Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Obsidian

Memos is an open-source, privacy-first note-taking service designed for capturing short notes and building a lightweight knowledge base. It is built for fast, local-first writing, with your data stored on your own infrastructure and no built-in tracking.

Key Features

• Markdown-first editor with plain-text oriented storage
• Fast, minimal UI optimized for quick capture and retrieval
• Organize notes with tags and basic structuring for knowledge management
• Share and publish selected notes for others to view
• REST and gRPC APIs for integrating with developer workflows
• Multiple database options, including SQLite, MySQL, and PostgreSQL
• Simple deployment options including Docker, prebuilt binaries, and Kubernetes

Use Cases

• Personal “memo hub” for daily notes, journaling, and quick idea capture
• Team wiki or lightweight internal knowledge base
• Developer logbook for snippets, debugging notes, and infrastructure runbooks

Memos is a good fit when you want a fast, distraction-free notes app that is easy to run and maintain, while keeping full control over your data. Its API access and simple deployment make it practical for both individuals and small teams.

Joplin is a free and open source note-taking and to-do application designed for keeping your data private while staying available across devices. It is offline-first and can sync using end-to-end encryption via multiple backends, including WebDAV and Nextcloud.

Key Features

• Organize notes in notebooks with tags and powerful full-text search
• Markdown-based notes with optional rich-text editing
• End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for sync to protect note contents
• Sync with multiple providers and standards (including WebDAV-compatible services)
• Web Clipper extension to save web pages or screenshots as notes
• Import from Evernote (ENEX) and import/export Markdown
• Customization via plugins, themes, and an extension API
• Available on desktop and mobile, plus a terminal application

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management across devices with encrypted synchronization
• Migrating from Evernote and consolidating notes into an open format
• Capturing research and articles via web clipping for offline reading

Joplin fits individuals and teams that want flexible note organization, broad sync options, and strong privacy controls. Its open formats and extensibility make it a solid long-term notes and knowledge base solution.

SiYuan is a privacy-focused, open-source personal knowledge management application that organizes content as editable blocks and supports Markdown WYSIWYG. It emphasizes local-first storage with optional end-to-end encrypted synchronization and offers desktop, mobile and Docker deployments. (b3log.org)

Key Features

• Block-based editor with block-level references and two-way links for fine-grained connections.
• Markdown WYSIWYG editing plus large-document (million-word) editing with dynamic loading.
• Built-in database/table view, SQL query embeds and template/snippet support.
• Spaced-repetition flashcards and AI-assisted writing/Q&A via external model APIs.
• OCR support (Tesseract), PDF annotation linking and rich embeds (charts, flowcharts, math).
• Multiple sync options including end-to-end encrypted sync, S3 and WebDAV backends, and Docker deployment. (readmex.com)

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management and research notes with block-level linking for networked thought.
• Publishing and documentation workflows where notes are exported to standard Markdown, HTML or platform-targeted formats.
• Shared team knowledge bases or a self-hosted notes server accessible via Docker and mobile/desktop clients.

Limitations and Considerations

• Some member-only features require payment; the project notes that some capabilities are gated for paid members. (github.com)
• Community discussions and repository issues have raised concerns about telemetry defaults and the need for careful plugin vetting; administrators should review telemetry and plugin settings for privacy-sensitive deployments. (github.com)

SiYuan combines a block-first editor model with server-backed features (Docker, APIs, sync) and desktop/mobile clients, making it suitable for users who want a privacy-oriented, extensible PKM system. Its active open-source repository and plugin ecosystem support customization, but administrators should review paid-feature gating and telemetry settings before production use. (b3log.org)

Logseq is a privacy-first platform for personal knowledge management built around linked, block-based notes organized as a graph. It supports local-first workflows using Markdown or Org-mode files, with additional options for database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration.

