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MiaoYan alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 1, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

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.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Obsidian logoObsidianFree plan + paidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +28 of 970.6
  1. Obsidian logo

    1. ObsidianTop pick

    Best for: People who want to own their notes as local Markdown files

    Free plan + paidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

    70.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from MiaoYan

    Also works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.

    Pros

    • Notes are plain Markdown files you own
    • Works fully offline
    • Huge plugin ecosystem

    Cons

    • Official sync is a paid add-on
    • Real-time collaboration is limited
    Visit Obsidian Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.360
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.1592
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Obsidian a good MiaoYan alternative?

    Verified facts

    8 of 9 verified
    Price
    Free, no sign-up required
    Checked Oct 29, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Storage
    Local Markdown files
    Checked Oct 29, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Sync
    Paid add-on
    Not checked yetobsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan
    Yes, the app is free without limits
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $4 per user/month for Sync, billed annually
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Publish plan
    $8 per site/month, billed annually
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Commercial license
    $50 per user/year (optional)
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    7 days for Sync and Publish
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)
    Student discount
    40% off Sync and Publish
    Checked Nov 1, 2026obsidian.md(opens source in a new tab)

The best MiaoYan alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Obsidian logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for most people

Obsidian

Also works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.

Zettlr logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for a free option

Zettlr

Free, open-source Markdown editor with citations and Zettelkasten links that also runs on Windows and Linux.

Bear logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Bear

Polished native Apple notes app with Markdown styling and built-in sync across devices.

Zettlr logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for open source

Zettlr

Free, open-source Markdown editor with citations and Zettelkasten links that also runs on Windows and Linux.

iA Writer logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for Mac

iA Writer

Focused Markdown writing app with a clean preview, available on Windows and Android too.

Obsidian logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for Windows

Obsidian

Also works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.

Obsidian logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for Linux

Obsidian

Also works on local Markdown files, with a huge plugin ecosystem and apps on every platform.

Obsidian logo

Best MiaoYan alternative for iPhone and Android

Obsidian

Also 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.