026-04-12" author: "OSSAlt Team" tags: ["obsidian", "open-source", "note-taking", "pkm", "knowledge-management", "self-hosted", "alternatives", "2026"] tier: 2 --- Obsidian itself is free for personal use, but the app is proprietary and closed-source. The moment you want sync across devices, you're looking at $8/month (Obsidian Sync). Add Obsidian Publish at $16/month if you want to share notes publicly, and you're at $24/month — $288/year — for features that open source alternatives include in their self-hosted deployments. More importantly for organizations: Obsidian stores files locally and syncs via their commercial service or third-party plugins. There's no collaborative editing, no server-side knowledge base, and no admin controls. For teams that want a shared, self-hosted knowledge base with real-time collaboration, the alternatives below are built for exactly that. ## TL;DR **Logseq** is the best open source Obsidian alternative for personal knowledge management — it uses the same local Markdown files but adds outlining, journaling, and a graph view with genuine bidirectional linking. **SiYuan Note** is the best self-hosted team knowledge base with real-time sync, a full-featured block editor, and built-in database capabilities. **AFFiNE** is the best choice if you want a local-first collaborative workspace combining docs, whiteboards, and databases. **Joplin** is the most mature and portable note-taking app with excellent mobile support and end-to-end encryption. **Standard Notes** is the best option when privacy and encryption are the primary requirements. ## Quick Comparison | | Logseq | SiYuan Note | AFFiNE | Joplin | Standard Notes | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | GitHub Stars | 32K+ | 24K+ | 42K+ | 46K+ | 5K+ | | License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 | MIT | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 | | Self-Host Sync | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (server) | ✓ | | Real-time Collab | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | | Block Editor | Outliner | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited | | Graph View | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Plugin | ✗ | | Bidirectional Links | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Plugin | ✗ | | Mobile Apps | ✓ | ✓ | Beta | ✓ | ✓ | | E2E Encryption | Planned | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | | Offline-First | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Docker Self-Host | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ## Logseq: The Open Source Outliner for Personal PKM Logseq is the closest thing to Obsidian in the open source world — it reads and writes plain Markdown (and Org-mode) files from a local folder, which means your data stays portable and vendor-independent. Unlike Obsidian's document-centric model, Logseq is outliner-first: everything is a bullet that can be nested, queried, and linked. With 32,000+ GitHub stars and an active community, Logseq is the most-used open source alternative among knowledge workers making a principled choice about proprietary tools. **Core model:** Daily journals as the entry point. You log thoughts, notes, and tasks in today's journal, and Logseq automatically creates bidirectional links when you reference a page. Over time, a graph of connected ideas emerges without manual organization. **Features:** - **Outliner editing:** Every block is independently addressable, embed-able, and query-able - **Queries:** Datalog-based queries let you pull together blocks by tag, property, or link — creating dynamic "dashboards" of related content - **Graph view:** Visual map of linked pages - **Tasks and scheduling:** Built-in task management with priorities and scheduled/deadline dates - **Plugins:** A growing plugin ecosystem covers templates, export formats, integrations, and UI customization - **PDF annotation:** Annotate PDFs with highlights linked to your notes **Self-hosted sync:** Logseq doesn't have a traditional server. Sync options include: the (still beta) Logseq Sync service, git-based sync via working directory, or self-hosted Syncthing/WebDAV. The database version (in active development) will change this model with a proper server sync layer. **Where Logseq wins vs Obsidian:** The outliner model and Datalog queries are genuinely more powerful for personal knowledge management than Obsidian's document-and-search approach. For people who think in connected ideas rather than separate documents, Logseq's graph accumulates knowledge in a way that feels organic. No sync fees — use git or Syncthing for free. **Where Logseq falls short:** No real-time collaboration — it's a single-user tool. Performance on large databases (10,000+ blocks) has historically been a complaint, though the database version aims to resolve this. The outliner model has a learning curve for users accustomed to document-based editors. ## SiYuan Note: Team Knowledge Base with Real-Time Sync SiYuan Note is the most complete self-hosted