I have always loved Obsidian, primarily because it is not dependent on the cloud. However, I constantly had to use Notion simply because its databases were unmatched. Well, things may have changed recently. I tried Obsidian’s Bases, and I now get the sense that my time with Notion may be coming to an end.
1
Is Bases All Hype or Does It Really Deliver?
The Bases core plugin introduces a simple but important feature: it turns your notes into a robust database. But new features often come with a lot of marketing hype. It may be hard to tell if they are truly what they claim and trying it out is the only way to tell.
So, while I have always loved Obsidian, I wasn’t sure if Bases would live up to its hype. The Obsidian CEO Steph—also known as Kepano on X—talked about this new feature, and his words were a bit too flowery:
So I decided to put it to the test. I don’t have thousands of files, but I have a fair amount. I created a base of all these files and, true to promise, scrolling through them was indeed a breeze. I did not feel any lag or delays that Notion might have with an equal number of files, especially when filtering or sorting through views. Obsidian databases can be this fast because everything is stored locally, a huge advantage. And, that simple test is how I got hooked.
2
The Bases Plugin Has Come to Replace Dataview
Just a few months ago, before the release of the Bases core plugin, I tried the Dataview community plugin. It is supposed to be the most elaborate database plugin for Obsidian, capable of turning your notes into databases, and it is powerful. You can write SQL-like queries for your vault and practically transform Obsidian into a relational database. However, I quickly realized it was not the easiest tool to get used to, and you would enjoy it only if you feel at home with formulas and a lot of tinkering.
So I was again stuck with Notion databases. At least it doesn’t have a steep learning curve. But it comes with its own set of problems. It is cloud-based, so your data is no longer stored as files you can open anywhere. This also means that simple processes like switching views, filtering, or sorting might be accompanied by some lag.
Bases picks the best from both solutions. You do not need to be technical or have coding experience, and you also do not need to suffer any lag. You get very flexible options. You may filter your notes based on status, you may show tasks that are due this week, or even group notes by project, all without lag or a need to write code.
3
My Properties Finally Fit My Notes With No Forced Structure
I have always believed Notion databases can feel somewhat rigid. For example, I have to think in terms of the database first, not my notes whenever I need to add a property. As a result, my workflow is constantly bending to fit the structure of Notion. Bases takes a completely different approach: the properties are already part of the note and feel natural.
That means I’m not thinking upfront about whether something should be a date, a checkbox, or a relation. I can simply add it as metadata when needed, and Bases picks it up.
4
Reusing and Embedding Bases Anywhere in My Vault Feels Like a Super Power
Notion boxes databases into their own pages. I often find myself duplicating views or linking back to the original database whenever I need to reference them elsewhere. It works, but it isn’t seamless. Reuse is built into Obsidian’s Bases.
I can easily drop a Base into my note or leave it in the sidebar, and it still works perfectly. For example, if I have a Base that tracks all my writing, I can embed it inside another note and instantly access all my drafts and ideas in the same context where I’m planning new work.
5
Bases Inherits Obsidian’s Local Markdown Architecture That Is Great for Privacy
In Obsidian, notes are Markdown files stored on your local device, and Bases inherits this attribute. It might sound simple, but it’s actually transformative. You truly own your data. You don’t need an account, and there are no corporate gatekeepers because you’re not relying on the cloud. Since your notes aren’t transmitted over the internet unless you specifically opt in, you’re not exposed to third-party access.
However, the biggest benefit of the Markdown format is that you can simply copy a folder if you need to migrate, back up, share, or batch-process your information. This future-proofs your notes, keeps them accessible in any text editor, and protects you from the risk of disappearing services.
I no longer have any use for Notion databases, and I believe Bases is Obsidian’s most consequential core plugin yet.
