Notion vs Obsidian for Knowledge Management
TL;DR: Choose Notion for team collaboration with built-in ai. Choose Obsidian for data ownership, offline access, and unlimited customization.
Notion vs Obsidian: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Notion | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| AI Features | Built-in Notion AI ($10/mo extra) | Community plugins, bring your own AI |
| Collaboration | Real-time team collaboration | Primarily single-user |
| Data Storage | Cloud-based | Local markdown files you own |
| Customization | Templates and databases | Unlimited plugins and themes |
| Offline Access | Limited offline | Full offline support |
| Price | Free-$10/mo + $10 AI | Free (Sync $4/mo) |
When to Choose Notion
Notion is the better choice when you need team collaboration with built-in ai. It excels at built-in notion ai ($10/mo extra).
When to Choose Obsidian
Obsidian wins when you need data ownership, offline access, and unlimited customization. Its strength is community plugins, bring your own ai.
Our Recommendation
For most users, we recommend starting with the free tiers of both tools. Use each for a week with your actual workflow, then commit to the one that fits better.
FAQ
Can I use both?
Yes. Many professionals use both Notion and Obsidian for different tasks. The tools complement each other well.
Which has the better free tier?
Both offer free access. Test both before committing to a paid plan — your specific needs determine which free tier is more useful.
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