REVIEWS / TASK MANAGEMENT / OWNER INSIGHTS
🦉 WE READ 567 OWNER COMMENTS
Obsidian Tasks: what owners actually say
Owners appreciate the local-first markdown approach and Reminders syncing, but cite sync quality issues, a lacking plugin API, and non-standard markdown as real frustrations.
What owners complain about
- Sync and Publish are poorly implemented SOME
Multiple users call Obsidian's built-in sync and publish features 'horrendous implementation,' despite these being paid offerings.
- Non-standard markdown creates lock-in risk SOME
Users note Obsidian uses its own syntax extensions and tweaks to markdown, meaning even if you keep your files, significant functionality could be lost if you ever need to migrate away.
- Plugin API is underdeveloped SOME
Developers report the plugin API is 'lacking,' and users feel features like Dataview should be core rather than relying on plugins.
- Not open source FEW
Users on Lemmy point out Obsidian is not open source, contradicting assumptions and raising concerns about long-term trust.
- False starts and learning curve FEW
At least one user admits to 'many, many false starts with Obsidian,' suggesting the initial setup and workflow design can be daunting.
What owners love
- Local text files give data peace of mind
Owners worry about their data in Obsidian 'less than Evernote, OneNote, or Apple Notes' because everything lives in local markdown files you control.
- Reminders sync works bidirectionally
The task sync plugin successfully handles two-way syncing: deleting or completing a task in Obsidian updates Reminders and vice versa, with the free tier syncing every 6 hours.
- AI models love .md files
Users note that in the AI era, Obsidian has an advantage because 'AI models LOVE .md files,' making local markdown notes more valuable.
- Shortcuts integration is straightforward
Because Obsidian vaults are just text files, users can use Apple Shortcuts to 'slam things into your vault,' making capture fast and flexible.
- YAML frontmatter is portable
Metadata added for plugins like Dataview uses standard YAML frontmatter, which works with other frontmatter-aware tools, easing migration worries.
Surprising patterns
- Several users have already identified their 'escape hatch' — Logseq is mentioned as the top open-source alternative ready to absorb refugees if Obsidian ever goes south.
- The Apple Reminders sync free tier is deliberately limited to 6-hour intervals, while creation and completion sync happen immediately — a hybrid model users should understand before relying on real-time updates.
- Users with AMD integrated GPUs hit a specific bug (driver versions 24.x) causing 'thousands of zombie processes and leaked memory' — a niche but critical issue for affected hardware owners.
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Buyers who need real-time cross-device task sync on the free tier, or who require strict open-source licensing and standard-only markdown, should look elsewhere based on owner feedback.
Synthesised from 567 real owner comments across 6 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →