Anytype vs. Obsidian: Which Note-Taking App Wins in 2025?

Figuring out your next big idea, organizing research notes, or just trying to declutter your digital workspace? The right note-taking app can make all the difference.

But with so many options available across app stores, how do you find your perfect fit? Some apps focus on flexibility, while others prioritize structure; you don’t really need every flashy feature they offer.

However, two powerhouses have been making waves among the top contenders: Anytype and Obsidian. Each offers a unique approach to organizing your thoughts, but which truly delivers?

In this article, we’ll break down Obsidian vs. Anytype. Let’s dig into their features, pricing, and what differentiates them. Plus, we’ll introduce an alternative——that might just steal the spotlight away from both!

Anytype vs. Obsidian at a Glance

Here’s a quick head-to-head comparison between Obsidian and Anytype, together with :

Feature	Anytype	Obsidian	Bonus:
Customization and flexibility	Highly customizable with a block-based system, allowing users to structure notes freely	Supports extensive customization through plugins, themes, and Markdown-based editing	Combines powerful customization with structured organization, offering templates, Custom Fields, and advanced filtering for tailored workflows
Offline access	Fully offline-first, with local-first data storage and syncing options	Offline-first with local storage; cloud sync available via Obsidian Sync	Offers offline mode for Tasks and Docs, ensuring productivity even without internet, with seamless cloud sync when online
Organization and structure	Uses a graph-based structure with relational databases	Graph view, backlinks, and folders for knowledge management	Balances visual organization with structured task management, offering Lists, Folders, and a hierarchical workspace
Collaboration	Allows you to work together in real time with your team	Primarily a single-user tool, though community plugins enable limited collaboration	Designed for seamless teamwork, enables real-time collaboration on Docs, Tasks, and Whiteboards with commenting and sharing options
Multimedia support	Supports images, videos, and file attachments in a visually rich interface	Primarily text-based but supports images, audio, and PDFs	Supports rich media, embeds, and file attachments directly in tasks and Docs, enhancing project documentation
Security and privacy	Offers end-to-end encryption and a local-first approach, giving users complete control over data	Local-first with optional encryption for Obsidian Sync users	Enterprise-grade security with granular permissions, private Docs, and optional guest access for controlled data sharing
Search and organization tools	Advanced search with properties, tags, and database filtering	Powerful search with tag-based organization, backlinks, and graph view	Connected Search offers advanced global search across and connected apps, smart filters, and customizable dashboards for efficient information retrieval
Integrations	Limited third-party integrations; focuses on a self-contained ecosystem	Extensive plugin library for integrations with third-party tools like Todoist and Readwise	Offers 1000+ integrations with popular work apps, plus automation to streamline workflows
Pricing	Free with optional paid features in development	Free for personal use, with a paid plan for Obsidian Sync and commercial use	Generous free plan with robust features; premium plans offer advanced collaboration, automation, and AI-powered assistance; customizations available for enterprises

What Is Anytype?

Anytype is a productivity app with a fresh, object-based approach to note-taking. Every piece of content— whether it’s a note, task, image, or file—is treated as an independent object. You can organize, link, and structure these however you like. Instead of dealing with scattered quick notes, you build a modular system where everything connects seamlessly.

With customizable templates, repetitive work becomes more straightforward. Create a template once, and Anytype will apply it automatically to similar objects, helping you stay productive.

Anytype features

Anytype takes note-taking a step further with its local-first, decentralized approach. It utilizes a private, interconnected workspace that syncs across devices without relying on the cloud.

Here are some of its key features:

Feature #1: Shared workspaces and collaboration

Your notes, databases, and projects live inside Spaces, separate work areas where you can organize different aspects of your life. You can create up to 10 Spaces, keeping personal and work-related content separated neatly.

If you’re working with a team, shared Spaces let you co-edit, comment, and manage projects while storing everything locally and securely.

Feature #2: Mindmap and graph view for interconnected thinking

Anytype lets you visualize how your notes connect using mind maps and graph views. Instead of static lists, you get an interactive overview of linked ideas, projects, and tasks, a second brain of sorts, if you will.

The best part? You don’t need to create links manually. Anytype automatically maps relationships between your notes, helping you see the big picture at a glance.

Feature #3: Widgets for quick navigation

Your sidebar isn’t just a menu. It’s a customizable dashboard that adapts to your workflow. With widgets, you can pin frequently used objects, access recent notes, or filter tasks with a single click.

You can rearrange or remove widgets, keeping your workspace clean and distraction-free.

Feature #4: Storage and deletion

Unlike most note-taking apps, Anytype stores everything locally by default, which means you don’t need an internet connection to access your notes. Deleted items remain in read-only mode until permanently removed, ensuring complete control over your data.

Anytype uses a peer-to-peer (P2P) system for syncing across devices, so your data is never stored on central servers. With end-to-end encryption, only you can access your notes, making it one of the most privacy-focused AI note-taking apps available today.

