 

[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Project Management](https://www.selecthub.com/category/project-management/) \> [Note-Taking Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/note-taking-software/) \> [Google Keep](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/google-keep/) \> Google Keep vs Obsidian 

# Google Keep vs Obsidian 

Last Updated: September 7th, 2026 

Our analysts compared [Google Keep](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/google-keep/) vs [Obsidian](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/obsidian-notes/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Note-Taking Software](https://www.selecthub.com/c/note-taking-software/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Note-Taking Software&cta=note-taking-software). 

[Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) 

Remove Add to Compare 

[![Google Keep Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/b7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8/resources/normal/logo.png?1750165718)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/google-keep/)

[ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) 

Remove Add to Compare 

[![Obsidian Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/c0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f/resources/normal/logo.png?1750166872)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/obsidian-notes/)

[ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Google%2BKeep&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750165718) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Google%2BKeep&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750165718) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Google%2BKeep&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750165718&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Google%2BKeep&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fb7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750165718&price=1) 

[Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Obsidian&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750166872) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Obsidian&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750166872) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Obsidian&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750166872&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Note-Taking+Software&product%5Fname=Obsidian&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Fc0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1750166872&price=1) 

### Products Insights 

Product Ranking 

## #1

among all   
Note-Taking Software

## #5

among all   
Note-Taking Software

[Find out who the leaders are](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard?post%5Ftype=auto%5Fvs%5Farticle&category%5Fslug=note-taking-software&product%5Fslug=google-keep&category=Note-Taking+Software) 

Price Starts From 

$0 Free, Open-Source 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Google Keep&category=Note-Taking Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/b7c45703742d291cecb044204f548f8d-59d72543c92ef963fcf934cc687d3be8/resources/normal/logo.png?1750165718) 

$4/User, Monthly 

[Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Obsidian&category=Note-Taking Software&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/c0b9b187cfd326a101efae8da2a1936e-983b082382e69b685325654575cabd8f/resources/normal/logo.png?1750166872) 

Pros 

What we like about Google Keep and Obsidian: 

* Free to use with no upfront cost or subscription required for core features
* Tight integration with Google Drive, Calendar, Gmail, and Docs for connected workflows
* Quick capture of text, images, and voice memos that auto-transcribe to text
* Simple interface that lets you start taking notes without a learning curve

* Bidirectional linking and graph view help you map connections between ideas
* Local file storage keeps your notes private and under your control
* Large plugin ecosystem lets you tailor the app to specific workflows
* Markdown support gives you consistent formatting and portable plain-text files

Cons 

What we dislike about Google Keep and Obsidian: 

* No folders or nested tags, so managing a large note library gets messy
* Basic formatting only, which limits structured documentation and longer write-ups
* No dedicated desktop app and limited offline use can disrupt deeper work sessions
* Storing sensitive business notes in Google raises privacy and security concerns

* Steep learning curve as you work through plugins, settings, and customization
* Interface looks less polished than competitors, which may bother design-focused users
* No built-in cloud sync, so you handle syncing yourself or pay for the add-on
* Lacks real-time collaboration features that team-oriented note tools include

### Our Review 

**Bottom line:** Google Keep and Obsidian solve very different problems. Pick Google Keep if you want a free, no-fuss app for quick notes, lists, and reminders that lives inside the Google ecosystem. Pick Obsidian if you're building a long-term knowledge base and want full control over your files.

Google Keep fits you best if you already use Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. Notes sync across phone, tablet, and browser, and you can share a note for real-time collaboration on a shopping list or quick plan. The trade-off is depth. There are no notebooks or nested tags, so once your library grows, finding things gets harder.

Obsidian is built for people who think in connections. Bidirectional links and the graph view let you see how ideas relate, and the plugin library lets you shape the app around your workflow. Files stay on your device as plain markdown, which is great for privacy but means you handle your own sync setup.

On price, Google Keep starts at $0 and is free to use. Obsidian's app is free for personal use, with paid add-ons starting at $4 per user per month for sync. If a small recurring fee for sync or publishing isn't a blocker, Obsidian's free tier already covers most needs.

Choose Google Keep when speed and simplicity matter more than structure, and you want zero setup. Choose Obsidian when you're a writer, researcher, or knowledge worker who's willing to invest time up front for a tool that grows with your notes. If you need built-in team collaboration, neither is a perfect fit, but Keep gets closer out of the box.

