AFFiNE vs Obsidian: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
AFFiNE
Open-Source Workspace for Docs, Whiteboards & Databases
AFFiNE
Open-Source Workspace for Docs, Whiteboards & Databases
What are AFFiNE and Obsidian?
AFFiNE is a workspace application that brings together three main tools in one place: documents for writing and note-taking, whiteboards for visual thinking and drawing, and databases for organizing information. Unlike cloud-first tools, AFFiNE takes a local-first approach, which means your data lives on your computer first and only syncs to the cloud if you choose.
You can switch between document mode and whiteboard mode easily, turning any page into a drawing canvas and back again. This flexibility helps you work the way your mind works, not the way the software forces you to work. AFFiNE is completely open-source, meaning the code is public and can be customized. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and has mobile apps too.
Obsidian is a note-taking app that works with plain text files stored directly on your device. You can write notes, link them together, and see how your ideas connect through a visual graph. Unlike cloud-based tools, everything stays private on your computer.
The app uses simple text files with basic formatting, which means your notes remain readable even without Obsidian. You can link any note to another, creating connections that help you discover patterns in your thinking. This makes it great for building knowledge over time.
There is a free version with all core features and optional paid services for cloud syncing and web publishing. The app works on computers, phones, and tablets.
Features of AFFiNE and Obsidian
Local-first data storage with offline access
Combined documents and whiteboards in one workspace
Database and table management tools
Real-time team collaboration features
Open-source and fully customizable
Self-hosting available with Docker
Cross-platform apps for all devices
Mind map creation and visualization
Template library for quick starts
Version history and time machine
File import from multiple formats
Privacy-focused design
Stores notes locally on your device with full privacy
Links notes together to build knowledge networks
Visual graph shows connections between ideas
Canvas for unlimited brainstorming space
Thousands of free community plugins available
Works offline without internet connection
Plain text files you own forever
Mobile apps for phones and tablets
Supports basic text formatting
Free to use with optional paid services
Use Cases of AFFiNE and Obsidian
Pricing of AFFiNE and Obsidian
AFFiNE offers flexible pricing to match different needs, from individual users to large teams.
The Free Plan (Local FOSS + Cloud Basic) gives you unlimited local workspaces with complete customization, plus 10 GB cloud storage, up to 3 team members, and 7-day file history. This plan is free forever and perfect for personal use.
Pro Plan costs $7.99 monthly (or $6.75 monthly when billed yearly) and includes 100 GB cloud storage, up to 10 team members, 30-day file history, and larger file uploads up to 100 MB.
Team Plan is designed for growing teams at $12 monthly per seat (or $10 per seat yearly). It includes everything in Pro plus 100 GB base storage with 20 GB per additional seat, 500 MB file size limit, unlimited team members, and priority support.
For those who prefer complete control, Self-Hosted options are available starting free for the basic version, with Team plans at the same pricing.
Obsidian is completely free for personal use with all core features included. You get unlimited notes, full plugin access, and complete control over your data at no cost.
For users who want to sync notes across devices, Obsidian Sync offers two plans. The Standard plan costs $4 per month when paid yearly (or $5 monthly) and includes one synced vault with 1GB storage. The Plus plan costs $8 per month yearly (or $10 monthly) with 10GB storage and unlimited vaults.
Obsidian Publish lets you share notes on the web for $8 per month yearly (or $10 monthly) per site, with custom themes and no technical knowledge needed.
The optional Commercial License costs $50 per user yearly for business use, though it became optional in 2025. For one-time supporters, the Catalyst license at $25 gives early access to beta versions and community perks.
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