Obsidian vs Wiki.js

Wiki.js offers a Node.js wiki platform with web UI, while Obsidian provides a local Markdown editor with rich linking features.

ObsidianPrivate Markdown notes stored as local files

Wiki.jsPowerful open-source wiki software on Node.js

Which to pick

Pick Obsidian if you want…

Local-first markdown knowledge base
Integrations with Markdown, Obsidian Sync or Obsidian Publish (on Obsidian's list, not Wiki.js')

Pick Wiki.js if you want…

Self-hosted, extensible wiki platform
Node-based collaborative wiki
A free, open-source tool
Integrations with PostgreSQL, MySQL or MariaDB (on Wiki.js' list, not Obsidian's)

Side by side

What it is: Obsidian:Obsidian is a free, local-first Markdown note-taking app that lets you build a personal knowledge base.; Wiki.js:Open-source, Node.js-based wiki software for creating and managing documentation.
Best for: Obsidian:Local-first markdown knowledge base; Wiki.js:Self-hosted, extensible wiki platform
Who it’s for: Obsidian:Individuals and teams who want private, offline-first note taking and knowledge management.; Wiki.js:Teams needing a self-hosted, customizable knowledge base.
Pricing: Obsidian:Freemium; Wiki.js:Open source
Plans: Obsidian:Sync $4USD per user, per month, billed an · Sync $5USD per user, per month, billed mo · Publish $8USD per site, per month, billed an · Publish $10USD per site, per month, billed mo · Catalyst $25USD one-time; Wiki.js:—
Open source: Obsidian:—; Wiki.js:Yes, 29,017 GitHub stars
Works with: Obsidian:Markdown, Obsidian Sync, Obsidian Publish; Wiki.js:PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, SQLite, GitHub, GitLab, BitBucket

Obsidian features

Local Markdown files. Notes are stored as plain-text Markdown files on your device, giving you full ownership.
Bidirectional linking. Create links between notes to build a personal wiki and see connections in a graph view.
Canvas workspace. An infinite canvas for brainstorming, diagramming and visual research.
Extensible plugins. Thousands of community plugins and an open API let you customize the app to fit any workflow.
Obsidian Sync. End-to-end encrypted sync across devices with version history and selective file sync.
Obsidian Publish. Turn a vault into a fast, SEO-friendly public website or digital garden with custom themes.
Collaboration. Shared vaults let multiple users edit notes together while keeping data private.

Wiki.js features

Multi-DB Support. Runs on PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server or SQLite.
Authentication Modules. Local, social (Google, GitHub, etc.) and enterprise (LDAP, SAML, Auth0, Okta, Azure AD).
WYSIWYG & Markdown Editors. Visual builder for non-technical users and live-preview Markdown editor.
Version Tracking. Tracks changes, allows revert, compare versions and export/branch pages.
Search Options. Built-in search, plus cloud (Algolia, Azure Search) and Elasticsearch integrations.
Asset Management. Upload, organize and edit media assets with built-in manager.

Obsidian vs Wiki.js FAQ

Is Obsidian or Wiki.js free?+

Obsidian has a free plan and paid plans. Wiki.js is free and open source.

Is Obsidian or Wiki.js open source?+

Wiki.js is open source (requarks/wiki on GitHub, AGPL-3.0 license). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for Obsidian.

Do Obsidian and Wiki.js integrate with the same tools?+

Their integration lists don't overlap: Obsidian lists Markdown, Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish; Wiki.js lists PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server and 10 more.

On DevHunt

Obsidian

Listed by DevHunt

Obsidian on DevHunt →Obsidian alternatives

Wiki.js