How should I choose between Notion, Obsidian and Logseq?

Choose Notion-like tools for collaboration and databases, Obsidian for local Markdown and plugins, and Logseq for outline-first linked thinking.

What matters most in a free notes app?

Export, data format, sync model, offline use and long-term maintenance matter more than surface polish.

← Back to collections

Free Software Collection

Free Note-Taking Apps

Good note-taking software should not trap your knowledge behind accounts and subscriptions. This collection highlights free, durable and data-conscious tools for writing and long-term knowledge management.

12 curated recommendations

Selection Criteria

Free features are enough for everyday capture, organization and retrieval.
Markdown, local files, export options or flexible sync are preferred.
Tools should support long-term knowledge bases, not just temporary notes.

Recommended Tools

Free

Obsidian

A local-first knowledge base — your notes stay yours

No Ads
No Tracking
Offline
No Sign-up

Free

Joplin

Open-source, offline-first note-taking with end-to-end encrypted sync

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Offline

Free

Logseq

An open-source outliner with bidirectional links to grow your knowledge graph

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Offline

Free

Zettlr

A one-stop Markdown workbench for researchers and writers

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Offline

Free

Zim Desktop Wiki

A plain-text desktop wiki for managing notes the way you use a wiki

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Offline

Free

Trilium Notes

A hierarchical note app built for large personal knowledge bases

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Offline

Free tier

AppFlowy

The open-source Notion alternative that keeps your data in your hands

Open Source
No Ads
Offline
No Sign-up

Free tier

Standard Notes

End-to-end encrypted notes with free unlimited-device sync

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking
Cross-platform

✦ Ours

Free

SoloMD

A free, open-source Markdown editor — one file, one window, just write

Open Source
No Tracking
Offline
Cross-platform

Recommended Skills & MCP

🔌 MCP Server

Obsidian MCP

Let AI read and write your Obsidian vault

Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking

🔌 MCP Server

Apple Notes MCP

Let AI read and write your Apple Notes

Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking

🔌 MCP Server

Filesystem MCP

Let AI securely read and write local files

Works with: Claude · Claude Code · Cursor

Open Source
No Ads
No Tracking

FAQ

How should I choose between Notion, Obsidian and Logseq?: Choose Notion-like tools for collaboration and databases, Obsidian for local Markdown and plugins, and Logseq for outline-first linked thinking.
What matters most in a free notes app?: Export, data format, sync model, offline use and long-term maintenance matter more than surface polish.