Software Alternatives & Startups

Obsidian VS SideProjects

Compare Obsidian VS SideProjects and see what are their differences

Obsidian

A second brain, for you, forever. Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.

Rating
5.0 · 2 reviews
SideProjects

A platform to share side projects you're working on

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Obsidian seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 1527 times since March 2021.

social mentions
1,527 vs 0
Note Taking popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 134

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Obsidian
SideProjects
Website obsidian.md sideprojects.net
Pricing —
Company Startup from the United States —
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Obsidian 6 features
SideProjects 5 features
  • Local-first
    Obsidian stores your notes locally on your device, giving you full control over your data and enhancing privacy.
  • Markdown Support
    Obsidian uses Markdown, making it easy to format text and compatible with many other text editors and tools.
  • Bidirectional Linking
    You can create bidirectional links between notes, which helps in building a knowledge graph and navigating related information more easily.
  • Customizability
    Obsidian is highly customizable with community plugins, themes, and various settings to fit different workflows.
  • Graph View
    Provides a visual graph view of your notes and their connections, aiding in understanding relationships and discovering insights.
  • Offline Access
    Since the notes are stored locally, you can access and edit them without an internet connection.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    Obsidian can be complex and overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features and customizable nature.
  • Sync Limitations
    While local-first is great for privacy, it requires additional steps or third-party solutions for syncing across devices.
  • No True Real-time Collaboration
    Obsidian lacks native real-time collaboration features, making it less suitable for collaborative work compared to cloud-based solutions.
  • Limited Mobile Features
    The mobile version of Obsidian, while functional, is not as robust as the desktop application, potentially hindering productivity on the go.
  • Dependence on Plugins
    Many advanced features require the use of third-party plugins, which could lead to compatibility issues and reliance on community support.
  • Performance on Large Vaults
    Performance might degrade with a very large number of notes or complex graphs, impacting usability.
  • Networking Opportunities
    SideProjects provides a platform where users can connect with like-minded individuals, fostering potential collaborations and expanding one's professional network.
  • Skill Enhancement
    Working on side projects allows users to practice and develop new skills outside of their regular job duties, enhancing their overall proficiency and expertise.
  • Portfolio Building
    The projects completed through SideProjects can be showcased in a professional portfolio, making it easier for users to demonstrate their abilities to potential employers or clients.
  • Flexibility
    Users have the freedom to choose projects that interest them and work at their own pace, which can be especially appealing for those with tight schedules or specific creative aspirations.
  • Resource Access
    The platform may provide access to various resources such as tutorials, tools, and community feedback, which can be valuable for project development.

Possible disadvantages

  • Time Management
    Balancing side projects with other commitments, such as full-time work or personal life, can be challenging and may lead to stress or burnout if not managed properly.
  • Quality Control
    The quality of side projects may vary widely, and there may not be a stringent review process, which can sometimes result in subpar project outcomes.
  • Limited Visibility
    Despite the platform's offerings, projects shared on SideProjects may not receive as much exposure as they would on larger, more established platforms, potentially limiting the audience reach.
  • Resource Availability
    Access to certain premium tools or resources may be limited or require a paid subscription, which could be a barrier for some users.
  • Collaborative Challenges
    Working with collaborators found through the platform may present challenges such as differences in working styles, commitment levels, and communication issues.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Obsidian
SideProjects

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Obsidian.md is an excellent tool for users looking for a versatile and powerful note-taking application. Its unique features such as backlinking, markdown support, and robust customization options make it a favorite among knowledge management enthusiasts.

Why this product is good

  • Obsidian.md is considered good by many users because it is a powerful knowledge management and note-taking application that leverages Markdown for document formatting. It allows for bi-directional linking between notes, which helps in creating a network of interconnected ideas, often described as a 'second brain.' Its ability to support plugins, themes, and robust graph visualization also adds to its appeal. Additionally, it stores notes locally, ensuring privacy and data ownership, while being cross-platform compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Recommended for

  • Knowledge workers who need a powerful tool to organize and connect their thoughts.
  • Students who are looking to create a structured and visually interconnected note system.
  • Writers and researchers who benefit from linking related ideas and maintaining detailed notes.
  • Tech-savvy users or developers who appreciate the local storage and open ecosystem for plugins and customization.

Overall verdict

  • Yes, SideProjects is a good platform.

Why this product is good

  • It provides a community of like-minded individuals who are interested in creating and collaborating on diverse projects.
  • Users can share their projects, gather feedback, and receive support from a network of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs.
  • The platform fosters innovation by allowing members to showcase their work and potentially attract investment or new team members.
  • There are opportunities for learning and growth as users interact with various projects and gain insights from others' expertise.

Recommended for

  • Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to validate their project ideas.
  • Developers and designers seeking collaborative opportunities or to expand their portfolios.
  • Investors and mentors interested in discovering promising new projects.
  • Anyone interested in tech and startup environments who wants to be part of a supportive and creative community.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Obsidian 1 video + Add
SideProjects 0 videos + Add

OBSIDIAN: Getting Started, Facts & Pricing

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Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Obsidian
SideProjects
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Obsidian 5.0 · 2 reviews
SideProjects no reviews yet

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Obsidian 1527 mentions
SideProjects 0 mentions
  • Take Your AI's Questions Out of the Terminal
    This is a decision page. Claude Code wrote it after reading a project's notes, and it shows the detail a chat question leaves out. I answer it in Obsidian. - Source: dev.to / 1 day ago
  • How can software developers stay motivated at work?
    For note-taking, I recommend Obsidian. It's lightweight, has a large community, and offers plenty of useful plugins. I use the Timekeep plugin myself, which helps me connect tasks with the time spent on them. - Source: dev.to / 8 days ago
  • Hermes Agent Use Cases: 5 Free Things You Can Set Up Today (2026)
    The setup that makes the output noticeably sharper is a memory layer. Connecting a plain-text notes app like Obsidian (free for personal use) gives the agent durable context: what your project is about, who it is for, and what you have... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago

View more

Tracking SideProjects since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Obsidian and SideProjects

When comparing Obsidian and SideProjects, you can also consider the following products.