Key Features

• Block-based outlining with bidirectional linking and graph-based navigation
• Local file-based graphs using Markdown and Org-mode for longevity and portability
• Task management features integrated into notes (e.g., TODO workflows and queries)
• Whiteboards for spatial thinking with shapes, connectors, drawings, and embeds
• PDF reading and annotation integrated into the knowledge base
• Plugin and theme ecosystem via a dedicated plugin API
• Optional database-backed graphs with sync and real-time collaboration capabilities

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base for research notes, study, and writing workflows
• Daily journaling and task tracking with linked context across projects
• Team knowledge sharing and collaborative note-taking (where collaboration is enabled)

Limitations and Considerations

• Database-backed graphs and real-time collaboration features may be in beta/alpha and can carry higher risk of data issues; backups are recommended

Logseq is well-suited for users who want a durable, local-first note system with strong linking and outlining. Its whiteboards, PDF annotation, and extensibility make it flexible for both personal productivity and collaborative knowledge work.

Trilium Notes is a cross-platform note-taking application designed for building large, structured personal knowledge bases. It can be used locally as a desktop app or run as a server to access notes in a browser and synchronize across devices.

Key Features

• Deep hierarchical note tree with cloning (one note can appear in multiple places)
• Rich WYSIWYG editor with Markdown-like autoformat, tables, images, and math
• Code notes with syntax highlighting and dedicated editor
• Full-text search plus fast navigation, hoisting, and command palette-style search
• Note revisions/versioning for review and undo
• Per-note encryption with password-protected sessions
• Web clipper support for saving web content into notes
• Extensibility via attributes, scripting, custom widgets, and built-in REST API
• Multiple note types and visual tools (canvas, Mermaid diagrams, mind maps, relation/note maps)
• Collections for structured workflows (tables, kanban boards, calendar, geomap, presentations)

Use Cases

• Personal or team knowledge base with structured documentation and cross-linked notes
• Research and project organization using tables, kanban boards, diagrams, and saved searches
• Private journaling and sensitive information storage using per-note encryption

Limitations and Considerations

• Uses an SQLite database; sharing the database directly over a network drive is discouraged due to corruption risk
• Not intended as a large-file storage system; synchronization can be unreliable with very large uploads
• No official native mobile app; mobile access is primarily via the web/mobile frontend (PWA)

Trilium Notes combines a strong hierarchical model with powerful search, versioning, and automation features. It is well-suited for users who want an extensible knowledge base that scales to very large collections of notes while keeping control of their data.

Blinko is an open-source, privacy-focused note-taking app designed for quickly capturing short “card” notes and organizing them over time. It adds AI-assisted retrieval using RAG, enabling natural-language search across your personal knowledge base while keeping data under your control.

Key Features

• Card-style note capture optimized for quick, lightweight writing
• Markdown-based notes for simple formatting and portability
• AI-enhanced retrieval using RAG for natural language querying of notes
• Self-hosted data storage emphasizing data ownership and privacy
• Web app built with a modern UI stack
• Optional multi-platform desktop experience via Tauri

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with fast capture of ideas and snippets
• Searching a private notes archive using natural-language queries
• Lightweight alternative to heavier note systems for daily journaling and memos

Limitations and Considerations

• AI/RAG features may require additional configuration and external model/provider choices depending on your setup

Blinko fits users who want a clean, fast note workflow with Markdown and the option to add AI-powered retrieval. It is especially suited to individuals prioritizing privacy and control while still benefiting from modern AI search.

Self-hosted LiveSync is a community-developed synchronization plugin for Obsidian that keeps your vaults in sync across devices using self-hosted backends. It supports CouchDB-based syncing as well as object storage-based approaches, and can optionally sync peer-to-peer using WebRTC (experimental).

