Mind-blowing Top 12 Best Obsidian Alternative 2021

Many people use Obsidian as their main note-taking app. Obsidian makes my life easy. This note-taking app has plenty of features for every kind of user.

I am a lawyer and I am a proud user of Obsidian note-taking app. This amazing note-taking app helps me to organize my case references, prepare arguments, write my all petitions, Contracts, etc. I love this note-taking app and nearly quite my 7 years favorite note-taking app Evernote.

Obsidian note-taking app is so feature-rich that you cannot be imaging. Some people want Obsidian alternative note-taking apps for many reasons. So, I have made a long list full of Obsidian alternatives.

Reason To Choose Obsidian:

  • Full Markdown Text Editor.
  • Bi-directional Linking Notes.
  • Organize Your Note Using Tags.
  • Voice Note-Taking.
  • Insert Any Kind Of Media.
  • Zettelkasten Note-Taking.
  • Huge Core And Third-party Plugins.
  • Huge Core And Third-party CSS Themes.
  • Your Second Brain.
  • Stronger Search Feature.
  • Block Style Note-Taking.
  • Block Bi-directional Linking.
  • Fully Local File Storage.
  • Most Secure Note-Taking App Out There.
  • You can replace your traditional writing app like MS Word, LibreOffice, etc.

If you want to learn something new and better, then Obsidian is the right choice for you. I learn this app in only three days. You can learn this app in less time. Learn this app and enjoy the freedom of taking notes and feel the power of Obsidian.

What Can I Use Instead Of Obsidian?

  1. Roam Research (Paid Version).
  2. Typora.
  3. Bear App
  4. Workflowy.
  5. Roam Research Desktop App (Free Version).
  6. Dynalist.
  7. Notejoy.
  8. UpNote.
  9. RemNote.
  10. Mem Note.
  11. Notebag.
  12. Relanote.

[democracy id=”2″]

1. Roam Research (Paid Version) : The True Obsidian Alternative:

Roam research is a superior note-taking app for all kinds of users. Especially, researchers around the world use this note-taking app.

Roam Research is an Obsidian Style note-taking app. This app has the most features Obsidian has. Roam Research is popular among researchers around the world. This app has a large user base.

This note-taking app is gained popularity from mind 2020. Till now, this amazing note-taking app earns respect and love from many users around the world.

In Roam Research (Paid version) can be used in Roam Research desktop app and in the web. As a result, your notes will always be synced with Roam Research cloud. So do not worry about your notes.

1.1. Reason To Choose Roam Research:

  • Taking Notes Is So Easy With Bullet Journal Note-Taking.
  • Make Your Research SImple.
  • Bi-directional Note-Taking System Make Your Effort More Useful To You.
  • Insert PDF, Image,Videos Without Hassle.
  • Encrypt Your Classified Texts.
  • Organize Your To-Do List Easily.
  • Your Favorite Calculator.
  • Latex Make Your Writing Beautiful.
  • Best Way To Use Kanban Board.
  • Draw Diagram In Simplest Way.
  • Pomodoro Timer For Time Tracking.
  • Drawing Picture, No Problem.
  • Always Sync With Cloud.

1.2. Poor Features Of Roam Research:

  • Free Version Only Work With Roam Research Desktop App And No Sync To Cloud.
  • Pricing Is Little Bit Higher.
  • No Mobile App.
  • Learning Curve.

Can I consider Roam Research as an Obsidian alternative? Yes, this note-taking app is the best Obsidian alternative for researchers, programmers, etc. I strongly recommend this fantastic note-taking app alternative to Obsidian.

2. Typora: A Destruction Free Writer And Note-Taking App:

Typora is a Markdown-powered simple note-taking app. This simple app was made for only one purpose, Fast note-taking, and writing.

This note-taking app is so simple and feature-rich that your writing and note-taking become quicker and easier. I used this note-taking app for two years. After my testing, I become more pleasing with the app.

2.1. Reason To Choose Typora Over Obsidian:

  • Full Markdown Editor.
  • File Saved In Markdown Format.
  • Full Free To Use.
  • Lots Of Themes.
  • Has Template Gallary.
  • Secure To Use.
  • Lite App.
  • Clean Interface.
  • Many Export Options Like PDF, HTML, .md(You Can Export Other File Format By Using PanDoc).
  • Best For Writing And Quick Note-Taking.
  • App For Mac, Windows And Linux.

