Notes · Head to head
Notability vs Obsidian: which is better?
Short answer
Notability costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $48). Pick Notability for handwritten notes on Apple devices; pick Obsidian for local-first Markdown notes with plugins.
| Fact | Notability | Obsidian | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Handwritten notes on Apple devices | Local-first Markdown notes with plugins | — |
| Free plan | Yes, 5 free notes | Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons | Tie |
| Entry plan | Lite: $11.99 / yr | Sync Standard: $4 / mo | Notability |
| Mid plan | Plus: $15.99 / yr | Sync Plus: $8 / mo | Notability |
| Top plan | Business: $60 / yr | Publish: $8 / mo | Notability |
| 1st year | $11.99 | $48 | Notability |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS, Windows, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Obsidian |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Notability or Obsidian?
Notability costs less in the first year ($11.99 vs $48).
| 1st year | Notability | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $11.99 | $48 |
| Mid | $15.99 | $96 |
| Top | $60 | $96 |
Which has the better free plan, Notability or Obsidian?
Neither stands out: Notability: Yes, 5 free notes; Obsidian: Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons.
Should you pick Notability or Obsidian?
Pick Notability if
- you want handwritten notes on Apple devices
- the free plan is enough (5 free notes)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Notability pricing | notability.com/pricing | 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