Key Features

• Sync Obsidian vaults efficiently with minimal network traffic
• Conflict handling with automatic merging for simple conflicts
• Supports end-to-end encryption for synced data
• Works with self-hostable server options such as CouchDB
• Can use S3-compatible object storage backends (for example MinIO)
• Syncs more than notes, including settings, themes, snippets, and plugins (via customization/hidden file sync)
• Optional WebRTC peer-to-peer synchronization mode (experimental)

Use Cases

• Keep personal or work vaults synchronized across desktop and mobile without using proprietary sync services
• Maintain privacy-focused note synchronization for sensitive research, engineering, or security-conscious workflows
• Run a self-controlled sync backend on a home server or VPS for multi-device Obsidian use

Limitations and Considerations

• Not compatible with the official Obsidian Sync and cannot synchronize with it
• Running multiple sync solutions at the same time (including iCloud) can risk conflicts or corruption
• WebRTC peer-to-peer mode is experimental and requires at least one peer device to be online to sync

Self-hosted LiveSync is a strong option for Obsidian users who want reliable multi-device synchronization while retaining control over storage and security. It is best suited to users comfortable operating a trusted backend such as CouchDB or S3-compatible object storage, with an optional peer-to-peer mode for specific scenarios.

TiddlyWiki is a self-contained personal wiki and non-linear web notebook implemented in JavaScript. It can run directly in a web browser as a single HTML file, or be deployed using Node.js for more advanced multi-user and automation scenarios.

Key Features

• Single-file wiki that can be opened and used directly in the browser
• “Tiddlers” (small pages/notes) with powerful linking and transclusion for non-linear writing
• Highly customizable UI and behavior via built-in WikiText, macros, and plugins
• Tagging, search, filtering, and flexible navigation for personal knowledge management
• Node.js-based server mode for hosting, building, and automated publishing workflows

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management (notes, journals, research, Zettelkasten-style linking)
• Team or personal documentation and lightweight wikis
• Offline-first portable notebooks stored and shared as a single file

TiddlyWiki is well-suited for users who want a durable, hackable wiki that can live as a file or be hosted as a Node.js application. Its plugin ecosystem and deep customizability make it adaptable to many note-taking and documentation workflows.

Standard Notes is a privacy-focused note-taking application that uses end-to-end encryption to protect notes and files so only you can decrypt your data. It supports cross-device sync, offline access, and a flexible editing experience for different writing and organization styles.

Key Features

• End-to-end encryption with a zero-knowledge design for notes and attached files
• Cross-platform apps and web app with sync across unlimited devices
• Offline access so you can read and edit notes without an internet connection
• Multiple editor types, including Markdown and rich text, plus support for code snippets and lists
• Self-hosting support by pointing clients to a custom sync server via configuration
• Built with a public codebase and designed for long-term, durable personal knowledge storage

Use Cases

• Private personal knowledge management for journals, records, and sensitive documents
• Secure storage of credentials, keys, and confidential notes alongside attachments
• Team members or individuals who need a consistent notes workflow across desktop and mobile

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced editor and productivity features are provided via extensions and may require additional configuration or a paid plan depending on the feature

Standard Notes is a strong fit for users who want straightforward note-taking with rigorous privacy guarantees and reliable multi-device access. It is especially well-suited for storing long-lived personal or professional information where confidentiality and portability matter.

TagSpaces is an offline-first, cross-platform application for organizing and managing local files using a flexible tagging system. It works without accounts or a central cloud backend by storing metadata alongside your files, keeping your data portable and private.

Key Features

• Tag files and folders using filename tags or sidecar metadata files
• Fast filtering and search, including a local index service for content search
• Built-in viewers and editors for common formats (text, Markdown, HTML, media)
• Note-taking and simple task lists stored as plain files
• Web Clipper browser extension to save web pages, screenshots, and bookmarks as local files
• Extensible architecture via custom viewers/editors (plugins)
• Optional local AI/LLM integrations (via Ollama) for summarization, tagging, and annotation

Use Cases

• Organize a personal document archive (PDFs, receipts, manuals) with consistent tags
• Build an offline personal knowledge base with notes, web clippings, and media
• Create a portable file-based workspace that can be synced with third-party tools

Limitations and Considerations

• Not optimized for working locations containing more than about 100,000 files

TagSpaces is well-suited for users who want a file-based, vendor-neutral way to manage documents, notes, and media. Its offline design and optional local AI features make it a strong choice for privacy-focused personal and small-team workflows.

