Reviewed 2026-10-14
Obsidian vs Notion
Files you own against a workspace that runs in the browser. The choice is really about where your notes live.
Our take
Notion
Obsidian suits people who want their notes as plain files they control, working offline, with no vendor in the loop. Notion suits teams that need shared pages, databases and permissions in one place. Solo writers tend to prefer the first; teams almost always need the second.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | Obsidian | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Where notes are stored | Local Markdown files you own | In the vendor's workspace |
| Working offline | Default behaviour | Limited |
| Collaboration | Not what it is built for | Shared pages, comments, permissions |
| Sync | Optional paid add-on, or your own | Included |
| Structure | Folders and links you arrange | Nested pages and databases |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
What is the difference between Obsidian and Notion?
Files you own against a workspace that runs in the browser. The choice is really about where your notes live.
How do Obsidian and Notion compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe Obsidian as: Free for personal use; sync and publish are separate paid add-ons. And Notion as: Free tier available; paid plans per member. Compare the Obsidian pricing page and the Notion pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, Obsidian or Notion?
Obsidian suits people who want their notes as plain files they control, working offline, with no vendor in the loop. Notion suits teams that need shared pages, databases and permissions in one place. Solo writers tend to prefer the first; teams almost always need the second.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: Obsidian pricing and Notion pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do Obsidian and Notion compare on "Where notes are stored"?
Obsidian: Local Markdown files you own. Notion: In the vendor's workspace.
How do Obsidian and Notion compare on "Working offline"?
Obsidian: Default behaviour. Notion: Limited.