Obsidian vs Smallpdf Pricing (2026)

Which one is cheaper?

Obsidian starts lower at $5/mo, compared to $12/mo for Smallpdf.

Can I use either one for free?

Both offer free plans, so you can try each without paying. Start with whichever fits your workflow better and upgrade when you hit the limits.

How do they charge?

Different approach here. Obsidian uses hybrid pricing, while Smallpdf goes with per-seat. That changes the math depending on your team size and usage.

Which one is a better deal?

Depends on what you need. Obsidian: Against Notion, Roam, or Craft, Obsidian is the budget option by a wide margin — the core product costs nothing, and even fully loaded with Sync and Publish you're at $15/mo. They're winning privacy-conscious, local-first power users and note-taking nerds who resent subscription lock-in, not teams looking for an all-in-one collaborative workspace. Smallpdf: At $15/mo for Pro, Smallpdf sits in the mid-market range — cheaper than Adobe Acrobat ($23+/mo) but not a budget race-to-the-bottom play. They're clearly targeting SMBs and individual professionals who find Adobe overkill, and the Sign.com bundle strengthens the value case without raising the headline price.

Still deciding? See the best Obsidian alternatives or the best Smallpdf alternatives, ranked with verified pricing.