Joplin vs Obsidian: Open Source vs Markdown Powerhouse

Joplin vs Obsidian comparison. Open source with encryption vs local-first markdown with plugins. Which note app is right for you?

Joplin is the best open source option with built-in encryption and WebDAV sync. Obsidian offers more power and a massive plugin ecosystem but is not open source.

Features Compared

FeatureJoplinObsidian
Open Source✓✗
End-to-End Encryption✓Via plugins
Markdown Support✓✓
Plugin SystemLimited1,000+
WebDAV Sync✓Via plugins
Self-Hosted Sync✓Via plugins/Git
Notebook OrganizationFolders + tagsFolders + tags + links
Backlinks✗✓
Graph View✗✓
Mobile App✓✓

Joplin Pros

  • Fully open source (MIT license)
  • Built-in end-to-end encryption
  • Sync via WebDAV, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Joplin Cloud
  • Evernote import tool included
  • No vendor lock-in — standard markdown files

Joplin Cons

  • Plugin ecosystem is much smaller
  • No backlinks or graph view
  • UI feels less polished
  • Limited customization options

Obsidian Pros

  • Incredible plugin ecosystem with 1,000+ plugins
  • Graph view for visualizing connections
  • Local-first — files are always on your device
  • Highly customizable with themes and CSS
  • Active and large community

Obsidian Cons

  • Not open source
  • Sync costs $4/month (or use Git/Syncthing)
  • Can be overwhelming with too many plugins
  • Mobile app is less feature-rich

Winner: Joplin — For self-hosting enthusiasts, Joplin wins with open source code, built-in E2E encryption, and WebDAV sync to your own server. For power users who want plugins and graph views, Obsidian is better.

FAQ

  • Is Joplin completely free?

    Yes. Joplin is MIT licensed and fully free. Joplin Cloud sync is optional at $2.49/month, but you can sync via WebDAV to your own server for free.

  • Can Joplin sync with Nextcloud?

    Yes. Joplin supports WebDAV sync which works with Nextcloud, ownCloud, or any WebDAV server.

  • Which is more secure?

    Joplin has built-in end-to-end encryption for synced notes. Obsidian files are local and unencrypted by default, but you can use filesystem encryption.

  • Can I switch from Joplin to Obsidian?

    Yes. Both use markdown files. You can copy Joplin notes to an Obsidian vault, though you may need to adjust some formatting.