ObsidianvsReflect
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Obsidian
- Steep learning curve intimidates new users(7/10)
Reflect
No signals
Obsidian
- Plugin overload and management headaches(7/10)
- No real-time collaboration features(7/10)
- No web version - desktop app required(5/10)
- No native task management; databases only arrived with Bases(6/10)
- Plain interface lacks visual appeal(4/10)
- Search and index miss new notes in large vaults(5/10)
Reflect
- Reflect has no tables and limited formatting(5/10)
- Reflect can't rename tags(4/10)
Obsidian
- Obsidian Sync costs $48-60/year just to use notes on your phone(6/10)
- Sync Standard's 1 GB and 5 MB file cap push users to Sync Plus(5/10)
Reflect
- Why is Reflect so expensive for a notes app?(6/10)
- Reflect AI limits and bring-your-own-key costs(5/10)
Obsidian
- Obsidian mobile app slow to open with large vaults(6/10)
Reflect
- Does Reflect have an Android app?(7/10)
- Reflect iPhone app missing desktop features(6/10)
Obsidian
- Free sync alternatives have corruption issues(7/10)
- Obsidian Sync restores deleted files and creates conflict copies(8/10)
- Obsidian stuck on 'Loading cache' or slow to start on desktop(6/10)
Reflect
- Reflect Classic vs Reflect Open: which one should I use?(8/10)
- Reflect Open sync problems with iCloud and GitHub(7/10)
Obsidian
No signals
Reflect
- Reflect Markdown export missing images and breaking links(7/10)
- Reflect Open missing publishing and integrations(6/10)
- Reflect Kindle sync only works with Amazon US(4/10)
Obsidian
No signals
Reflect
- Is Reflect Open end-to-end encrypted?(7/10)
- Lose your Reflect password and you lose your notes(9/10)
Pricing Comparison
Obsidian
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Unlimited (local)
Limits: No built-in sync, no web version, you manage your own backups
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1 GB total, 5 MB per file
Limits: 5 MB file cap and 1 GB total are tight for PDFs, audio and images
Users: 1 user
Storage: 10 GB (upgradable to 100 GB), 200 MB per file
Limits: Per-user pricing; no real-time co-editing
Users: 1 site
Limits: One-way publishing, not collaborative editing
Users: 1 user
Limits: Supporter license; unlocks no extra features in stable builds
Users: Per user
Limits: Optional - not required for work use
Reflect
Users: 1
Limits: Beta. No web app, no Android; Windows and Linux builds are experimental and unsigned. Publishing and some integrations are missing.
Users: 1
Limits: The iPhone app is newer than the Mac app and may lack desktop features.
Users: 1
Limits: No Android version.
Users: 1
Limits: Maintenance mode since July 2026: bug fixes only, new features go to Reflect Open. No Android app.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Obsidian | Reflect |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Local-first storage Plain Markdown files you own | ||
| End-to-end encrypted sync Obsidian Sync only (from $4/mo billed annually) | ||
| End-to-end encryption Classic only | ||
| Notes | ||
| Daily notes | ||
| Organization | ||
| Bidirectional linking Core feature | ||
| Native database views Bases core plugin (since 1.9, 2025); Dataview still more flexible | ||
| Linking | ||
| Backlinks and unlinked mentions | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view Visualize note connections | ||
| Canvas/whiteboard Built-in canvas feature | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Calendar integration Google, Office 365, iCloud (Classic) | ||
| Kindle highlight sync US Amazon only, via Chrome extension | ||
| Customization | ||
| Community plugins Thousands available, quality varies | ||
| Custom themes Extensive theme marketplace | ||
| Capture | ||
| Audio memo transcription Whisper | ||
| AI | ||
| AI assistant and chat Classic: built-in with daily caps; Open: bring your own key | ||
| AI features Requires third-party plugins | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Publish to web Obsidian Publish ($8/mo annual, $10 monthly) | ||
| Editing | ||
| Tables | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android, basic experience | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Android app | ||
| Reliability | ||
| Offline access Full offline by default | ||
| Sharing | ||
| Publish notes to web Classic only so far | ||
| Usability | ||
| Markdown support Core format | ||
| Web version No browser access | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Templates Core and Templater plugin | ||
| Built-in task management Requires plugins | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free personal use No feature restrictions | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not available | ||