By Yeonji•Updated

Best Obsidian Alternatives in 2026

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The short answer

We track 2 Obsidian alternatives in this directory. 2 of them can be used without paying — Joonote, Shiru Notes. None of these listings has been hand-checked yet.

Closest match: Joonote — A note-taking app on your lock screen.

Obsidian alternatives at a glance

#ToolPricingCategoryListing checked
1Joonote
A note-taking app on your lock screen
FreeProductivityNot yet
2Shiru Notes
A minimalist privacy-focused text notes app
Free tierProductivityNot yet

“Listing checked” is the date we last confirmed the tool is live and matches its description. Pricing is the tool’s own tier; confirm current prices on its site before buying.

Joonote

1. Joonote

A note-taking app on your lock screen

Free· Productivity

Joonote is the fastest way to view and edit your notes, to-do lists, and reminders directly on the lock screen and notification panel—no unlocking your screen to search for the app—so you can stay in the flow without straying to other apps.

Shiru Notes

2. Shiru Notes

A minimalist privacy-focused text notes app

Free tier· Productivity

Shiru Notes is simple and private by design with a minimal interface that lets you focus on what matters—your thoughts. Your notes save automatically as you type, stay encrypted and accessible only to you. At its core, ShiruNotes.com exists for a simple reason: to give you a private, dependable place to think. In a world where almost everything we write is shaped by visibility, metrics, and algorithms, Shiru Notes offers something increasingly rare—a space that is not optimized for sharing, engagement, or growth. A space where thoughts can exist without performance.

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