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Head-to-head · Note And Writing Apps

Obsidian vs Capacities

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Obsidian #3 in Note And Writing Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Obsidian
Capacities #8 in Note And Writing Apps 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Capacities

Obsidian leads on 1 check, Capacities on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreObsidian · 9.1/10
  • Lowest starting priceObsidian · $4/user/mo
  • Free planboth

Obsidian scores higher on our rubric for note and writing apps: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Obsidian is cheaper to start at $4/user/mo against $8.33/user/mo.

Obsidian is the better fit for people building a linked personal knowledge base. Capacities is the better fit for visual, structured notes across platforms.

  • Obsidian fits best

    People building a linked personal knowledge base

  • Capacities fits best

    Visual, structured notes across platforms

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Side by side

Feature Obsidian 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Capacities 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #3 in Note And Writing Apps #8 in Note And Writing Apps
Best for People building a linked personal knowledge base Visual, structured notes across platforms
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $4/user/mo (best) $8.33/mo
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Integrations 13 integrations 15 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Obsidian 1/4 · Capacities 1/4
Offline access ✓ ✓
Markdown support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Live collaboration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cross-device sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension web, windows, macos, linux, ios, android
Our review
Pros
  • Keeps Markdown vaults available offline and without an account
  • Connects notes with backlinks, graph view, and Canvas
  • Adds encrypted sync and web publishing as optional services
  • Link notes as objects with custom types, properties, backlinks, and graph views
  • Basic includes unlimited spaces, objects, and blocks plus offline support
  • Available on web, desktop, and mobile, with integrations for calendars and tasks
Cons
  • Sync and Publish require separate paid subscriptions
  • Plugin-rich customization may take more effort to organize
  • Commercial license supports development but adds no app features
  • Real-time collaboration is unavailable
  • AI, task management, and calendar integrations require Pro
  • Believer mainly adds beta access to major new features over Pro
Our verdict

Obsidian is a note-taking and knowledge-management app built around locally stored Markdown files. It suits people building a linked personal knowledge base who want control over their notes’ structure and offline access. Linked notes and…

Read the review →

Capacities is a note-taking and personal knowledge-management app for people who prefer organizing ideas as connected objects rather than files and folders. It combines daily notes, quick capture, a block-based editor, templates, media…

Read the review →
  1. ObsidianNote And Writing Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. CapacitiesNote And Writing Apps 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Obsidian — where it wins

    • Keeps Markdown vaults available offline and without an account
    • Connects notes with backlinks, graph view, and Canvas
    • Adds encrypted sync and web publishing as optional services

    Where it doesn't

    • Sync and Publish require separate paid subscriptions
    • Plugin-rich customization may take more effort to organize
    • Commercial license supports development but adds no app features

  • Capacities — where it wins

    • Link notes as objects with custom types, properties, backlinks, and graph views
    • Basic includes unlimited spaces, objects, and blocks plus offline support
    • Available on web, desktop, and mobile, with integrations for calendars and tasks

    Where it doesn't

    • Real-time collaboration is unavailable
    • AI, task management, and calendar integrations require Pro
    • Believer mainly adds beta access to major new features over Pro

More comparisons

All note and writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update