SilverBullet is a programmable personal knowledge management platform that runs in the browser and stores content as Markdown pages in a “space.” It combines a clean editor with wiki-style navigation and a scripting system that can generate pages, automate workflows, and build custom functionality.

Key Features

• Markdown-first editor with live preview and outlining tools
• Wiki-style pages with links and bi-directional linked mentions
• Task management across pages
• Querying and “objects” for structured data and database-like workflows
• Lua-based scripting (Space Lua) to create commands, templates, widgets, and dynamically generated content
• Local-first Progressive Web App behavior with offline access and sync to browser storage
• Distributed as a single server binary or as a container image

Use Cases

• Personal notes and wiki-style knowledge base for research, projects, and documentation
• Task tracking embedded in notes with rollups across a workspace
• Building lightweight, custom productivity systems with scripts, templates, and queries

SilverBullet is well-suited for users who want Markdown ownership and the ability to extend their notes environment with scripting and automation. It can function as both a straightforward editor and a highly customizable knowledge platform as your needs grow.

Speakr is a personal, self-hosted web application that turns audio recordings into organized, searchable notes using AI transcription and post-processing. It supports both cloud and self-hosted ASR/LLM backends and is designed for privacy-conscious individuals and teams.

Key Features

• In-browser recording and audio file upload
• AI transcription with optional speaker diarization and audio-transcript sync
• Voice profiles via speaker embeddings when using a compatible WhisperX ASR service
• Interactive chat and semantic “inquire” mode to query recordings using natural language
• Tag-based organization with custom prompts, ASR settings, and prompt stacking
• Sharing and collaboration with granular permissions, groups, and group-scoped tags
• Retention policies and automatic deletion with tag-based protection
• REST API v1 with OpenAPI/Swagger UI
• Single Sign-On via OIDC providers

Use Cases

• Meeting and standup transcription with searchable summaries and action items
• Research, interviews, and personal voice notes exported into a knowledge base
• Team knowledge capture for architecture decisions and client calls with controlled sharing

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced features (voice profiles/embeddings) require a separate WhisperX ASR service and typically a GPU
• LLM-powered summaries/chat depend on configuring a compatible text model provider

Speakr combines transcription, organization, and collaboration in a single web UI, while keeping data under your control. Its tagging, sharing, and retention features make it suitable for both personal note-taking and team workflows around recorded conversations.

flatnotes is a distraction-free note-taking web app designed around a simple folder of Markdown files instead of a database. It focuses on fast capture and retrieval of notes while keeping your data portable and editable outside the app.

Key Features

• Stores notes as plain Markdown files in a flat directory (no database)
• Mobile-responsive web interface
• Raw Markdown and WYSIWYG editor modes
• Full-text search with an incrementally synced search index
• Tagging for organizing and filtering notes
• Wiki-style links between notes using double-bracket syntax
• Customizable home page and light/dark themes
• Multiple authentication modes including optional read-only mode and 2FA
• RESTful API for programmatic access

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base where notes remain accessible as files
• Lightweight team or household notes/wiki with quick search and tagging
• Homelab note service integrated with scripts via the API

Limitations and Considerations

• Uses a flat folder model (no hierarchical notebooks/folders within the UI)
• Search relies on an index cache, which may need storage and occasional rebuilds for very large libraries

flatnotes is a good fit if you want a simple web UI for Markdown notes without lock-in, while retaining powerful search, tagging, and linking for day-to-day use.