knowledge base for teams. It's a full-stack application with a block-based editor, self-hosted sync server, real-time collaboration, database views (similar to Notion), and end-to-end encryption for sync — all in one package. With 24,000+ GitHub stars and active development from a team in China (with a large international user base), SiYuan has become the recommended option for teams that want Notion-like functionality entirely on their own infrastructure. **Self-hosting:** SiYuan Server is a single binary or Docker container that handles sync and user management. Clients connect over a local network or the internet. The server is lightweight — runs on 512MB RAM. ```bash docker run -d \ -v ~/siyuan/workspace:/siyuan/workspace \ -p 6806:6806 \ b3log/siyuan ``` **Feature highlights:** - **Block-based editor:** Paragraphs, headings, code blocks, tables, embeds, math (KaTeX), diagrams (Mermaid), and attribute panels per block - **Database views:** Inline databases with table, kanban, and gallery views — similar to Notion databases - **Self-hosted sync:** End-to-end encrypted sync via your own SiYuan server or compatible WebDAV/S3 storage - **Bidirectional links:** Full graph with backlinks, forward links, and breadcrumbs - **Templates:** Reusable templates with variables and date/time functions - **Custom attributes:** Add arbitrary properties to any block for personal metadata **Where SiYuan wins vs Obsidian:** For teams (2-50 people) who want shared notes with real-time editing, SiYuan is the best self-hosted option. The database block type covers structured data that Obsidian needs external plugins to approximate. E2E encryption on sync means you can run the server on a public VPS without trusting the host with content. **Where SiYuan falls short:** The application is primarily Chinese in origin and some UI strings are inconsistently translated. The plugin ecosystem is smaller than Obsidian's or Logseq's. No web-only access — a client app is required. ## AFFiNE: Local-First Collaborative Workspace AFFiNE combines a rich document editor, a whiteboard (Edgeless mode), and a database — all in a local-first architecture. It's the most design-forward tool on this list, with 42,000+ GitHub stars reflecting strong interest from users wanting an offline-capable Notion alternative. AFFiNE's "Edgeless" mode (infinite canvas whiteboard) distinguishes it from every other tool here — you can switch any doc to whiteboard mode and move blocks spatially. For visual thinkers, this is a significant differentiator. **Self-hosting:** AFFiNE Cloud is the self-hostable server built with Node.js. Docker deployment is available: ```bash docker run -d \ -p 3010:3010 \ -v ~/.affine:/root/.affine \ ghcr.io/toeverything/affine-cloud:stable ``` Collaboration requires the cloud server. Local-only use works offline without a server. **Feature highlights:** - **Doc mode + Edgeless mode:** Every page can switch between document and infinite canvas whiteboard - **Block types:** Rich blocks including embedded databases, images, PDFs, code, and linked pages - **Real-time collaboration:** Multiple users on the same document via the cloud server - **AI integration:** Optional AI assistant (bring your own key) for text generation and editing - **Database views:** Table and kanban views with filtering - **Export:** HTML, Markdown, and PDF export **Where AFFiNE wins vs Obsidian:** The whiteboard mode for visual note-taking, brainstorming, and diagramming has no equivalent in Obsidian. The collaborative editing model works offline-first and syncs when connected. MIT license means no concerns about commercial use or embedding. **Where AFFiNE falls short:** Mobile apps are still beta-quality. The server component adds operational complexity compared to Logseq's file-based approach. Fewer plugins than Obsidian or Logseq. The product is evolving fast and some features feel less polished than older tools. ## Joplin: The Most Portable and Battle-Tested Option Joplin has been around since 2017 and has built a reputation as the most reliable, portable open source note-taking app. With 46,000+ GitHub stars — the most on this list — Joplin has a massive user base and a mature ecosystem. Joplin stores notes as Markdown files in its own encrypted database and syncs via configurable backends: Joplin Server (self-hosted), WebDAV, Nextcloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, or S3-compatible storage. The flexibility in sync backends makes Joplin uniquely portable — you're never locked into a single infrastructure choice. **Self-hosting (Joplin Server):** Joplin Server handles sync and sharing between clients. Docker deployment: ```bash docker-compose up -d ``` with an official compose file. Server requires PostgreSQL. Minimum: 1 vCPU / 512MB RAM. **Feature highlights:** - **End-to-end encryption:** E2E on sync — the server never sees plaintext content - **Web Clipper:** Browser extension to clip web pages, articles, and screenshots directly into Joplin - **Rich plugin ecosystem:** 200+ plugins covering