App on 1 list
Obsidian
Dynalist Inc. · Free · Productivity · 4.5 (2,738 ratings)
What it does
A knowledge base on a folder of plain-text Markdown files, yours forever. Link notes to each other and the graph view shows how your thinking connects. From 6 apps for the thinking you do before the to-do list.
The developer describes it as: “Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.”
Alternatives to Obsidian
The closest alternatives to Obsidian are MindNode, Framework, Drafts, Freeform and Readwise Reader — 5 apps from the list Obsidian appears on, “6 apps for the thinking you do before the to-do list”, each answering the same moment a different way.
MindNodeScattered thoughts go on an infinite canvas as a mind map, then flip to Outline view and the same map becomes a structured list. Nodes can turn into tasks when you're ready.
FrameworkFor when you know the question but not the shape of the answer. Pick one of 100+ thinking models — Premortem, Five Forces, 10-10-10 — and the AI fills it in, then pressure-tests your logic.
DraftsOpens straight to a blank page with the keyboard up. Type the thought first, decide later where it goes — actions send the text on to Reminders, mail, a file, anywhere.
FreeformApple's flexible canvas. Sketch with a finger or Pencil, drop in photos, PDFs, links and stickies, draw diagrams from 700+ shapes. Up to 100 people can brainstorm on one board.
Readwise ReaderAll the reading in one place: articles, newsletters, RSS, PDFs, EPUBs. Highlight as you go, so what you read this month is there when you need it.
Price and ratings
| App | Price | App Store rating | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obsidian | Free | 4.5 (2,738) | Productivity |
| MindNode | Free | 4.6 (314) | Productivity |
| Framework | Free | 5.0 (6) | Business |
| Drafts | Free | 4.8 (10,800) | Productivity |
| Freeform | Free | 4.5 (445,322) | Productivity |
| Readwise Reader | Free | 4.6 (584) | Productivity |
Obsidian and its alternatives, as the App Store listed them on 2026-10-06.
Obsidian is free to download from the iOS App Store and holds 4.5 out of 5 from 2,738 ratings, checked on 2026-10-06. Prices and ratings go stale; the App Store is the live source. It is listed there as “Obsidian - Connected Notes”.
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