Obsidian has gained a significant following among productivity enthusiasts and knowledge workers due to its unique features and flexibility. However, despite its strengths, there are several reasons why some users find Obsidian lacking as a note-taking tool. This article explores the key drawbacks of Obsidian and why it might not be the best choice for everyone.
1. Steep Learning Curve
One of the most common complaints about Obsidian is its steep learning curve. Unlike more straightforward note-taking apps, Obsidian requires users to understand and use Markdown, a lightweight markup language³. For those unfamiliar with Markdown or hierarchical note-taking, this can be a significant barrier to entry⁴. The initial setup and customization can also be time-consuming, which may deter new users.
2. Lack of Real-Time Collaboration
In an era where collaboration is key, Obsidian falls short. The app does not support real-time collaboration, making it difficult for teams to work together on shared notes³⁵. This limitation can be a deal-breaker for users who need to collaborate frequently, as they might prefer tools like Google Docs or Notion, which offer robust collaboration features.
3. No Built-In Cloud Storage
Obsidian stores all notes locally on the user's device, which can be both a strength and a weakness¹. While this ensures privacy and control over data, it also means that users need to manage their own backups and syncing across devices. The lack of built-in cloud storage can be inconvenient, especially for users who are accustomed to seamless cloud integration provided by other note-taking apps¹.
4. Limited Mobile Support
Although Obsidian has made strides in mobile support, it still lags behind other note-taking apps in terms of functionality and ease of use on mobile devices⁴. The mobile app can feel clunky and less intuitive, which can be frustrating for users who need to take notes on the go.
5. Absence of Advanced Features
Obsidian lacks some advanced features that are available in other note-taking apps. For instance, it does not have a web clipper, which is a handy tool for saving content directly from the web³. Additionally, it does not support advanced databases or OCR (Optical Character Recognition), limiting its utility for users who need these functionalities¹.
6. Customization Overload
While Obsidian's high degree of customization is a selling point for many, it can also be overwhelming. The extensive options for plugins, themes, and settings can lead to decision fatigue and make the app feel cluttered¹. Users who prefer a more streamlined and out-of-the-box experience might find Obsidian's customization options excessive and distracting.
Conclusion
Obsidian is a powerful tool with a dedicated user base, but it is not without its flaws. The steep learning curve, lack of real-time collaboration, absence of built-in cloud storage, limited mobile support, and missing advanced features are significant drawbacks that can hinder its effectiveness as a note-taking app. For users who prioritize ease of use, collaboration, and advanced functionalities, other note-taking tools might be a better fit.
What are your thoughts on these points? Have you experienced any of these issues with Obsidian?
Top comments (5)
there's a reason why Obsidian is so popular. counting "database" and "markdown" as downsides is completely missing the point. With obsidian, you own the data and it is in a format readable in probably 100 years to come. This is extremely important feature of Obsidian and ignoring this is just plain wrong.
I mean, technically, it can be a downside for people that dont need/understand it, but its so "core" to Obsidian comcept that it feels like you just compared Ferrari and a van, marking Ferrari's storage soace a downside. Yup, true, but nobody buys Ferrari for that
Lol this is a very hot take, completely missing the point of Obsidian and mostly false. Clearly some wrote this who’s a fan of another tool, looking to validate their choice.
There is built in cloud storage, you just gotta pay for it. OR if you already have a cloud provider, simply save the files to one of the cloud folders. They don’t force you to buy another subscription.
It’s so good as a note-taking tool and learning the Zettelkasten principles is so intuitive.
Advanced features can be implemented by adding plug-ins, and it’s not overload because you simply use what you like/works for you.
I used Notion for a LONG time, almost from the beginning when it came out, and I decided to transfer all of my notes into Obsidian. The focus on just text and linking together thoughts is all you need.
I also tried using Apple Notes, but it’s lacking integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem, tedious formatting and note linking, makes it borderline unusable.
In terms of collaboration, this is simply not the app you want for that.
The best Wiki app for work is Notion, end of story. It’s easy to use. You have tons of integrations, done. But don’t try to manage your projects on it, it will end in chaos - guaranteed (also went through that one)
That’s it - debunked!
Re: 3. There is literally a built in obsidian sync plugin with a very generous offering.
Re: 5. There are web clippers and plenty of plugins that implement the items listed.
Most importantly you own your data, and it operates of the file as data principle. Offline first apps are rare and I have yet to find another editor as good as obsidian for markdown text editing. I use vscode for everything else
Markdown can be helpful, most all you need are these, these, [[these]], ==these==, # these and #these
Obsidian is just a note-taking tool, Notion and Google Docs are for jobs and corporation.
No cloud storage? It's just local and can be helpful without locking yourself to some company. Syncthing or some other storage can get around this.
It's... still helpful without limited mobile support?
Jesus, do people need this in a simple note-taking tool?
The only correct take.
You are MISSING the point. It's just a tool that helps people, not some advanced note tool with AI or databases that Notion has.
This review is awful and contradicts what the author says in a similar review about using vscode for note taking.
Out of the box Obsidian is simple for taking notes. In addition to that, you have markdown support out of the box. The community is great and there are great suggestions for common plugins to support advanced use cases.