iA Writer
Obsidian
iA Writer
Obsidian
iA Writer
Obsidian
iA Writer
No signals
Obsidian
iA Writer
No signals
Obsidian
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Mac only, must buy other platforms separately
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: iOS only
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Windows only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Android only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Must maintain subscription for access
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Unlimited (local)
Limits: No built-in sync, No web access to publish, Must self-manage backups
Users: 1 user
Storage: 10GB total, 200MB per file
Limits: Per-vault pricing, Cannot share with others
Users: 1 site
Storage: 4GB
Limits: One-way sharing only, Not collaborative editing
Users: 1 user
Storage: N/A
Limits: Not required for any features, Purely supporter benefit
| Feature | iA Writer | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | ||
| Focus Mode Signature feature | ||
| Markdown support Core format | ||
| Web version No browser access | ||
| WYSIWYG Markdown Shows raw syntax | ||
| Security | ||
| Local-first storage Plain Markdown files you own | ||
| End-to-end encrypted sync Obsidian Sync only ($4/mo) | ||
| Portability | ||
| Plain text Markdown No proprietary format | ||
| Organization | ||
| Bidirectional linking Core feature | ||
| Library organization Flat file structure only | ||
| Smart folders Not available | ||
| Document merging Not available | ||
| Research management Not available | ||
| Native database views Requires Dataview plugin | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform Mac, iOS, Windows, Android | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view Visualize note connections | ||
| Canvas/whiteboard Built-in canvas feature | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Apple devices | ||
| Dropbox sync All platforms | ||
| Google Drive sync Windows/Android | ||
| Offline access Full offline by default | ||
| Customization | ||
| Community plugins 1000+ available, quality varies | ||
| Custom themes Extensive theme marketplace | ||
| Writing | ||
| Style checker Realtime filler detection | ||
| Syntax highlighting Parts of speech coloring | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Publish to web Obsidian Publish ($8/mo) | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android, basic experience | ||
| Pricing | ||
| One-time purchase Per platform | ||
| Free personal use No feature restrictions | ||
| Export | ||
| Word export DOCX support | ||
| PDF export Available | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Templates Core and Templater plugin | ||
| Built-in task management Requires plugins | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not available | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features Requires third-party plugins | ||
