MiaoYan alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave MiaoYan: apple platforms only: no Windows, Linux or Android, and no plugin system for extending it. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces MiaoYan, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Obsidian currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best MiaoYan alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best MiaoYan alternative for most people
ObsidianAlso works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.
Best MiaoYan alternative for a free option
ZettlrFree, open-source Markdown editor with citations and Zettelkasten links that also runs on Windows and Linux.
Best MiaoYan alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
BearPolished native Apple notes app with Markdown styling and built-in sync across devices.
Best MiaoYan alternative for open source
ZettlrFree, open-source Markdown editor with citations and Zettelkasten links that also runs on Windows and Linux.
Best MiaoYan alternative for Mac
iA WriterFocused Markdown writing app with a clean preview, available on Windows and Android too.
Best MiaoYan alternative for Windows
ObsidianAlso works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.
Best MiaoYan alternative for Linux
ObsidianAlso works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.
Best MiaoYan alternative for iPhone and Android
ObsidianAlso works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.
MiaoYan alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to MiaoYan?
Obsidian ranks first right now. Also works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform. Bear and Zettlr follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to MiaoYan?
Yes. Obsidian (free plan + paid), Bear (free plan + paid) and Zettlr (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to MiaoYan?
Yes: Zettlr.
Which MiaoYan alternatives work on Linux?
Obsidian and Zettlr run on Linux.
Why do people switch from MiaoYan?
The complaints we hear most: apple platforms only: no Windows, Linux or Android; no plugin system for extending it; source-plus-preview editing, not WYSIWYG like Typora.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces MiaoYan, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.