A local-first workspace for notes and tasks.
- Stars
- 77,133
- Updated
- 2d ago
- License
- AGPL-3.0
- Hosting
- Both
- Category
- Documentation
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Open-source Obsidian alternatives
A note app for linked Markdown notes and personal knowledge bases. Use the approved catalog below to weigh license, hosting, and repository activity for keeping a personal knowledge base.
In short
The catalog lists 3 reviewed open-source alternatives to Obsidian for keeping a personal knowledge base: AppFlowy (AGPL-3.0, hosted or self-hosted), Trilium (AGPL-3.0, self-hosted), and SilverBullet (MIT, self-hosted). GitHub metadata last checked October 4, 2026.
About Obsidian
A note app for linked Markdown notes and personal knowledge bases.
- Linking and backlinks
- Sync
- File format
Why choose each alternative
- AppFlowy
A local-first workspace for notes and tasks.
AGPL-3.0 · Both · Documentation
- Trilium
A personal knowledge base with linked notes.
AGPL-3.0 · Self-hosted · Documentation
- SilverBullet
Markdown pages with search and programmable templates.
MIT · Self-hosted · Documentation
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Related categories
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Obsidian alternatives: questions
- What is the most popular open-source alternative to Obsidian?
- AppFlowy has the most GitHub stars in this list, with 77k (AGPL-3.0). Other reviewed options include Trilium and SilverBullet.
- Is there a self-hosted alternative to Obsidian?
- Yes. AppFlowy, Trilium, and SilverBullet can run on your own server. Check each license before commercial use.
- Which Obsidian alternatives have a hosted version?
- AppFlowy lists a hosted or cloud option.
- What should you check before switching from Obsidian?
- Compare linking and backlinks, sync, file format. Confirm the license, who will operate the install, and how you will export your data from Obsidian.
Repository activity is a signal, not a security or quality guarantee.