ObsidianvsScrivener
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Obsidian
- Steep learning curve intimidates new users(7/10)
Scrivener
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)
Scrivener
- Notoriously steep learning curve takes weeks to master(9/10)
- Compile feature is confusing nightmare for many users(8/10)
- Interface is unintuitive patchwork design(6/10)
- No cloud or web version - desktop only with sync workarounds(6/10)
- Image insertion causes massive file size bloat(5/10)
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)
Scrivener
No signals
Obsidian
- Obsidian mobile app slow to open with large vaults(6/10)
Scrivener
- No Android version - iOS mobile only(7/10)
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)
Scrivener
- Table handling is completely broken(6/10)
- Windows version has significant bugs and quality issues(7/10)
- Slow development pace with years between major updates(5/10)
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
Scrivener
Users: 1 user
Limits: Trial counts usage days not calendar days, expires after 30 days of use
Users: 1 user
Limits: Single platform only, no cross-platform license
Users: 1 user
Limits: iOS not included
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires desktop version for full workflow, sync can be finicky
Users: 1 user
Limits: Must prove student/academic status
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires existing license
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Obsidian | Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
| Security | ||
| Local-first storage Plain Markdown files you own | ||
| End-to-end encrypted sync Obsidian Sync only (from $4/mo billed annually) | ||
| Organization | ||
| Binder organization system Hierarchical document structure | ||
| Bidirectional linking Core feature | ||
| Corkboard view Index card visualization | ||
| Outliner view Spreadsheet-style overview | ||
| Research folder Store PDFs, images, web pages | ||
| Character/Setting templates Built-in templates | ||
| Custom metadata User-defined fields | ||
| Collections Virtual groupings | ||
| Native database views Bases core plugin (since 1.9, 2025); Dataview still more flexible | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view Visualize note connections | ||
| Canvas/whiteboard Built-in canvas feature | ||
| Customization | ||
| Community plugins Thousands available, quality varies | ||
| Custom themes Extensive theme marketplace | ||
| Export | ||
| Compile/Export Powerful but complex to learn | ||
| Screenplay formatting Industry-standard scripts | ||
| Backup | ||
| Snapshots (version history) Manual version snapshots | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Publish to web Obsidian Publish ($8/mo annual, $10 monthly) | ||
| Editing | ||
| Split editor View two documents simultaneously | ||
| Table support Buggy implementation | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android, basic experience | ||
| Writing | ||
| Writing statistics Word counts, targets, progress | ||
| Full-screen composition mode Distraction-free writing | ||
| Reliability | ||
| Offline access Full offline by default | ||
| 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 | ||
| Sync | ||
| Cloud sync Local only, Dropbox workaround | ||
| Platform | ||
| Android app iOS only for mobile | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features Requires third-party plugins | ||