Kortex
📝 Docs & PlanningSecond-brain notes app where you choose your AI model. Asks questions about your notes and suggests connections.
Our Take
Kortex is the second-brain notes app that lets you choose your own AI model — Claude, GPT, Gemini, or local models — to power your thinking. Unlike Notion (which locks you into their AI) or Obsidian (which has no native AI), Kortex treats AI as a core feature while keeping you in control of which model processes your notes. The note-taking is solid, the AI integration is genuinely useful, and the multi-model flexibility is the key differentiator.
What we like
- Choose your AI model: Claude, GPT-4, Gemini, or local models — no vendor lock-in
- AI-powered features are deeply integrated: summarisation, connections, Q&A over your notes
- Clean, distraction-free writing experience with good markdown support
- Cross-platform with offline access — notes work without an internet connection
Where it falls short
- Smaller ecosystem than Notion or Obsidian — fewer integrations, templates, and community plugins
- Relatively new with a smaller team — feature velocity and long-term viability are questions
- AI features require your own API keys, adding complexity and ongoing costs
Verdict
Kortex is the right choice if AI-assisted note-taking is a priority and you want model flexibility. It's a better AI experience than Notion's built-in AI and a more integrated one than Obsidian with plugins. But for team collaboration, Notion wins; for raw extensibility, Obsidian wins. Kortex owns the AI-first niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kortex free?
Kortex offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans unlock additional functionality.
What are the best Kortex alternatives?
Popular alternatives to Kortex in the Docs & Planning category include Notion, Linear, Coda, Obsidian, Basecamp. Each has different strengths depending on your specific needs and budget.
How much does Kortex cost?
Free tier with basic features. Premium from ~$10/mo. BYO API keys for AI features.
Is Kortex worth it in 2026?
Kortex is the right choice if AI-assisted note-taking is a priority and you want model flexibility. It's a better AI experience than Notion's built-in AI and a more integrated one than Obsidian with plugins. But for team collaboration, Notion wins; for raw extensibility, Obsidian wins. Kortex owns the AI-first niche.
The Docs & Planning Landscape
There are 37 tools in the Docs & Planning category on Fewer Tools. Our top pick is Notion. The right choice depends on your stage, budget, and specific needs.
The everything workspace. Docs, wikis, databases, projects. Your second brain's second brain.
Issue tracking that doesn't suck. Keyboard-first, blazing fast, beautiful. Jira is shaking.
Docs that work like apps. Tables, automations, buttons. Notion on steroids for power users.
Local-first markdown notes with a graph view. Your brain, mapped. Plugin ecosystem is bonkers.
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