Basic Memory is a local-first “memory layer” that lets AI assistants build and reuse long-term context across chats. It stores knowledge as human-editable Markdown files and exposes that knowledge to compatible LLM clients via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Key Features

• Bi-directional read/write memory: AI can create and update notes, and you can edit them with standard tools
• Local Markdown storage with semantic patterns (frontmatter, observations, relations) to form a traversable knowledge graph
• Local indexing and search backed by SQLite for fast retrieval
• MCP server integration to connect with compatible AI clients (for example desktop assistants and editors)
• Multi-project organization for separate knowledge bases
• Optional sync workflows, including real-time syncing and cloud-oriented commands

Use Cases

• Build a personal knowledge base that persists across AI conversations without repeated re-explaining
• Maintain project “working memory” for coding, research, or writing using Markdown and wiki-style linking
• Share consistent prompts, instructions, and structured notes across different AI tools while keeping content editable

Limitations and Considerations

• Effectiveness depends on maintaining consistent note structure (observations/relations) for higher-quality retrieval
• Some cross-device features may depend on optional syncing workflows rather than the core local-only setup

Basic Memory is a practical way to turn conversations into durable, structured notes that both humans and AI can navigate. By keeping the source of truth in plain text Markdown, it aims to stay interoperable with existing editors and workflows while enabling richer, reusable AI context.

Zim is a graphical desktop wiki editor for maintaining a notebook of interlinked pages. Notes are stored locally as plain text files using wiki-style markup, making them easy to edit, back up, and version.

Key Features

• Wiki-style page linking with quick creation of new pages by linking to non-existent pages
• Notebook stored as a folder structure with support for page attachments (e.g., images and files)
• Lightweight markup for headings, lists, and basic text formatting
• Autosave-focused workflow for fast navigation and editing across pages
• Plugin system for extending functionality (e.g., task lists, equation editing, tray icon, version control integration)

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base and long-term note archive
• Daily or weekly journaling and meeting/lecture notes
• Managing simple task lists alongside project notes

Zim is a solid choice for users who want a local-first, file-based wiki that remains usable without a server and integrates well with typical desktop workflows.

NoteDiscovery is a lightweight, self-hosted knowledge base and note-taking application that stores content as plain Markdown files in folders. It focuses on fast navigation and discovery of notes with a modern web interface, while keeping data under your control.

Key Features

• Markdown editor with live preview and code syntax highlighting
• Wikilinks for connecting notes and an interactive graph view
• YAML frontmatter metadata with tag-based organization and filtering
• Templates with dynamic placeholders for creating reusable note formats
• Mermaid diagram rendering and LaTeX/MathJax equation support
• Favorites, outline (table of contents) panel, and keyboard shortcuts
• Plugin system for extending functionality
• Optional built-in password protection and a REST API
• Responsive UI with Progressive Web App (PWA) support
• Export notes as standalone HTML files

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge base or “second brain” built on local Markdown files
• Developer documentation and technical notes with code blocks, diagrams, and math
• Small team internal wiki with simple sharing and optional authentication

NoteDiscovery is a practical option for users who want a fast, Markdown-first knowledge base with linking and visualization features, without relying on proprietary storage formats. Its file-based approach also makes backups and migrations straightforward.

Haptic is a minimal, local-first markdown note-taking application designed around privacy and speed. It provides a lightweight, distraction-free editor for personal notes with both a web-hosted interface and a native desktop wrapper.

Key Features

• Local-first storage model using an embedded/local database for private note storage
• Minimal, fast markdown editor focused on keyboard and touch workflows
• Cross-target approach: web interface plus a Tauri-based desktop application
• Modern frontend stack with Svelte and a Tailwind-based design system for theming and layout
• Component-driven UI using a shadcn-inspired component library approach
• Deployment options include a prebuilt Docker image and one-click Vercel deployments

(haptic.md)

Use Cases

• Personal note-taking and personal knowledge management with local-only storage
• Lightweight markdown editing for writers and developers who prefer a distraction-free interface
• Running a private, self-hosted web instance for personal access or small-team usage

Limitations and Considerations

• Syncing across devices, note sharing, and full mobile app support are on the project roadmap but not yet available; current functionality focuses on local storage and single-device workflows
• The desktop app uses Tauri (native wrapper) and some platform targets (Windows/Linux mobile clients) are listed as planned rather than fully supported

(github.com)

Haptic is a pragmatic, privacy-minded markdown editor that prioritizes local-first storage and a minimal UI. It is suited for users who want a lightweight, self-hosted notes app with a modern Svelte/Tailwind frontend and simple deployment options.