themes, code execution, table of contents, diagrams, templates, and more - **Note sharing:** Joplin Server enables sharing individual notes or notebooks via link - **Multi-platform clients:** Desktop (Windows/Mac/Linux), mobile (iOS/Android), and a terminal app - **Import/export:** Import from Evernote, CommonMark, HTML. Export to PDF, HTML, Markdown. **Where Joplin wins vs Obsidian:** E2E encryption built in — Obsidian Sync encrypts in transit but not end-to-end. Joplin's Evernote import is more reliable for migrations. The terminal client serves users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows. Sync flexibility — Joplin works with WebDAV on a $6/month Nextcloud instance rather than requiring its own server. **Where Joplin falls short:** No bidirectional links or graph view in the core app (available via plugins but less integrated). No real-time collaboration. The editor is Markdown-based and less rich than SiYuan or AFFiNE. For teams wanting a shared, collaborative knowledge base, Joplin is a personal tool with limited sharing. ## Standard Notes: Encrypted by Default Standard Notes takes the most uncompromising stance on privacy. Every note is encrypted before it leaves your device — the server (whether hosted by Standard Notes or self-hosted) never has access to your content. This makes Standard Notes the right choice when the primary requirement is privacy, not collaboration or rich editing. **Self-hosting:** Standard Notes Server is a Node.js application that handles encrypted sync. Docker deployment is documented. The server stores only encrypted blobs — it cannot read your notes even with database access. **Feature highlights:** E2E encryption for all notes, nested tags, plain text and rich text editors, Markdown editor, a growing selection of editor extensions (code, HTML, Scinotes for advanced formatting), and cross-platform clients (desktop, mobile, web). The server can be configured to use local storage or S3-compatible object storage. **Where Standard Notes fits:** Individuals or small teams with strict privacy requirements — journalists, lawyers, security researchers, or anyone who cannot trust a cloud provider with their notes. The zero-knowledge architecture means even a compromised server exposes no readable content. **Where Standard Notes falls short:** No bidirectional linking, no graph view, no real-time collaboration, and limited database/structure capabilities compared to SiYuan or AFFiNE. The editor is simpler than the other tools here. For teams that need shared, structured knowledge management, SiYuan or AFFiNE is more appropriate. ## Storage and Privacy Model Comparison | Tool | Storage Model | Server Access to Content | Offline-First | |---|---|---|---| | Obsidian | Local files | N/A (local) | ✓ | | Logseq | Local files | N/A (local) | ✓ | | SiYuan | Block database | Yes (unless E2E enabled) | ✓ | | AFFiNE | Block database (local-first) | Yes | ✓ | | Joplin | Markdown + SQLite | Never (E2E) | ✓ | | Standard Notes | Encrypted blobs | Never (E2E) | ✓ | ## Self-Hosting Cost All tools run on minimal hardware: - **Logseq (file sync via Syncthing):** $0 additional beyond existing infrastructure - **SiYuan Server:** $4-6/month (512MB RAM sufficient) - **AFFiNE Server:** $6-12/month (1 vCPU / 1GB RAM) - **Joplin Server:** $6-12/month (1 vCPU / 1GB RAM + PostgreSQL) - **Standard Notes Server:** $6-12/month (1 vCPU / 512MB RAM) Compare to Obsidian Sync at $8/month per user: a 5-person team pays $480/year for sync alone. Self-hosted SiYuan covers the same team for $50-70/year in server costs. ## When to Use Which **Choose Logseq if:** You're a solo knowledge worker who wants an open source alternative to Obsidian's local-first philosophy. You think in outlines and interconnected ideas. You want Datalog queries for powerful note retrieval. You use daily journals as an entry point to your notes. **Choose SiYuan Note if:** You're a small team (2-20 people) that needs a shared knowledge base with real-time editing, Notion-like databases, and end-to-end encrypted sync on your own server. **Choose AFFiNE if:** You want visual/spatial note-taking with an infinite canvas whiteboard alongside documents. Collaboration matters and you want a local-first architecture. MIT license is important for commercial use. **Choose Joplin if:** You want the most portable, platform-independent open source note-taking app with excellent mobile support. E2E encryption and flexible sync backends matter. You're migrating from Evernote. **Choose Standard Notes if:** Privacy and encryption are the primary requirements. You want zero-knowledge sync where the server can never read your notes. Simpler editing is acceptable for a stronger security model. For a look at how some of these tools integrate with document management, see [Best Open-Source Notion Alternatives 2026](/guides/best-open-source-alternatives-to-notion-2026) and [Open-Source Alternatives to Notion AI 2026](/guides/open-source-alternatives-to-notion-ai-2026) for AI-augmented knowledge base options.