Why look past Obsidian for AI
Obsidian gives you local Markdown files, an official CLI, and a plugin ecosystem. A local coding assistant can work directly with the files or CLI; AI access does not always require a plugin or a separate provider key. Community MCP integrations provide another route.
A hosted endpoint is a different choice. Hjarni manages the note server and exposes OAuth-based MCP access, so compatible assistants can retrieve and edit notes without keeping a local vault app available.
Keep Markdown and test the migration
Hjarni stores Markdown note bodies in folders with tags and wiki-links. You can import a Markdown ZIP, but test representative notes first. Plugin queries, embedded canvases, graph metadata, and app-specific behavior may not map to another app.
The standard Hjarni export contains active notes and attachments. Revision history and folder instructions are separate application data, so do not assume a complete application migration from either Markdown export.
Check the current product version
Logseq now has an official local MCP option in its DB version, while its OG file graphs remain a separate workflow. Anytype documents an official local MCP and source-available encrypted workspace. Capacities provides hosted external AI connectors on the plans listed above. Compare these specific connections rather than assuming every alternative requires community plugins.
When to stay on Obsidian
Keep Obsidian if local files, offline work, plugins, and Canvas are the features you value. Obsidian Sync also supports shared vaults, with subscriptions and collaboration limits. Choose Hjarni if managed hosting, team roles, folder instructions, and a hosted MCP endpoint are the priorities.