Productivity

Is Obsidian Safe?

Owned by Dynalist Inc. • Last updated January 2026

📋 Short Answer:
Obsidian is local-first and privacy-respecting. Your notes are files on your computer.
PrivacyDefend Safety Score
9.0/10
Excellent
Data Collection
🟢 Minimal
Encryption
🟢 Strong
Third-Party Sharing
🟢 No
Privacy Controls
🟢 Excellent

📊 What Data Does Obsidian Collect?

Obsidian has minimal data collection practices. Here's what they collect:

This level of data collection is minimal for apps in the productivity category.

Why This Matters

The data Obsidian collects can be used for personalization, advertising, analytics, and may be shared with third parties. Understanding what's collected helps you make informed privacy decisions.

🔒 Obsidian Encryption & Security

Encryption Level: Strong

Local-first. Obsidian Sync uses E2E encryption.

What This Means For You

Your data is well-protected with end-to-end encryption. Even the company cannot access your content.

🔗 Does Obsidian Share Your Data?

Third-Party Sharing: No

Files stored locally. Your choice where to sync.

✅ What's Good

  • Strong encryption
  • Excellent privacy controls
  • Open source and audited

❌ Concerns

  • Minimal data collection

⚠️ Obsidian Privacy Controversies

Obsidian has faced scrutiny for the following privacy and security concerns:

These incidents highlight the importance of understanding Obsidian's privacy practices before use.

🔄 Safer Alternatives to Obsidian

Looking for more privacy-focused options? Consider these alternatives:

🛡️ Recommended Privacy Products

Enhance your privacy when using Obsidian with these tools:

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our privacy research.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Obsidian safe to use in 2026?
Obsidian is local-first and privacy-respecting. Your notes are files on your computer.
What data does Obsidian collect about me?
Obsidian collects: sync data if using Obsidian Sync, license verification. This is considered minimal data collection.
Does Obsidian sell my personal data?
Files stored locally. Your choice where to sync.
Is Obsidian safe for kids?
What are safer alternatives to Obsidian?
Consider: Standard Notes, Logseq, Joplin. See our alternatives section above.

Last updated: January 2026 • Review by PrivacyDefend Research Team