You can use Claude Code or Codex inside StashBase or Obsidian. StashBase includes the connection; Obsidian needs a plugin. If you prefer to work in the agent’s own app, Mem and Capacities let it access your notes through MCP.
The choice depends on whether you want to keep local files, use an existing AI subscription, or read and edit notes on your phone.
Can I use Claude Code or Codex?
| Option | Claude Code and Codex support | Where you work |
|---|---|---|
| StashBase | Both, built in; external MCP access is also available | In StashBase’s chat or your external agent |
| Obsidian + Copilot | Both, through the plugin | Inside Obsidian on desktop |
| Mem | Both, through MCP | In the external agent, connected to your Mem notes |
| Capacities | Both, through MCP | In the external agent, connected to your Capacities notes |
| Reflect Open | Agents can access its Markdown files externally; an embedded session is not documented | Built-in chat uses provider API keys |
In StashBase, choose Claude Code or Codex from the Agent selector. If it isn’t installed, the app helps you install it and connects it to your library. You can open source documents and review file edits beside the chat. StashBase agent setup
If you already use Obsidian, try a plugin in your existing vault. Copilot detects an installed Claude Code and connects Codex through an adapter. Agent Client supports both too, including their existing skills and MCP tools. Copilot setup
With Mem and Capacities, you authorize the connection, then ask Claude Code or Codex to work with your notes from its own interface. Mem connection guide, Capacities connection guide
Can I use my existing subscription?
StashBase and Copilot let you sign in with your existing agent account. Your account needs access to Claude Code or Codex, and your plan’s usage limits still apply. Copilot doesn’t charge a plugin fee for ordinary single-agent use with your own account. StashBase accounts, Copilot account options
Connecting Mem or Capacities through MCP also keeps the agent on its own account. You pay for the notes app separately where required; Capacities’ connectors need Pro. Capacities connectors
We don’t recommend Reflect Open’s built-in AI if you already pay for Claude Code or Codex. It requires an API key and bills that usage separately. Use your existing agent allowance first. That allowance still has limits, and additional usage can cost extra. Reflect Open AI setup
Can I sync notes between my computer and phone?
| Option | Available devices | How notes sync |
|---|---|---|
| Obsidian | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android | Paid Obsidian Sync, or a file-sync method you configure |
| StashBase | macOS, Windows, Linux | Not supported yet |
| Mem | macOS, Windows, iOS, web | Built-in cloud sync |
| Capacities | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, web | Built-in cloud sync, included in Basic |
| Reflect Open | Mac; iPhone through TestFlight | iCloud Drive or Git/GitHub |
Obsidian sync gives you access to your notes on your phone, but Copilot’s Agent mode runs only on desktop. Quick Chat and some editing features work on mobile. If you choose an alternative sync method, check that it supports your devices. Copilot platform support
Obsidian Sync Standard costs $4 per month billed annually or $5 billed monthly. It covers one vault, 1 GB of storage, and files up to 5 MB. If you keep larger PDFs, Sync Plus allows files up to 200 MB and costs $8 per month billed annually or $10 billed monthly. Obsidian Sync plans
Mem and Capacities let you edit offline and sync when you reconnect. Capacities still needs an internet connection for AI and some search functions. Mem offline editing, Capacities offline support and free-plan sync
Reflect Open can share a Markdown folder between Mac and iPhone through iCloud. You need to set up provider keys on each device. Windows and Android aren’t listed as available. Reflect Open platforms and sync
What else do I have to pay for?
| Option | App or plugin cost | Other charges |
|---|---|---|
| StashBase | Free in Alpha | Agent usage; search by meaning uses included credits or your own embedding-provider key |
| Obsidian + Copilot | Free single-agent use with your own account, API key, or local model | Agent/model usage; Obsidian Sync is separate; hosted Copilot features may need a paid plan |
| Mem | Free tier; Plus $9/month; Pro $29/month; larger plans available | Plans limit messages and new notes; external agents have their own accounts and usage limits |
| Capacities | Basic is free; AI and connectors need a paid plan | Pro/Believer include an AI budget; heavy use may need a Plus add-on |
| Reflect Open | Mac app is free; iPhone is free during TestFlight | Provider API usage |
Mem allows 25 new notes per month on Free, 50 on Plus, and 100 on Pro. If you save several notes a day, check that limit before choosing a plan. Mem prices and limits
StashBase’s search credits pay for preparing the semantic index and searching it, separately from agent usage. If you run out, keyword search and local file access still work. Search costs
Can I keep my local files and use PDFs?
StashBase opens an existing folder without moving its files. It makes text in PDFs, DOCX files, and images searchable so your agent can use those sources alongside your notes. You can also ask it to build a Wiki with links back to the sources. The Wiki pages are Markdown files in your folder, and you ask the agent to update them when needed. File search, Wiki setup
Obsidian with Copilot keeps your vault as local files. PDF and other document support depends on the agent and processing tools you configure. Copilot’s companion service Miyo adds semantic search and document processing for supported formats, with a separate connection. Copilot search and document support
Mem lets you upload PDFs and images for search and chat. Its Markdown import doesn’t preserve folder structures or bring in attachments, so check what you would lose before moving an existing vault. PDF support, note import limits
Capacities stores notes as objects in its database. You can export Markdown, properties, links, and downloaded media. You edit the notes in Capacities; the export is a separate copy. Export documentation