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Simplenote vs Obsidian

Side-by-side comparison for macOS

Simplenote

7.0
Productivity

React client for Simplenote

Obsidian

8.0
Productivity

Knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files

Metric Simplenote Obsidian
Category Productivity Productivity
AI Score 7.0 8.0
30-day Installs 78 26.2K
90-day Installs 202 61.9K
365-day Installs 840 131.4K
Version 2.24.0 1.12.7
Auto-updates No Yes
Deprecated No No
GitHub Stars 5.2K 15.5K
GitHub Forks 582 5.6K
Open Issues 261 1.5K
License GPL-2.0
Language TypeScript
Last GitHub Commit 2mo ago 1mo ago
First Seen Aug 9, 2023 May 27, 2020

Reviews

Simplenote

Simplenote is a React-based note-taking client offering a modern interface and syncing capabilities across platforms. It benefits users seeking a desktop solution for note management with a preference for open-source tools.

Provides a desktop client for the Simplenote note-taking service, enabling users to create, edit, and sync notes across devices.

Pros

  • + Open-source and cross-platform compatibility
  • + Modern React-based interface
  • + Active GitHub maintenance

Cons

  • - Lack of auto-updates
  • - Recent concerns about Simplenote's future
  • - High number of open GitHub issues

Obsidian

Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that organizes plain text Markdown files, offering extensive plugins and integrations. It benefits productivity-focused users who prefer a flexible, local-first approach to note-taking and information management.

Obsidian is a knowledge base that organizes and enhances plain text Markdown files with rich features and plugins.

Pros

  • + Works with local Markdown files, offering flexibility and control
  • + Extensive plugin ecosystem for customization
  • + Introduction of CLI and TUI enhances accessibility

Cons

  • - Steep learning curve for new users
  • - Limited cloud sync features compared to competitors