2.2. Features I Do Not Like In Typora:

  • No Sync Option.
  • No Mobile App.

Typora is an elegant note-taking app for free. It has not enough features than Obsidian, but, this app is made for quick note-takers and Destruction free writing. If you write a lot every day Typora is one of the best options for you.

I love this app for its simple design and quick writing method. When you start using Typora you become a fan of this amazing app.

3. Bear App: The Best Note-Taking App For Cross Device Use:

Bear app is also a Markdown note-taking app for Mac, iOS devices. This app is so amazing that a lot of Mac users use this app for taking notes and writing.

This amazing app has some unique features that no other note-taking app can provide. I used this app for only 9 days and I become mad for its features.

3.1. Reason To Choose Bear App Over Evernote:

  • Markdown Editor.
  • Security Is The Other Name Of Bear App.
  • Real Time Note Sync.
  • Easy Settings.
  • Handy Shortcuts.
  • Clean Interface.
  • Good Export Features.
  • Import From Evernote.
  • Hashtag To Organize Notes.
  • Focus Mode.
  • Bi-directional Link Note.
  • Good To-Do List Features.

3.2. Top Cons Of Bear App:

  • Only Mac, iPad, and iPhone Users Can Use This Fantastic App.
  • No Windows Or Android Apps.

If you are a hardcore Apple ecosystem user then Bear App is your must-have app. I can assure you that this note-taking app will not hurt you anyway. You become a lover of the Bear app within few days.

4. Workflowy: The Quickest And Simple Note-Taking App:

Workflowy is a Bullet journal note-taking app. It is very simple to use. There is no learning carves in workflowy. Many people do not know the name. Those who use workflowy app as their main note-taking became very happy.

Why people are happy who use workflow app? There are many reasons for that. Many people love this note-taking app for only one reason simplicity, others have their own reasons. Let’s find out some reasons why this note-taking app is Obsidian alternative.

4.1. Reason To Choose Workflowy:

  • Workflowy is the simplest, and easiest note-taking app.
  • Workflowy mobile app is one of the best note-taking mobile app.
  • Apps for every platforms.
  • Sync notes into its cloud instantly.
  • A Better To-Do List App.
  • Bi-directional linking Note-Taking.
  • Outline Your Writing.
  • Simplest Picture Note-Taking Features.
  • Easiest Destruction Free Writing.
  • Easy Schedule Management.
  • Bullet Journal Note-Taking For Speed Up Your Writing.
  • Good GTD Note-Taking Apps.

4.2. Poor Features Of Workflowy:

  • Free Version is limited for only 250 Bullets every month.
  • No Plugins Option To Increase Functionality.
  • No Themes.

If you love simplicity in everywhere Workflowy is the perfect choose for you. This note-taking app has tons of features and capabilities to become a good Obsidian App alternative.

5. Roam Research Desktop App (Free Version):

Roam Research is a good note-taking app. This is a paid note-taking app. But, the Roam Research team give us an amazing opportunity to use this fantastic note-taking app for fee.

How To Use Roam Research For Free? To use Roam Research for free you need to download Roam Research Desktop app form here and install the app.

Now, you have to create a Local Graph in the app. Next, set back-up options. Now, you are ready to take notes in Roam Research for free.

Roam Research Local Graph
Roam Research Local Graph

5.1. Top Pros That Will Astonish You:

  • All the features you have of Roam Research paid Version I have discuss above.
  • Your notes will store locally. As a result it is more secure.

5.2. All Cons You Should Know About:

  • All the cons of Roam Research paid version I have discussed above.
  • You can create only 3 *Local Graphs.
  • No sync with Roam Research Server.
  • If you lose your data you lose your all notes.

Although, there are some serious cons of Roam Research free version, you may consider this note-taking app as a true Obsidian alternative. The cons can be overcome by using this app carefully.

6. Dynalist: Simple But Powerful Note-Taking App:

This amazing note-taking app is bullet journal note-taking app. This app has some good feature of Workflowy and Obsidian. This app can be you go to note-taking app.

