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Head to head · 2026

Obsidian vs Tana

Pricing, free plans, ratings, features, pros and cons, side by side. Where one comes out ahead, we mark it.

Obsidian

Notes stored as plain local Markdown files, not a proprietary database

4.6$4/mo

Visit Obsidian (opens Obsidian in a new tab)

Tana

Supertags turn freeform notes into structured, queryable data

4.3$5/mo

Visit Tana (opens Tana in a new tab)

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

  • Lower starting price

    Obsidian

    From $4/mo against from $5/mo

  • Free plan

    Tie

    Both have one

  • Higher rating

    Obsidian

    4.6 against 4.3

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Productivity tools

Side by side

Compared onObsidianTana
Our rating4.6Better4.3
Starts at$4/moBetter$5/mo
Free planYesYes
CategoryProductivityProductivity
Plans
  • PersonalFree
  • Sync$4/mo
From $5/mo
Key features
  • Notes stored as local, plain Markdown text files
  • Extensive community plugin ecosystem
  • Full functionality without requiring a cloud account
  • Free tier for complete personal use
  • Operating since 2020
  • Supertags adding structured fields to freeform outline text
  • Live outliner interface combined with database-like querying
  • Free tier for standard use
  • Operating since 2020
  • Notes function as both freeform thoughts and structured records
Pros
  • Genuine file-format portability and long-term data ownership
  • Massive, actively developed community plugin ecosystem
  • Fully functional offline without a cloud account requirement
  • Supertag system genuinely blends freeform notes and structured data
  • No context-switching between outlining and database tools
  • Free tier available for standard use
Cons
  • Plugin-heavy customization has a real setup learning curve
  • Sync and publishing features require a paid plan
  • Less out-of-the-box polish than more opinionated, less customizable competitors
  • Supertag system has a real learning curve for new users
  • More features require a paid plan
  • Less approachable than simpler, purely freeform note-taking tools
CompanyDynalist Inc., founded 2020Tana Inc., founded 2020

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260703. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Obsidian better than Tana?

In our reviews Obsidian scores 4.6 and Tana scores 4.3. The better pick depends on the job. Obsidian: Notes stored as plain local Markdown files, not a proprietary database. Tana: Supertags turn freeform notes into structured, queryable data.

Which is cheaper, Obsidian or Tana?

Obsidian has the lower starting price: from $4/mo for Obsidian and from $5/mo for Tana.

Do Obsidian and Tana have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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