Obsidian vs Google Keep

Obsidian9.1Visit Google Keep8.9Visit

Higher score Obsidian #3 in Note And Writing Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Obsidian

vs

Google Keep #5 in Note And Writing Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Google Keep

• Obsidian fits best

  People building a linked personal knowledge base

• Google Keep fits best

  Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists

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Side by side

Feature	Obsidian 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Google Keep 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.9
Ranking	#3 in Note And Writing Apps	#5 in Note And Writing Apps
Best for	People building a linked personal knowledge base	Free, lightweight notes and shared checklists
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	$4/user/mo	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension	Cloud, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension	Web, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Integrations	13 integrations	7 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Obsidian 1/4 · Google Keep 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, ios, android, chrome_extension
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	Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing
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	Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows
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 →	Google Keep brings quick note capture and shared checklists to the web, iOS, Android, and Chrome extension. It suits people who want to jot down text, make lists, save photos or drawings, and record audio without paying for a standalone… Read the review →

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

• Google Keep — where it wins

  • Captures text, checklists, photos, drawings, and audio recordings
  • Works offline and syncs edits after reconnecting
  • Supports shared notes with real-time collaborative editing

  Where it doesn't

  • Organization centers on labels, colors, pins, filters, and archives
  • Designed for lightweight note taking rather than deep organization
  • List creation with Gemini may not suit users seeking manual-only workflows

• Obsidian9.1/10 · Free plan

  A flexible Markdown knowledge base for people who want linked notes and local files.

  Visit ObsidianFull verdict →
• Google Keep8.9/10 · Free plan

  A free, lightweight way to capture notes and share checklists across devices.

  Visit Google KeepFull verdict →