# Obsidian Vs Appflowy | Choose Wisely! ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XX24VGQclF0/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Introduction to Obsidian and AppFlowy - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] is often referred to as the "second brain app" and has a huge potential hidden beneath its interface, which might seem overwhelming at first glance [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=0s). - AppFlowy is an open-source tool that combines note-taking and task management in a customizable workspace [(00:00:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=9s). - When opening Obsidian, users are greeted with a clean, minimalist interface that's heavily text-focused and feels like navigating through a file explorer [(00:00:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=36s). - Obsidian's main highlight is how it turns notes into a network of ideas linked through "vaults," which are like folders on a computer but with built-in connections between notes [(00:00:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=46s). ## Initial Impressions and Interface - AppFlowy has a different vibe, with an interface resembling [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]], using blocks that can be rearranged to fit the user's workflow [(00:01:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=64s). - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] feels like a deep dive tool for note-taking purists, while AppFlowy balances between structured project management and note-taking [(00:01:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=80s). - Obsidian's initial learning curve can feel steep due to its heavy reliance on markdown and advanced customizations [(00:01:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=99s). - AppFlowy is more approachable for beginners, with its open-source nature inviting users to adapt the software to their needs without feeling overwhelmed [(00:01:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=114s). ## Core Functionality and Approach - Obsidian is designed for creating and connecting text-based notes, supporting markdown and a linking feature that creates connections between notes [(00:02:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=137s). - AppFlowy takes a different approach, focusing on modular organization using blocks, which can be arranged in any order, and offers easy formatting through a user-friendly toolbar [(00:02:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=170s). - Obsidian's linking system is one of its standout features, with bidirectional links that create a web of notes helping to visualize relationships between ideas [(00:03:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=207s). - AppFlowy focuses on more linear navigation with intuitive menus and a sidebar, compensating for the lack of a graph view with [[Kanban]] boards and hierarchical navigation [(00:03:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=229s). ## Customization and Flexibility - Customization is Obsidian's forte, allowing users to create a system from scratch [(00:04:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=256s). - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] offers a library of over 700 plugins, allowing users to customize the app extensively and turn it into almost anything they need, with features such as a Kanban board and calendar, and the ability to write custom plugins with coding skills [(00:04:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=259s). - Obsidian's themes also allow users to tweak the app's appearance, from minimalist looks to vibrant color schemes [(00:04:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=269s). - AppFlowy, on the other hand, offers a high level of flexibility, particularly for layout and content management, with features such as drag-and-drop blocks, custom boards, and the ability to tailor the workspace to fit individual styles [(00:04:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=285s). - AppFlowy's open-source nature also allows developers to tweak the app's code to build features they need, but this might be more technical for casual users [(00:04:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=295s). ## Collaboration Features - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] falls short in collaboration, being primarily a personal productivity tool with no built-in real-time collaboration, and notes are stored locally on the device, requiring exporting files or using third-party syncing tools for sharing [(00:05:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=312s). - AppFlowy, however, excels in collaboration, with real-time editing, multiple team members can work on the same document or project simultaneously, and it supports shared workspaces, making it easy to assign tasks and keep everyone on the same page [(00:05:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=332s). ## Mobile Experience - Obsidian's mobile apps bring the full potential of its desktop features to mobile devices, allowing users to access plugins, write notes and markdown, and customize the toolbar to fit their mobile workflow [(00:05:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=355s). - AppFlowy's mobile app is designed for on-the-go productivity, with an interface that feels light and responsive, but it doesn't offer every feature of the desktop app, and is slightly less feature-rich compared to Obsidian's mobile version [(00:06:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=370s). ## Pricing and Plans - [[Obsidian (software) | Obsidian]] offers a free version for personal use, with all its core features at no cost, and a one-time payment of $25 for the Catalyst license, which gives users early access to new features and helps support its development [(00:06:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=396s). - AppFlowy has a straightforward pricing model, with a free plan that's excellent for individuals or small teams, offering 5 GB of storage and features like [[Kanban]] boards and real-time collaboration, and a Pro Plan that unlocks unlimited storage, Advanced AI features, and more, for $10 per user per month [(00:07:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=429s). ## Conclusion and Recommendations - Ultimately, Obsidian is the best bet for those who want a personal Knowledge Management System that can be customized to the tiniest detail, while AppFlowy is an excellent open-source, team-friendly alternative to apps like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] [(00:07:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX24VGQclF0&t=457s).