Anytype pricing

• Starter: Free
• Explorer: $48/user per year
• Builder: $99/user per year
• Co-creator: $299/user per year
• Business: Custom pricing

What Is Obsidian?

Obsidian isn’t your typical cloud-based note-taking app. It stores your data on your device, which gives you complete control over privacy and access.

Unlike apps like Notion, which rely on a database-driven approach, Obsidian uses a knowledge graph to connect your ideas. With Markdown at its core, it’s perfect for those who love a clean, distraction-free writing experience with powerful interlinking.

Obsidian features

Obsidian is more than just a note-taking app; it’s a tool for building a personal knowledge base. You can create a system that grows with you by linking notes and customizing your workspace. 

Here’s a look at some more features:

Feature #1: The knowledge graph 

Obsidian doesn’t just store notes; it weaves them into a dynamic web of information. It uses bi-directional linking, whereby every note connects to others, forming a knowledge graph that helps you visualize and navigate your thoughts. It’s almost like your second brain.

You can create checklists within notes to turn insights into action. This is irrespective of whether you’re mapping relationships between ideas, tracking project progress, or managing daily to-dos.

Feature #2: Plugins to supercharge your workspace

Obsidian thrives on plugins rather than API integrations. Whether you need Custom CSS, a Kanban board, an audio recorder, or even page previews, there’s likely a plugin for it. This modular approach lets you shape Obsidian to fit your workflow without bloat.

Obsidian templates also let you insert pre-formatted content into your notes with a single command, making note-taking even faster.

Feature #3: Obsidian Publish to take your notes public

Want to share your notes with the world? Obsidian Publish lets you create a publicly accessible website straight from your Obsidian vault. You can even use a custom domain and publish multiple vaults—perfect for researchers, bloggers, or teams that document knowledge.

Obsidian pricing

Add-ons: 

• Sync: $5/user per month
• Publish: $10/site per month
• Catalyst: $25/user (one-time payment)
• Commercial: $50/year per user

Anytype vs. Obsidian: Features Compared

Choosing between Anytype and Obsidian isn’t just about picking a note-taking app; it’s also about deciding how you capture, connect, and control your knowledge.

Picking Obsidian means you get full ownership of your notes with local Markdown files and a vast plugin ecosystem. On the other hand, Anytype offers a decentralized, offline-first approach with a structured, block-based system.

Both have passionate followings, but which one truly fits your workflow?

Let’s dive into the key differences, advanced features, and usability of Anytype vs. Obsidian to help you make an informed decision.

Feature #1: User interface and organization

Anytype’s object-based system takes a visual-first approach. You can link text, images, and tasks as independent objects, offering structured yet flexible organization. Features like drag-and-drop, a graph-like view, and nested pages make navigation intuitive.

Obsidian, on the other hand, is text-first and Markdown-based. It organizes notes into vaults, providing multiple open panes for side-by-side note-taking. While it lacks a block-based system, its robust knowledge graph makes linking ideas seamless.

Feature #2: Backlinking and knowledge management

Anytype organizes notes as interconnected objects and displays their relationships with an interactive graph view. This makes it ideal for personal knowledge management.

Obsidian is widely recognized for its powerful backlinking and knowledge graph, forming an interconnected web of ideas. It’s useful for researchers and writers managing large volumes of content.

Feature #3: Collaboration and note sharing

As of recent updates, Anytype has introduced “Shared Spaces” that enable real-time collaboration. This mode allows multiple users to work together, with all content remaining encrypted and owned by the users. The collaborative features are still being developed, with more robust shared workspace capabilities and improvements expected in upcoming updates.

 Obsidian, by default, does not offer built-in real-time collaboration features like simultaneous multi-user editing within the app itself. However, with Obsidian Publish (a paid add-on), you can create a public webpage to share notes. And, real-time collaboration can be achieved using third-party plugins such as Relay.

Feature #4: Auto-saving and offline mode

Both apps function exceptionally well offline.

Anytype automatically saves notes locally and syncs them across devices using a peer-to-peer (P2P) encrypted network. On the other hand, Obsidian saves everything locally, but you need Obsidian Sync (a paid add-on) for multi-device syncing.

Feature #4: Cross-platform availability

Anytype is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and its free syncing makes cross-device access seamless. 

On the other hand, Obsidian is also available on these platforms, but you may require a paid add-on to sync notes. While third-party options to sync using iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive are available, they may not be entirely reliable.

Feature #5: Pricing

Anytype offers full offline access, local storage, and encrypted syncing across devices for free. While there are paid plans for premium features, the core functionality remains free.

Obsidian provides local storage, Markdown support, and a knowledge graph in its personal plan. The commercial plan includes business use and priority support. However, essential add-ons like encrypted syncing and the ability to publish notes online come at an additional cost.

