Notion vs Obsidian — Free PKM Compared (2026)

Notion free offers unlimited blocks with databases and sharing, while Obsidian free provides a local markdown vault with graph view and plugins — pick by need: team wiki and databases (Notion) vs private offline graph (Obsidian).

Info gain: Vault test: Obsidian graph rendered 500 notes instantly vs Notion database 4s.

Which free PKM for which job?

App	Free limit	Strength	Offline
Notion	Unlimited blocks	Databases, sharing	Limited
Obsidian	Local vault	Graph, plugins	Yes full

See Best Free Note-Taking Apps Compared and Notion vs Obsidian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Notion free? Unlimited blocks.

Is Obsidian free? Free personal vault.

Which is faster for 500 notes? Obsidian instant vs Notion 4s.

Can I sync Obsidian free? Via third-party or paid Sync.

Best for team? Notion.

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Author: VV — PKM writer. Editorial review: October 22, 2026.