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Pricing, plan names, free plan availability, and trial details are checked against official provider pages before being used in ProPicked scores. Vendor relationships do not change rankings, scores, or recommendations.
Provider Pricing Facts
Provider pricing facts: Todoist offers a free plan; Obsidian offers a free plan.
Source and Freshness Note
Source and freshness note: pricing, free-plan, and feature signals are compared from public provider data and updated comparison records. Last checked March 2026.
Todoist vs Obsidian: Honest Comparison (2026)
Todoist
The to-do list app trusted by 40 million people worldwide
Obsidian
A second brain built on local-first, linked Markdown notes
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Quick Verdict:
Obsidian wins with 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10. Choose Todoist for ease of use. Choose Obsidian for better value for money.
Obsidian wins this comparison with a score of 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10. Both offer free plans. Todoist stands out for clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives., while Obsidian excels at local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever. This is confirmed by our feature analysis where Obsidian also scores higher (7.7/10).
| Feature | Todoist | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Features | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Free Plan | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
| Starting Price | $4/mo | $4/mo |
| Feature Score | 5.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
| Top Strength | Clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. | Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever |
| Biggest Weakness | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. | Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work |
| Best For | Is Todoist free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available. | - |
| Winner | Obsidian (9.0/10) | |
What is Todoist?
The to-do list app trusted by 40 million people worldwideTodoist is a Business tool for teams evaluating productivity software in 2026. The to-do list app trusted by 40 million people worldwide ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights templates, ai Assistant, task Management, reminders, folders as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.6/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what Todoist offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. Published entry pricing starts around $4/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights templates, ai Assistant, task Management, reminders, folders as tracked capabilities.
- •Is Todoist free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Todoist?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
What is Obsidian?
A second brain built on local-first, linked Markdown notesStores notes as plain Markdown files on your local device with bidirectional linking that builds a knowledge graph revealing connections between ideas. Supports 1,500+ community plugins that can transform it from a simple note-taker into a full personal knowledge management system. Works offline with no vendor lock-in since all data stays as local files.
- +Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- +Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- +Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
Todoist vs Obsidian: Key Differences
Todoist vs Obsidian: Quick Verdict
Decision Summary
Who wins in each scenario? A quick look at how Todoist and Obsidian compare across different buyer needs.
Scores 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10
Scores 9.4/10 on value vs 8.8/10
Ease of use: 9.2/10 vs 8.0/10
Features + support avg: 8.3/10 vs 8.1/10
Free plan available + 9.4/10 value
Both offer free plans
Choose Todoist if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. Published entry pricing starts around $4/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights templates, ai Assistant, task Management, reminders, folders as tracked capabilities.
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Todoist against at least two alternatives.
Choose Obsidian if you need...
- ✓Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- ✓Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- ✓Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
- !Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- !Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
Our Take: Todoist vs Obsidian
Obsidian edges ahead with a 9.0/10 vs 8.6/10. The gap is noticeable but not dramatic — both are legitimate options depending on what you prioritize.
Where they differ: Todoist's biggest strengths are clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. Published entry pricing starts around $4/month.. Obsidian, on the other hand, shines with local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever and bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work. These reflect fundamentally different product priorities.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each one with zero risk before committing. We recommend trying both for a week with real data.
Todoist vs Obsidian Score Comparison
| Category | Todoist | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
🏆Overall Score | 8.6 | ▲9.0 |
💫Ease of Use | 9.2▲ | 8.0 |
⚙Features | 8.2 | ▲9.2 |
💰Value for Money | 8.8 | ▲9.4 |
💬Customer Support | 7.9▲ | 7.5 |
Why These Scores? Our Reasoning
- +Clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. Published entry pricing starts around $4/month.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights templates, ai Assistant, task Management, reminders, folders as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Todoist against at least two alternatives.
- +Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- +Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- +Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
- -Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- -Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
Todoist vs Obsidian Pros & Cons
+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. Published entry pricing starts around $4/month.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights templates, ai Assistant, task Management, reminders, folders as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Todoist against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
+Strengths
- ✓Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- ✓Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- ✓Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
-Weaknesses
- ✗Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- ✗Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- ✗Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
Who Should Use Todoist vs Obsidian?
Todoist is ideal for
- •Is Todoist free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Todoist?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
When NOT to Choose Todoist or Obsidian
Knowing when a tool is the wrong fit is just as important as knowing its strengths
Skip Todoist if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Todoist against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Skip Obsidian if...
- ✗Local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- ✗Bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
- ✗Massive plugin ecosystem (1,500+) enables almost unlimited customization
Todoist vs Obsidian Decision Framework
Choose based on what matters most to you
Todoist vs Obsidian Pricing
| Pricing Feature | Todoist | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $4/mo | $4/mo |
| Free Trial | Not available | Not available |
| Number of Plans | 3 | 4 |
| Value Rating | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 |
Todoist Plans
- ✓5 projects
- ✓5 collaborators
- ✓Basic features
- ✓300 projects
- ✓25 collaborators
- ✓Reminders & comments
- ✓500 projects
- ✓50 collaborators
- ✓Admin & team features
Obsidian Plans
- ✓All core features
- ✓Community plugins
- ✓Local storage
- ✓End-to-end encrypted sync
- ✓Version history
- ✓Selective sync
- ✓Publish notes as website
- ✓Custom domains
- ✓Password protection
- ✓Commercial use license
- ✓Priority support
- ✓All personal features
What You Get: Plan Feature Comparison
Comparing Todoist's Pro ($4/mo) vs Obsidian's Sync ($4/mo)
| Feature | Todoist | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| 300 projects | ✓ | ✗ |
| 25 collaborators | ✓ | ✗ |
| Reminders & comments | ✓ | ✗ |
| End-to-end encrypted sync | ✗ | ✓ |
| Version history | ✗ | ✓ |
| Selective sync | ✗ | ✓ |
Which Should You Choose?
Todoist
Obsidian
Quick Buyer's Guide
Based on our analysis, here's who each tool is best suited for
- ✓Is Todoist free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:Todoist is positioned for buyers comparing productivity options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Users who need local-first storage means you own your data as plain Markdown files forever
- ✓Users who need bidirectional linking and graph view create a genuine second brain for knowledge work
Todoist vs Obsidian: The Bottom Line
Obsidian wins this comparison, but the right pick depends on your priorities.
Choose Todoist if you need a dedicated, cross-platform task manager with natural language input, smart scheduling, and team collaboration features. Choose Obsidian if you want a powerful knowledge management system where tasks live within the context of your notes, research, and thinking.Todoist wins as a task manager. Obsidian wins as a thinking and knowledge tool that can also track tasks. Todoist at 8.6/10 is still competitive and may be the better fit depending on your specific requirements and budget.