6.1. Reason To Choose Dynalist:

  • Add dates and filter by date and time.
  • Convert any list to a checklist.
  • Sync dates in Dynalist to your Google Calendar.
  • Managing repeating tasks made easy.
  • Go to any file or bookmark within keystrokes.
  • Manipulate multiple items at once.
  • Bookmark anything for super fast access.
  • Tags For Quickly group and filter items.
  • Cross linking Or Bi-directional Linking.
  • Markdown Supports bold, italics, code, image, links, and LaTeX.
  • Color-code anything.
  • Number your items for easy counting.
  • Good Collaboration Features.
  • Visitors don’t have to sign up to see your lists.
  • Upload files up to 50 MB in size.
  • Export to OPML, plain text, or formatted text.
  • See past changes to a document and restore any version.
  • Get daily backups sent to Dropbox or Google Drive.
  • Access and work on your stuff even when offline.
  • Override the default shortcuts.
  • Access extra options and rearrange the mobile toolbar.
  • Choose from Dark, Sepia, Sci-Fi, Sakura, etc. All themes are free!.
  • Custom the CSS across all platforms.
  • No Limit Of Taking Notes In Free Version.

6.2. Poor Features Of Dynalist:

  • No Google Calendar Integration In Free Version.
  • Tag Pen In Pro Version Only.
  • No Recurring Dates In Free Version.
  • Image And File Attachment In Pro Version Only.
  • No Daily Cloud Drive Backup In Free Version.
  • Custom Shortcuts In Pro Version Only.
  • No Custom Mobile Toolbar In Free Version.
  • Custom CSS In Pro Version Only.

I love Dynalist for its good marketing strategy. They keep all the core features for free just charge for the advanced users. This note-taking app is good enough for lawyers and law firms as well as normal note-takers.

7. Notejoy: A Better Evernote Alternative:

Notejoy is another Evernote like note-taking app. This app fantastically looks and feels like Evernote. I used this app for one month, and this app is very good at note-taking.

Notejoy provides you every Evernote feature with some modern features too. There are many reasons to use Notejoy instead of Evernote in 2021.

If you are a lawyer like me, then you may face many problems in Evernote. This is the proper time to find an Obsidian alternative for your notes. Maybe, Notejoy can fulfill all of your needs as a note-taking app Obsidian alternative 2021.

7.1. Reason To Choose Notejoy :

  • Bi-directional Linking Note-Taking Made Easy.
  • Good And Speedy Web Clipper.
  • Markdown Editor (No Support For Creating Tables).
  • Trallo, Google Drive, ect. Can Be Easily Integrate.
  • Clean UI (Same As Evernote).
  • Focus Mode.

7.2. Poor Features Of Notejoy:

  • No Table Creation.
  • Some Markdown Features Do Not Work.

If you are a lawyer and become a slave of Evernote, then choose this note-taking app. Notejoy has same user interface and features of Evernote and Obsidian. So, you can switch to Notejoy easily.

8. UpNote: The Most Underrated Rocking Star Obsidian Alternative.

This is a new note-taking app like Roam Research. This is an elegant-looking and feature-rich note-taking app for Windows and Mac. Once you use this app you become fan of this note-taking app. Why UpNote is so aesthetic to use. Because its UI is so beautiful.

8.1 Some Amazing Features Of UpNote:

  • Bi-directional Linking Notes.
  • Markdown Editor.
  • True Focus Mode.
  • Secure Note-Taking.
  • Export your notes to Text, PDF, HTML or Markdown.
  • Beautiful Themes and Dark Mode.
  • Automatically syncs across all your devices.
  • Offline Note-Taking.
  • Better Note Management.
  • Beautiful User Interface.
  • Good To-Do List Support.

8.2 Some Negative Side Of UpNote:

  • Free version is limited on 50 notes.
  • No Web Clipper.
  • Creating Table Is Ableavle in Pro Version.
  • File Insert Is Possible In Pro Version Only.

UpNote is a better Roam Research and Obsidian alternative. I strongly recommend this beautiful-looking note-taking app for lawyers and law firms. This app so features rich that you can easily do your all kind of note-taking, To-Dos, Word Processor alternative.

9. Mem Note: New Born Amazing Note-Taking App:

Mem note is a bi-directional note-taking app. It is a new note-taking app with a lot of promise. Although this is a new note-taking app it has a lot of features.

9.1. Reason To Choose Mem Note:

  • Good Markdown Support.
  • Clean And Distruction Free Writing Experience.
  • Focus Mode.
  • Bi-directional Linking Notes.
  • Create Notes Via Whatsapp, Telegram, And Text Massage.
  • Tags To Organize Notes(No File Manager).
  • Google Calendar Easy Integration.
  • Modern Features For Team Note-Taking.