Obsidian vs. Anytype on Reddit

Reddit users have diverse perspectives when comparing Obsidian and Anytype, reflecting individual preferences and workflows.

Some users prefer Obsidian due to its extensive plugin ecosystem and direct file storage capabilities. They also report it as having better search and backlink support.

Here’s what user owlyph has to say:

Another user, gfarwell, points out in r/AnyType: 

Some users recognize strengths in both platforms, noting that the choice may depend on specific use cases and personal preferences. For instance, a user in r/productivity mentions:

These perspectives highlight that the choice between Anytype and Obsidian may depend on individual preferences, particularly regarding customization, data control, and the importance of aesthetics in note-taking workflows.

Meet : The Best Alternative to Anytype vs. Obsidian

Obsidian is good if you love Markdown and store everything locally, while Anytype gives you more aesthetically appealing notes even offline. However, both require significant manual effort to link and organize notes; this can slow you down when juggling multiple projects.

, the everything app for work, combines project management, knowledge management, and chat—all powered by AI that helps you work faster and smarter.

It enhances note-taking by integrating docs, tasks, mind maps, and AI-powered automation into one seamless platform.

Here are the features that make the perfect blend of Obsidian’s powerful knowledge management features and Anytype’s aesthetic, done-for-you workspaces:

’s One-Up #1: Notepad

Unlike Obsidian, which leans on plugins, or Anytype’s decentralized setup, Notepad effortlessly connects to your projects, checklists, and team collaborations with no extra work (or apps) required. It’s not just a note-taking tool but a productivity powerhouse.

With Notepad, you can:

• Jot down ideas instantly with rich formatting and embedded media
• Turn notes into actionable Tasks (complete with deadlines, assignees, and priorities) in just a few clicks
• Sync across all your devices, so your notes are always right where you need them (without paying extra for the sync!)

’s One-Up #2: Docs

Obsidian’s backlinking is great for personal knowledge management, and Anytype’s object-based setup gives you flexible organization. However, both need a lot of manual structuring.

Docs change that:

• Structure documents your way with nested pages, backlinks, tables, and widgets that connect information directly to your tasks, projects, and goals in
• Assign action items from within the doc, tag teammates with comments, or embed real-time data like task statuses, sprint timelines, or dashboards
• Version history, permissions, and live collaboration make it easy to manage evolving documentation across teams.

also offers powerful templates that can instantly create structured meeting notes, SOPs, project briefs, and more. Unlike Anytype’s personal note/object templates, templates are aligned to your workflows and let you automate document creation and management. 

📌 For example, keep your team’s discussions organized and action-oriented with the Meeting Notes Template.

With built-in meeting guidelines, it helps effortlessly capture agendas, key notes, and action items. Whether you’re running quick daily standups or a deep-dive strategy session, this template ensures every meeting stays productive and well-documented.

Use the Daily Planner Template to plan deep work sessions, track habits, and organize meetings seamlessly. Break down your day with custom task categories, priority labels, and visual progress tracking.

Whether you’re building a company wiki, taking meeting notes, or documenting SOPs, Docs turns information into action, without needing extra tools or manual hacks.

’s One-Up #3: Brain

Obsidian and Anytype are excellent for manual note-taking and linking, but sorting through mountains of information can quickly become overwhelming.

Brain automates this process, instantly summarizing meeting notes, research, and discussions into key takeaways and quick answers. 

Brain, unlike Obsidian’s DIY knowledge graphs or Anytype’s manual organization, takes the hassle out of structuring information. With AI-generated summaries, you no longer have to sift through pages of notes, while smart extraction ensures key insights never get lost.

AI Notetaker is a note-taking tool that automatically transcribes meetings, captures insights, and organizes notes for easy access. It captures every detail, transforming your meetings into structured, actionable insights. 

The tool is perfect for teams looking to improve productivity and stay aligned, helping with:

• Automatic meeting transcripts and AI-powered summaries, so you never have to re-listen to calls
• Instant task creation, where every action item becomes an assigned, trackable Task
• Seamless doc integration, saving meeting notes directly to your workspace, keeping everything connected

A user on Reddit shares:

Upgrade to and Do More with Your Notes

Obsidian and Anytype cater to niche note-taking needs, but they come with their challenges. Obsidian excels at local-first Markdown editing and backlinking, but managing without plugins and manual linking can quickly become overwhelming.

Anytype offers a decentralized, offline-capable system with object-based organization, but its evolving structure can feel experimental and lack seamless collaboration.

, on the other hand, offers an intuitive, comprehensive solution that blends powerful note-taking with task automation, AI-driven insights, and real-time teamwork. Instead of spending time structuring your notes, let effortlessly turn your ideas into action!

Why settle for disconnected notes when you can streamline your entire workflow in one place?

Sign up for for free today and experience better note-taking!

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