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Comparison Guide

Notion vs Obsidian: Which Tool Is Best for You in 2025?

Notion and Obsidian are both popular choices. Here's everything you need to know to choose between them.

Notion vs Obsidian at a Glance

Feature Notion Obsidian
Free Plan Yes Yes Yes Yes
Databases Powerful Powerful No No
Real-time Collaboration Yes Yes Limited Limited
Mobile Apps iOS & Android iOS & Android Yes Yes
API Access Yes Yes Yes Yes
Templates 10,000+ 10,000+ Varies Varies

Quick Verdict

Overview

Notion and Obsidian are both excellent tools, but they serve different needs. undefined

Key Differences

The main difference between Notion and Obsidian comes down to focus and features. Notion offers a comprehensive solution while Obsidian excels in specific areas.

Obsidian Strengths

  • Local-first storage with full data ownership
  • Markdown-native with powerful linking
  • Extensive plugin ecosystem (1000+ plugins)
  • Free for personal use
  • Works completely offline
  • Graph view for visualizing connections

Obsidian Weaknesses

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • No built-in real-time collaboration
  • Sync requires paid plan ($8/month)
  • Less visual and intuitive than Notion
  • No databases or structured data
  • Mobile apps less polished

Pricing Comparison

Obsidian pricing: undefined. No free tier available.

Who Is Obsidian Best For?

Power users, developers, privacy-focused users, personal knowledge management

Our Verdict

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Why Choose Notion?

Enterprise Security

SOC 2 Type II certified with SAML SSO, SCIM, and audit logs for Enterprise customers.

Open API & Integrations

Connect Notion to 100+ apps via native integrations or build custom solutions with the Notion API.

Infinite Nesting

Organize your workspace with unlimited nested pages. Create any structure that works for you.

Cross-Platform Apps

Access Notion on web, desktop (Mac, Windows), and mobile (iOS, Android). Your work syncs everywhere.

Ready to try Notion?

Get started with Notion's free tier — no credit card required.

Get Started Free

Who Should Choose Notion?

  • You need an all-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and projects
  • You want powerful databases and custom views
  • Team collaboration is important to you
  • You prefer a generous free tier
  • You value flexibility and customization

Who Should Choose Obsidian?

  • You value local-first storage with full data ownership
  • You value markdown-native with powerful linking
  • You value extensive plugin ecosystem (1000+ plugins)
  • You value free for personal use
  • You value works completely offline

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I cancel my Notion subscription? +
If you downgrade to the free plan, you keep all your content but lose access to premium features like unlimited file uploads, version history beyond 7 days, and admin tools. Your workspace remains accessible, but with free tier limitations.
Is Notion secure for sensitive data? +
Notion takes security seriously with SOC 2 Type II certification, data encryption in transit and at rest, and regular security audits. Enterprise plans include SAML SSO, SCIM provisioning, and audit logs. For highly sensitive data, consider your organization's compliance requirements.
Can I use Notion offline? +
Notion has limited offline support. You can view and edit recently accessed pages that are cached on your device. However, for full functionality and syncing, you need an internet connection. If offline access is critical, consider tools like Obsidian that work fully offline.
Is Notion free to use? +
Yes, Notion offers a generous free plan for individuals with unlimited blocks and pages. Teams can start free with limited block trials. Paid plans (Plus at $10/user/month and Business at $18/user/month) unlock features like unlimited file uploads, version history, and admin tools.
Can I import data from other apps into Notion? +
Yes, Notion supports importing from Evernote, Trello, Asana, Google Docs, Word, Markdown, and CSV files. Most imports preserve structure and formatting. The import tool is available in Settings & Members > Import.

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