9.2. Poor Features Of Mam Note:

  • No Apps For Windows, Linux, Android, iOS.
  • No Web Clipping Till Now.
  • Exporting Options Are Very Limited.

Mem.ai Note is a very new one to judge. But, the good thing is it has created a big hype in the note-taking market. I believe, Mem.ai note is a strong contender and Obsidian alternative. Anyone can use this note. Although to use this note you need an invitation. I can give you an invitation if you email me to do that.

10. RemNote: The Roam Research For Students:

RemNote is another bi-directional and knowledge management note-taking app. This app is close to Roam Research. RemNote is good for learning. This is an ideal note-taking app for students.

10.1 Good Side Of RemNote:

  • Bi-directional Note-Taking.
  • Knowledge Management.
    -Powerful Integrated Flashcards For Easy Learning And Memorizing.
  • Powerful Hierarchical Editor.
  • Zettelkasten.
  • References, Backlinks, and Tags.
  • Graph View & Editor.
  • Image Occlusion.
  • Dates and To-dos.
  • PDF Uploads & Highlights.
  • Templates.
  • RemNote Clipper.
  • Private Local-Only Knowledge Bases.
  • Versatile Import / Export Options.
  • Public Sharing.
  • Custom Themes.
  • API & Frontend Plugins.

10.2 What You May Not Like About RemNote:

  • Graph View & Editor Only In Pro Version.
  • Search Portals Only In Pro Version.
  • Image Occlusion In Pro Version.
  • PDF Uploads & Highlights Only In Pro Version.
  • Templates Can Use Only In Pro Version.
  • Automation Power-Ups In Pro Version.
  • Trash HistoryOnly In Pro Version.
  • Daily Cloud Backups Only In Pro Version.
  • Custom Hotkeys You Can Use In Pro Version Only.

RemNote is a good bidirectional linking note-taking app. The free version has enough power to replace Roam Research. They make this amazing note-taking app mind on students. But, any professionals and lawyers can use this note-taking app.

11. Notebag: The Tiny Easy To Use Note-taking App:

Notebag
Notebag

This note-taking app was launched in mid-2020. Although it is a new note-taking app, it has many useful features that do not provide by other big names.

11.1. Some Amazing Features Of Notebag:

  • Always stay on system try. As a result you can open it quickly. just “Ctrl+Alt+Space” to open and take notes. Most realistic way of taking notes.
  • Markdown Editor.
  • Bi-directional Linking Notes.
  • Focus Mode.
  • Less Options For Destruction Free UI.
  • There is no settings button. To go to settings you have type “Ctrl+,”. So simple.

11.2. Some Cons Of Notebag:

  • Too Simple.
  • Some Important buttons should be on the Main window.
  • Some new users can get lost with keyboard shortcuts.

Notebag has bring some new ideas in the note-taking market. It has simplified a lot of features. So, I use this note-taking app for my quick notes.

12. Relanote: The New Note-Taking App For Your Bi-directional Linking Notes:

Relanote is very new in the note-taking business. This note-taking app is an easy-to-use app. Relanote is a hybrid of hierarchical and normal note-taking systems. The app looks great and clean. It is easy to take notes in Relanote.

12.1. Some Good Features Of Relanote:

  • Easy Links & Notes Creation.
  • Bi-directional Liking Notes.
  • hierarchical organization On Autopilot.
  • knowledge base Graph.
  • data is first encrypted on your device and then stored on secure servers.
  • Shearing Notes Is Easy.
  • Dark Theme.
  • Import notes (Coming Soon).
  • Export Notes (Coming Soon).
  • Templates (Coming Soon).

12.2. Some Poor Features Of Relanote:

  • No Markdown Editor.
  • You Cannot Create Tables.
  • No Option For Linking Block.

This new note-taking system is good to go with you. Relanote can be the best competitor of Roam Research in near future.

My Final Thoughts:

One thing I would like to clear to you is that every app I review in this article and in this blog was heavily tested by me for at least two months. I read a lot of blogs and articles in the net. Many of them give you more opting like 59 alternatives to —. But, the truth is most of the alternative has no connection or similarities with the main compared apps. So, beware of those articles.

Obsidian is such a high-class note-taking app and its alternative must have some special features. In the list above, all the note-taking apps are more close to Obsidian by their features. Some have more features, some have fewer features. It is you, who need the note-taking app. So, you should decide your own. I am writing to you to choose the closest one of your needs. Thanks.

Your Comment Please

%d bloggers like this: