Productivity
Notion vs Obsidian
Notion and Obsidian are two popular tools for note-taking, knowledge management and organising work, but they are built around different workflows. Notion is a cloud-based all-in-one workspace for notes, documents, databases, projects, wikis, collaboration and AI-assisted work. Obsidian is a local-first note-taking app built around plain Markdown files, backlinks, graph view, plugins and personal knowledge management. This comparison looks at pricing, offline use, local storage, collaboration, databases, AI features, sync, privacy and everyday usability to help you decide which tool better fits your workflow.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
Notion Labs
Notion
A cloud-based workspace for notes, documents, databases, projects and team collaboration
VS
Dynalist Inc.
Obsidian
A local-first Markdown note-taking app for linked notes, privacy and personal knowledge management
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Specifications
Pros & Cons
Notion — Pros
✓Strong all-in-one workspace for notes, documents, databases, wikis and projects
✓Good collaboration tools for teams, guests and shared workspaces
✓Powerful database views for tasks, content planning, project tracking and dashboards
✓Built-in Notion AI features for writing, search, meeting notes and workspace assistance depending on plan
✓Works well across web, desktop and mobile apps
✓Large template ecosystem for personal, team and business workflows
Notion — Cons
✕Cloud-first structure may not suit users who want local Markdown files by default
✕Offline access exists, but pages need to be downloaded and full offline workflows may require planning
✕AI and advanced workspace features depend on plan, credits and availability
✕Can feel heavier than Obsidian for simple personal note-taking
✕Less ideal for users who want full data ownership in plain local files
Obsidian — Pros
✓Free for personal use and also free to use for work
✓Local-first notes stored as plain Markdown files on your device
✓Strong backlinking, graph view and linked-note workflows
✓Large community plugin and theme ecosystem
✓Works well offline because notes live locally
✓Optional Obsidian Sync includes end-to-end encryption by default
Obsidian — Cons
✕Less beginner-friendly than Notion for structured team workspaces
✕Real-time collaboration is not as central or seamless as Notion’s workspace collaboration
✕Sync and Publish are optional paid add-ons
✕Databases, tables and advanced project management usually require plugins or manual setup
✕No built-in AI workspace assistant like Notion AI by default
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Our Verdict
Notion and Obsidian are both excellent note-taking and knowledge management tools, but they are built for different ways of working. Notion is the better choice if you want a cloud-based workspace for notes, documents, databases, projects, wikis, dashboards and team collaboration. It is especially useful when your notes need to connect with tasks, content planning, project management, team knowledge bases and AI-assisted workflows. Obsidian is the better choice if you want a local-first personal knowledge base built on plain Markdown files. It is especially strong for linked notes, backlinks, graph view, research, writing, privacy and long-term personal knowledge management. Because your notes live locally on your device, Obsidian gives users more direct ownership and control over their files. The bottom line: choose Notion if you want an all-in-one cloud workspace for structured notes, databases, projects and collaboration. Choose Obsidian if you want a private, local-first Markdown note system for linked thinking, offline use and personal knowledge management.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Notion if...
→You want one workspace for notes, documents, databases, tasks and projects
→You work with a team and need shared pages, comments and collaboration
→You like structured templates, dashboards and database views
→You want built-in AI features inside your workspace depending on plan and access
→You prefer a cloud-based tool that works across web, desktop and mobile
→You use notes as part of a broader project management or team knowledge system
Choose Obsidian if...
→You want your notes stored locally as plain Markdown files
→You care strongly about privacy, ownership and long-term file portability
→You build knowledge through backlinks, graph view and connected notes
→You often work offline or want notes available without relying on a cloud workspace
→You like customising your setup with plugins, themes and personal workflows
→You are building a personal knowledge base for research, writing or long-term thinking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Notion or Obsidian better for note-taking?
Notion is usually better for structured note-taking that connects with databases, tasks, projects, wikis and shared team workspaces. It is useful if your notes are part of a larger productivity system, especially when you want templates, tables, dashboards and collaboration. Obsidian is usually better for personal knowledge management, linked notes, research notes, long-term thinking and local Markdown files. Choose Notion if you want an organised cloud workspace. Choose Obsidian if you want a private, local-first note system that you fully control.
Q: Is Obsidian free compared to Notion?
A: Obsidian’s core app is free without limits, and Obsidian now says it can also be used for work for free. Optional paid add-ons include Obsidian Sync and Obsidian Publish. Notion also has a free plan, with paid Plus, Business and Enterprise plans for more advanced collaboration, file uploads, history, AI and workspace features. For solo users who only need local notes, Obsidian can be very cost-effective. For users who need team collaboration, databases and an all-in-one workspace, Notion’s paid plans may be more practical.
Q: Does Obsidian work offline better than Notion?
A: Obsidian is stronger for offline-first note-taking because your notes are stored locally as Markdown files on your device. You can open and edit them without depending on a cloud workspace. Notion now supports offline access on desktop and mobile, but pages need to be made available offline, and paid plans automatically download recent and favourite pages. For users who want all notes stored locally by default, Obsidian is the better fit. For users who mainly work online and want collaboration, Notion’s offline support may be enough.
Q: Which is better for a second brain — Notion or Obsidian?
A: Obsidian is often the better fit for a personal “second brain” built around backlinks, graph view, Markdown files and long-term knowledge connections. It works well for writers, researchers, students and knowledge workers who want to connect ideas over time. Notion can also be used as a second brain, especially if you prefer structured databases, dashboards, templates and project tracking. The difference is style: Obsidian is stronger for linked thinking and local ownership, while Notion is stronger for structured organisation and shared workspaces.
Sources & References
Prices, features and specifications in this comparison were verified from official sources.
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