Dash vs Obsidian
Both are local-first. Only one has built-in encryption. No plugins, no subscriptions, no configuration.
Dash
Encrypted by Default
Obsidian
Plain Text Files
Feature Comparison
See exactly how Dash and Obsidian compare on security and features
| Feature | Dash | 💎 Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in Encryption | ||
| No Plugins Required for Security | ||
| No Sync Subscription | ||
| One-Time Payment | ||
| Works 100% Offline | ||
| No Account Required | ||
| Local-First Storage | ||
| Rich Text Editor | ||
| Export to Multiple Formats | ||
| Cross-Platform |
The Encryption Difference
Obsidian is great for knowledge management, but if you need true privacy, these limitations matter.
Encryption Is an Afterthought
Obsidian stores notes as plain text Markdown files. Encryption requires third-party plugins or tools. Dash encrypts notes with AES-256 at the click of a button - security is built-in, not bolted on.
Sync Costs $8/Month
Obsidian's sync feature costs $96/year. Dash is a one-time $14.99 payment with no recurring fees. Export encrypted .dashpack files to move notes between devices yourself.
Plugin Dependency
Need encryption? Install a plugin. Need features? Install plugins. Obsidian is powerful but requires setup and maintenance. Dash works perfectly out of the box.
Complexity vs Simplicity
Obsidian is built for power users who want to customize everything. Dash is built for people who want privacy without configuration. Open the app, write notes, they're encrypted.
What Dash Offers
All the local-first benefits of Obsidian, plus built-in encryption without the complexity.
Military-Grade Encryption
AES-256-GCM encryption built into the app. Password-protect any note instantly.
Zero Configuration
No plugins to install, no settings to configure. Security works immediately.
One-Time $14.99
Pay once, own forever. No subscriptions, no recurring charges.
100% Offline
Like Obsidian, notes stay on your device. Unlike Obsidian, they are encrypted.
True Privacy
No accounts, no telemetry, no data collection. Complete anonymity.
Portable Encryption
Export encrypted .dashpack bundles to securely move notes between devices.
Security Side by Side
Obsidian
- Notes stored as plain text .md files
- Encryption requires third-party plugins
- Sync feature costs $8/month ($96/year)
- Local-first storage
- Works offline
Dash
Recommended- AES-256-GCM encryption built-in
- No plugins needed - works out of the box
- One-time $14.99 - no subscriptions
- Local-first storage
- Works 100% offline
Get Dash Today
Join thousands of privacy-conscious users who've chosen Dash over corporate surveillance. One payment, lifetime access.
Dash
Private Notes App
Common Questions
Ready for built-in encryption?
No plugins. No subscriptions. Just privacy.