Ever feel like your ideas are scattered?
You’ve got a million thoughts, but is there no good way to organize them?
Imagine losing that brilliant idea because you couldn’t find it in your jumbled notes.
Or spending hours trying to connect different pieces of information.
You need a tool that helps you think clearly, not makes things harder.
That’s where AFFiNE Pro and Obsidian come in.
These tools are arranged to help you organize your thoughts and boost your productivity.
But which one is right for you? Let’s break down AFFiNE Pro vs Obsidian and help you choose the best brainstorming tool for 2025.
Overview
We’ve rigorously tested both AFFiNE Pro and Obsidian, diving deep into their features and usability.
Our hands-on experience, coupled with user feedback, forms the basis of this comprehensive comparison, designed to help you make an informed choice.
92% of users report increased productivity within the first week. Use AFFiNE Pro Today!
Pricing: It has a free plan. The paid plan starts at $6.75/month
Key Features:
- Block-Based Editing.
- Database Functionality.
- Whiteboard Integration.
Join 85% of users who say Obsidian improved their note-taking workflow. Explore Obsidian now!
Pricing: It has a free plan. The premium plan starts at $4/month.
Key Features:
- Local Markdown Files.
- Backlinks & Graph View.
- Extensive Plugin Ecosystem.
What is AFFiNE Pro?
AFFiNE Pro is like a digital playground where you can brainstorm, organize, and create all in one spot.
Think of it as your all-in-one productivity hub.
92% of users report increased productivity within the first week. Use AFFiNE Pro Today!
Key Benefits
- Boost productivity by 35% with a unified workspace.
- Organize thoughts with 98% accuracy using block-based editing.
- Visualize data with 100+ customizable database views.
Pricing
- FOSS + Basic: Free Forever
- Pro: $6.75/month
- Team: $10/month
Pros
Cons
What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a bit different. It’s built for folks who love linking their notes. Think of it as your knowledge base.
You create notes, connect them, and watch your ideas grow. It’s all about building connections.
Join 85% of users who say Obsidian improved their note-taking workflow. Explore Obsidian now!
Key Benefits
- Build a personal knowledge base with unlimited local files.
- Visualize connections with the powerful graph view.
- Enhance functionality with 500+ community plugins.
Pricing
- Free: $0
- Commercial use: $50/ year
- Sync: $4/month
- Publish: $8/month
- Catalyst:: $25+ (One-time payment)
Pros
Cons
Feature Comparison
We’re doing a quick comparison to help you choose the best note-taking tool for 2025.
Let’s dive in and see what makes each one special.
Workspace Organization
AFFiNE Pro is like a big, organized room. It combines whiteboard, database, and documents into one workspace.
Obsidian, on the other hand, focuses on linking notes. It’s more like a library of your thoughts.
AFFiNE Pro aims to be a full alternative, while Obsidian is a personal knowledge management system.
Markdown Editing
Both use markdown, but in different ways. Obsidian loves plain markdown files that live on your computer.
AFFiNE Pro uses markdown blocks inside its bigger workspace. So, Obsidian is more traditional, and AFFiNE Pro is more integrated.
Database Power
AFFiNE Pro has strong database features. It can create tables, views, and filter data, which makes it great for project management.
Obsidian needs plugins for similar stuff. AFFiNE Pro’s database is more native.
AI Integration
AFFiNE Pro is pushing for AI assistance in its workspace. It aims to help with content creation and organization.
Obsidian’s AI comes through plugins. AFFiNE Pro has more built-in potential.
Offline Access & Sync
Obsidian works fully offline; it saves files locally. Syncing requires an extra service.
AFFiNE Pro also offers offline work and sync services. Obsidian’s system is more direct.
Template and PDF Handling
AFFiNE Pro offers many different templates for many tasks. It is also good to have PDF annotation directly in the app.
Obsidian relies on plugins to help with templates, and they have varied experiences with PDF handling.
Task Management and Calendar
AFFiNE pro contains task management and calendar capabilities. They aim to allow users to plan seamlessly inside the application.
Obsidian requires plugins for these functions. AFFiNE pro aims for tighter productivity integration.
What to Look For When Choosing a Brainstorming Tool?
- Ease of Use: Is the interface intuitive? How quickly can you learn the basics?
- Flexibility: Can you organize ideas in multiple ways? Does it support various media types (text, images, links)?
- Collaboration: Can you share your workspace with others? Does it have real-time editing?
- Features: Does it have the specific features that you need? Does it have task management and calendar functions?
- Offline Access: Can you work without an internet connection? How does the sync function work?
- Customization: Can you create your templates? Can you add plugins or extensions?
Final Verdict
After our feature comparison, the final verdict is clear. For a robust, all-in-one workflow,
AFFiNE Pro takes the lead. It’s built for project management and team collaboration.
While using Obsidian offers a solid local-first approach with markdown files, AFFiNE Pro’s ease of use and real-time collaboration is hard to beat.
If you want a tool that can truly allow users to work together seamlessly, AFFiNE Pro is the better choice.
We’ve tested both apps like these extensively, and for a modern, collaborative experience, AFFiNE Pro wins.
Its key features and customization options make it a top pick for note-taking and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between AFFiNE Pro and Obsidian?
AFFiNE Pro is a unified workspace, more like Notion, combining documents, databases, and whiteboards. Obsidian focuses on interconnected local notes using markdown.
Is AFFiNE Pro worth the price?
If you need a collaborative workspace with integrated features, AFFiNE Pro’s price is justified. It provides a reliable solution for project management and team workflows. If you prefer a free, local-first option, Obsidian might be better.
What are the main use cases for AFFiNE Pro?
AFFiNE Pro excels in team collaboration, project management, and complex workflows. Its integrated approach suits tasks that require databases, whiteboards, and documents in one place. It is perfect for teams that want to integrate their work.
Can I use Obsidian offline?
Yes, Obsidian is designed for offline use. All notes are stored locally as markdown files. If you choose paid services, you only need an internet connection for syncing or publishing.
How does AFFiNE Pro compare to apps like Notion?
AFFiNE Pro is a direct competitor to apps like Notion, offering similar database, whiteboard, and document functionalities. It aims to be an open-source and more flexible alternative, emphasizing real-time editing and a unified workspace.
