Pick MindNode if
apple users who will stay Free or pay $24.99/yr for themes/outline — not Obsidian first unless they want a local vault.
Read the MindNode pageMindNode vs Obsidian
Our take
Pick MindNode if apple users who will stay Free or pay $24.99/yr for themes/outline — not Obsidian first unless they want a local vault. Pick Obsidian if individual writers who will stay on the $0 app while they open a first Bases table, then Sync at $4/user/month yearly ($5 monthly) when they want encrypted vaults on other devices.
Best for
MindNode Map that idea at a public $
Obsidian A vault table you start at a public $
Free plan
MindNode $0 · mind mapping included
Obsidian $0 · no sign-up. No strings attached
Lowest paid
MindNode Not published by the vendor
Obsidian Sync $4/user/mo yearly
Next step up
MindNode
Obsidian Publish $8/mo yearly
Watch out
MindNode Plus is a subscription
Obsidian The $0 tile is the local app
Last checked
MindNode 2026-10-26 · mindnode.com
Obsidian 2026-10-23 · obsidian.md/pricing
Which one, then?
Pick Obsidian if
individual writers who will stay on the $0 app while they open a first Bases table, then Sync at $4/user/month yearly ($5 monthly) when they want encrypted vaults on other devices.
Read the Obsidian page