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Google Keep vs Obsidian

Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.

Quick notes and lists.

Local-first Markdown knowledge base.

The verdict

Both Google Keep and Obsidian are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.

Google Keep — Quick notes and lists.

Choose Obsidian if you'd rather have broader platform coverage and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Local-first Markdown knowledge base.

Google Keep vs Obsidian: side by side

DimensionGoogle KeepObsidian
Starting priceFreeFree – $4/mo
Free planYesYes
Pricing modelFreeFreemium
Best forIndividualsResearchers, Writers, Power Users
PlatformsWeb, Ios, AndroidMac, Windows, Linux, Ios, AndroidWinner
Rating4.5/54.7/5Winner

Google Keep key facts

Vendor
Google
Pricing
Free — Free
Free tier
Yes
Platforms
Web, Ios, Android
Best for
Individuals
Editor rating
4.5 / 5
Founded
2013
Headquarters
Mountain View, CA, USA

Obsidian key facts

Vendor
Obsidian
Pricing
Freemium — Free – $4/mo
Free tier
Yes
Platforms
Mac, Windows, Linux, Ios, Android
Best for
Researchers, Writers, Power Users
Editor rating
4.7 / 5
Founded
2020
Headquarters
Remote

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Keep better than Obsidian?

Neither is universally better — Obsidian edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.

Is Google Keep or Obsidian cheaper?

Google Keep is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Google Keep starts at free; Obsidian starts at free – $4/mo.

Can Google Keep replace Obsidian?

Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.