Zen is a simple, lightweight self-hosted notes application designed for fast writing and long-term portability. Notes are stored as standard Markdown files with a local SQLite database for indexing and search.

Key Features

• Single Go binary deployment (or Docker Compose) with very low resource usage
• Notes stored as Markdown with a local SQLite database
• Full-text search with BM25 ranking across titles and content
• Flexible tagging and custom views (“Focus Modes”) instead of rigid folder structures
• Rich Markdown support (tables, code blocks, task lists, highlights, and more)
• Templates and pinned notes for faster capture and organization
• Archive and soft delete with restore capability
• Import/export for portability (Markdown, JSON, and referenced images)
• Responsive, mobile-friendly UI with PWA support, dark mode, and offline reading
• Experimental features: canvas view (JSON Canvas) and MCP server for searching/reading notes

Use Cases

• Personal knowledge management with portable Markdown-based storage
• Fast searchable note-taking for developers, students, and researchers
• Lightweight notes service for homelabs or low-resource servers

Limitations and Considerations

• Some capabilities (canvas, MCP server, semantic/similar-image features) are experimental and may change
• Automated backups are handled via a separate companion tool rather than built in

Zen focuses on a clean interface, minimal dependencies, and future-proof storage so your notes remain accessible and easy to migrate. It’s a good fit for users who want a self-contained, low-ops notes app without proprietary formats.

Notesnook is a privacy-focused note-taking application that encrypts notes on the client before sync and storage. It offers desktop, mobile and web clients alongside an open-source sync server and supporting tooling.

Key Features

• End-to-end client-side encryption for notes, with encryption-at-rest and in-transit protections and an open verification tool demonstrating the encryption model.
• Cross-platform clients (desktop, web, mobile) and a browser web clipper for saving pages and articles privately.
• Self-hostable sync server and supporting services (identity, SSE messaging, attachments storage) published under an open-source license.
• Note editor features: Markdown support, tables, code blocks, maths/formulas, lists, task lists, embeds, images and file attachments.
• Bidirectional note linking for personal knowledge management and internal linking between notes.
• Notes vault and password-protected shares for additional access control on sensitive notes.
• Reminders and basic task scheduling integrated in the app.
• Deployment tooling: official repository includes Docker Compose manifests to run services with MongoDB and MinIO for storage.

Use Cases

• Secure personal note-taking and journaling where client-side encryption and privacy are required.
• Personal knowledge management and research workflows using bidirectional links, markdown, and cross-device sync.
• Sharing documents or notes securely with password-protected shared links while keeping primary data encrypted.

Limitations and Considerations

• Self-hosting of the sync server is marked alpha: documentation and official support are limited and self-hosting is provided without support. The repository and Docker Compose make self-hosting possible but administrators should be prepared to manage components (MongoDB, MinIO, identity and messaging services) themselves.
• Some on-premise/self-host settings and full documentation were stated as in progress; production hardening, scaling guidance, and enterprise support may be limited.

Notesnook combines a consumer-facing encrypted note service with open-source clients and a sync server repository. It is geared toward users who prioritize privacy and want the option to run their own sync infrastructure or review the server code.

Nextcloud Notes is a simple, distraction-free note-taking application for Nextcloud. It stores notes as regular files in your Nextcloud, making them accessible and syncable across Nextcloud clients and devices.

Key Features

• Notes stored as files in your Nextcloud (compatible with Nextcloud sync clients)
• Markdown formatting support for writing and previewing
• Categories for organizing notes
• Favorites for quick access to important notes
• JSON-based REST API for integrations and mobile/third-party clients
• Admin defaults configurable via Nextcloud occ commands (mode, file extension, default folder)

Use Cases

• Personal note-taking synced across desktop and mobile via Nextcloud
• Team or shared note folders managed through Nextcloud file sharing
• Integrating notes into custom apps via the Notes REST API

Nextcloud Notes is a good fit if you want lightweight notes that remain plain files inside your Nextcloud storage, while still providing a focused editor, Markdown support, and an integration-friendly API.