Which note-taking app increases your productivity?

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Among the dozens of note-taking solutions on the market, Obsidian and Joplin stand out due to their offline approach, Markdown support, and a long feature list. However, for power users looking for an ultimate tool to boost their productivity and streamline their workflow, choosing between Obsidian and Joplin can be a tricky task. In this comparison, we'll go over the strengths and weaknesses of Obsidian and Joplin to help you choose the perfect note-taking companion for your needs.



Cross-platform availability

Unlike other note-taking solutions (I'm looking at you, Bear), both Obsidian and Joplin have perfected cross-platform availability. They have native apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and even Linux. Whether you're using a Windows PC, a Linux machine, or a MacBook, you'll have no trouble accessing and editing your notes.

user interface

Obsidian Main Note


In terms of user interface, there are some notable differences between Obsidian and Joplin. The former has an unconventional interface with relevant plugins in the sidebar and folders at the top. If you're switching from Evernote or OneNote, Obsidian may take some time to get used to.

On the other hand, Joplin looks and feels like a standard note-taking app with all the relevant options in their usual place. As for themes, it supports Light, Dark, Aritim-Dark, OLED and others.

Joplin user interface

Obsidian takes the entire customization experience to the next level with its own theme store. It offers over 170 themes with different styles and tweaks that you can implement with just one click.


A screenshot showing Obsidian themes

Joplin also supports themes via plugins, but Obsidian's theme library is much better and more diverse.

Take and organize notes

Obsidian Markdown Clean Interface


Although both Obsidian and Joplin use Markdown, the latter still has a dedicated toolbar at the top. This is especially useful for beginners or people unfamiliar with the Markdown language. Alternatively, Obsidian supports the “/” command, where you can type / and insert a formatting option you want to use. Joplin also offers the flexibility to switch between Markdown and Live Editor.

Joplin toolbar


To organize notes, you can create multiple notebooks and add new notes with different tags. Obsidian is on par with Joplin when it comes to organization. You can create folders and subfolders and add tags to your notes (#Travel, #Finance, etc.) to keep them organized by type.

OneNote vs Joplin 5

However, unlike Joplin, you can't check the tags from the sidebar. You have to search for them from the top menu, which can be cumbersome at times.

Data protection and security

Obsidian and Joplin are offline-first solutions that allow you to store notes locally on your device storage. Joplin also supports end-to-end encryption to secure your personal notes. If you want to enable E2EE on Obsidian, you will need to opt for a paid sync add-on plan.


Obsidian vs. Joplin: Features

Here are some of the standout features of Obsidian and Joplin that set them apart from the competition. Let's start with Obsidian.

Plug-ins

Although both Obsidian and Joplin support plugins, the former has a much better library thanks to an active community. Whether you want to enable Kanban boards, use daily notes for a digital diary, add a calendar, advanced tables, or a standard toolbar at the top, there are plenty of plugins available that can improve your Obsidian setup in a snap. Read our dedicated post to learn more about the best Obsidian plugins.


canvas

Obsidian Canvas

Obsidian also supports a blank canvas view for brainstorming ideas and projects. It is an infinite creative board with all the relevant options like maps, arrows, text and more to sketch out thoughts. You don't need any other third-party whiteboard tool.

Graphics

Global Obsidian Chart View


This is where Obsidian excels compared to its competitors. You can link related notes in your vaults and visualize their relationships in a special graph view. This essentially replicates the way the brain processes information.

Other handy Obsidian features include split view, multiple tab support, file properties, and more.

Let’s take a look at some of Joplin’s outstanding characteristics.

Tasks and reminders

Joplin memories


Joplin supports tasks with reminders. It is good enough for managing basic tasks where you can set a due date and time to keep track of your important tasks.

Web Clipper

Joplin provides a dedicated Web Clipper for Chrome, Microsoft Edge and other Chromium browsers. You can clip an entire website or a specific part of your Joplin notebook with a single click.

Obsidian vs. Joplin: Prices

Both Obsidian and Joplin offer a solid free plan. You can access the core features without committing to a subscription. Obsidian offers a couple of add-ons called Sync (which lets you sync notes across devices) and Publish (which lets you publish notes to the web). They cost $5 and $10 per month, respectively. In most cases, you can forgo a paid plan if you simply want to sync your Obsidian vaults with Google Drive or OneDrive to make your notes available across all devices.


Joplin's paid plan starts at $3.30 per month at the time of writing. It unlocks features like 2GB storage, 10MB note size, web clipper, and real-time collaboration, with higher-end options available. Like Obsidian, you can also sync your notes to any cloud service instead of Joplin Cloud.

May the best app win!

Choosing between Obsidian and Joplin depends on your individual preferences and note-taking style. Let me simplify the equation for you. If you want a flexible, connected knowledge base with extensive customization options, Obsidian is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a simple interface with reminders and prefer open source solutions, Joplin may be the perfect solution for you.


No matter which tool you choose, both support the Markdown language so you can format your notes like a pro. Read our dedicated guide to learn the best Markdown tips and tricks to improve your note-taking.

  • An image showing the Obsidian Notes app logo.

    Obsidian

    Obsidian is a feature-rich note-taking app available on multiple platforms that offers a sleek and clean interface. It is also free to use for individuals.

  • Joplin logo 2

    Joplin

    Joplin is an open source note-taking app and a competitive option in the productivity space.

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