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Stash: Remember Everything vs Obsidian
Last checked: October 12, 2026
The short version
Pick Stash if you want notes that organize themselves with no folders, plugins or setup, plus Apple Watch capture.
Pick Obsidian if you want local files you control, thousands of plugins, and optional end-to-end encrypted Sync.
"obsidian is a notebook that wants you to be a librarian. notion is a workspace that wants you to be an architect." (@studiobrittanyx on X)
Side by side
Stash: Remember Everything, by Grafted Software
Capture. Type in the app, use the share sheet, the Home Screen widget or the Shortcuts extension, or dictate on Apple Watch. Notes from the watch are queued and sync later. Offline notes queue on the device and get summarized when you are back online.
AI organization. Zero prompts. Every note comes back with a summary and tags, stored as Markdown.
Agent access. Stash runs an MCP server on the free plan. Search, read, update and delete are free. Creating notes and research use a monthly allowance. Ask (questions across all your notes) needs Stash Pro. Agents can write back.
Export. PDF or Markdown.
Privacy. Encrypted at rest, not end to end. Summaries use Anthropic's Claude through OpenRouter.
Platforms. iPhone and iPad, plus Apple Watch. No Mac, web or Android app yet.
Obsidian
What they say. "The free and flexible app for your private thoughts."
Storage. Notes are stored privately on your device, even offline, in open file formats.
Customization. Thousands of plugins and themes.
Pricing. Free, no sign-up. Sync is $4 a month billed yearly ($5 monthly) and includes end-to-end encryption and version history. Publish is $8 a site a month billed yearly ($10 monthly).
Platforms. Windows download on the homepage, with "More platforms" linked.
Not verified on their site today, so not compared here: built-in AI summarizing, MCP support, Apple Watch app, full platform list.
When to pick them instead
- You want your notes as local files that never leave your device unless you choose.
- You need end-to-end encryption (Obsidian Sync has it, Stash does not).
- You enjoy building your own system with plugins and links.
- You want a desktop app.
FAQ
Can I move Stash notes into Obsidian?
Stash exports notes as Markdown, which is the format Obsidian uses.
Is this the Stash from stash.com or stash.bar?
No. Stash: Remember Everything is a notes app for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch made by Grafted Software.
Can my AI agent read my Stash notes on the free plan?
Yes. Search, read, update and delete over MCP are free. Creating notes and research use a monthly allowance. Ask needs Stash Pro.
Can I export my notes?
Yes, to PDF or Markdown.