### User Sentiment Summary 

Google Keep has a user sentiment rating of 92 based on 303 reviews. Obsidian has a user sentiment rating of 97 based on 59 reviews. 

![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 303 reviews 

![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 59 reviews 

Synopsis 

Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 

92% 

of users recommend this product

Google Keep has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 303 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 

97% 

of users recommend this product

Obsidian has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 97% when considering 59 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. 

User Review Scores 

**Capterra Inc** 

**4.7** (235) 

**4.8** (43) 

**Gartner, Inc** 

n/a 

**4.9** (16) 

**TrustRadius** 

**4.3** (68) 

n/a 

### Awards 

SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. 

Google Keep stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. 

![User Favorite Award]()

Obsidian stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. 

![User Favorite Award]()

### Product Assistance 

Training Resources 

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Documentation

In Person

Live Online

Videos

Webinars

Support 

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Help Desk

Knowledge Base

Tickets

Training

24/7 Live Support

Email

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Help Desk

Knowledge Base

Tickets

Training

24/7 Live Support

### Product Basics 

Company Size 

i 

Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

Large

Platforms Supported 

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

Chromebook

Deployment Supported 

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Cloud

On-Premise

Mobile

Comparison of Top Alternatives 

[Google Keep Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep/alternatives/) 

[Obsidian Alternatives ](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/obsidian-notes/alternatives/) 

### Screenshots 

![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() 

![Screenshots]()![Screenshots]() 

### Key Features 

* **Quick capture** – Jot text, snap photos, or record voice memos that auto-transcribe, so ideas land in a note in seconds without extra steps.
* **Labels and colors** – Sort notes with color tags and labels for fast visual scanning, though you don't get folders or nested structures for deeper organization.
* **Real-time sharing** – Share a note with someone and edit together live, which works well for shopping lists, meeting notes, or quick team planning.
* **Google Workspace links** – Connect with Drive, Docs, Calendar, and Gmail so reminders fire on schedule and notes show up next to your other Google work.
* **Reminders and pinning** – Set time or location reminders and pin key notes to the top, helping you keep important items in view without a separate task app.

* **Markdown editing** – Write in plain markdown for headings, lists, and links, giving you portable files that aren't locked into a proprietary format.
* **Linked notes** – Use bidirectional links and backlinks to connect related ideas, building a web of notes instead of a flat list.
* **Graph view** – See your notes and their links as an interactive graph, which helps you spot clusters of thinking and gaps in your knowledge.
* **Local-first storage** – Keep all files on your own device for privacy and control, with optional paid sync starting at $4 per user per month if you want cross-device access.
* **Plugin ecosystem** – Add features like task management, calendars, and data views from a community plugin library, letting you reshape the app around your workflow.

### Top Alternatives in Note-Taking Software 

[  Apple Notes ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/apple-notes/) [  Bear ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/bear-app/) [  Craft ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/craft-docs/) [  Evernote ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/evernote/) [  Genio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/genio/) [  Joplin ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/joplin-notes/) [  Notability ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/notability/) [  Obsidian ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/obsidian-notes/) [  OneNote ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/onenote/) [  Penbook ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/note-taking-software/penbook/) 

### Head-to-Head Comparison 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Apple Notes Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Apple Notes](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-apple-notes/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Bear Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Bear](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-bear-app/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Evernote Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Evernote](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-evernote/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Genio Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Genio](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-genio/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Joplin Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Joplin](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-joplin-notes/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Notability Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Notability](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-notability/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Obsidian Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Obsidian](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-obsidian-notes/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![OneNote Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS OneNote](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-onenote/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Roam Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Roam](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-roam-research/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Simplenote Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Simplenote](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-simplenote/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![UpNote Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS UpNote](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-upnote/) 

![Google Keep Software Tool]() 

![Zoho Notebook Software Tool]() 

[Google Keep VS Zoho Notebook](https://www.selecthub.com/note-taking-software/google-keep-vs-zoho-notebook/) 

**About SelectHub (and our data)** 

We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies.

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() 

![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() 

**Tier 1:**  
Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment.  
Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. 

**Tier 2:**  
Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs.  
Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. 

**Tier 3:**  
Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost.  
Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 

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