Notes · Head to head
Google Keep vs Obsidian: which is better?
Short answer
Google Keep costs less in the first year ($0 vs $48). Pick Google Keep for quick notes and checklists; pick Obsidian for local-first Markdown notes with plugins.
| Fact | Google Keep | Obsidian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quick notes and checklists | Local-first Markdown notes with plugins | — |
| Free plan | Yes, free, uses Google account storage (15 GB) | Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons | Tie |
| Entry plan | — | Sync Standard: $4 / mo | — |
| Mid plan | — | Sync Plus: $8 / mo | — |
| Top plan | — | Publish: $8 / mo | — |
| 1st year | $0 | $48 | Google Keep |
| Platforms | Web, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Obsidian |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which has the better free plan, Google Keep or Obsidian?
Neither stands out: Google Keep: Yes, free, uses Google account storage (15 GB); Obsidian: Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons.
Should you pick Google Keep or Obsidian?
Pick Google Keep if
- you want quick notes and checklists
- the free plan is enough (free, uses Google account storage (15 GB))
Pick Obsidian if
- you want local-first Markdown notes with plugins
- the free plan is enough (app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Google Keep pricing | workspace.google.com/products/keep/ | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Obsidian pricing | obsidian.md/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare