Best Craft alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Craft? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest note-taking apps alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Craft itself has a free tier, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

1
Bear
Best for: writers
Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple. A popular note taking alternative to Craft with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $2.99/mo. Particularly strong for writers.
4.7Free – $2.99/moVisit
2
Obsidian
Best for: researchers
If Craft feels like overkill or over-budget, Obsidian is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. Local-first Markdown knowledge base. Pricing: free – $4/mo.
4.7Free – $4/moVisit
3
Apple Notes
Best for: apple-users
Apple Notes goes head-to-head with Craft on features with a genuinely usable free tier. Simple notes, built into Apple devices. Best suited to apple-users. Free.
4.6FreeVisit
4
Capacities
Best for: researchers
A well-rated note taking pick. A studio for your mind (object-based notes). Capacities offers a free plan and starts at free – $10/mo, making it a credible Craft replacement.
4.6Free – $10/moVisit
5
Roam Research
Best for: researchers
A note-taking tool for networked thought. A popular note taking alternative to Craft — from $15/mo. Particularly strong for researchers.
4.2From $15/moVisit
6
Notion
Best for: startups
If Craft feels like overkill or over-budget, Notion is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. Connected workspace for notes, docs, and databases. Pricing: free – $10/user/mo.
4.6Free – $10/user/moVisit
7
Heptabase
Best for: researchers
Heptabase goes head-to-head with Craft on features. Visual note-taking on an infinite canvas. Best suited to researchers. From $8.99/mo.
4.6From $8.99/moVisit
8
Microsoft OneNote
Best for: students
A well-rated note taking pick. Your digital notebook. Microsoft OneNote offers a free plan and starts at free, making it a credible Craft replacement.
4.5FreeVisit

Still considering Craft itself? Read our Craft review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Craft alternative?

Bear is our top-rated Craft alternative for 2026. Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple. Free – $2.99/mo.

Is there a free Craft alternative?

Yes — Bear, Obsidian, Apple Notes all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from Craft?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Craft.