obsidian-tasks vs Tasks.md
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Obsidian Tasks brings robust to‑do list capabilities to the Obsidian knowledge base, letting you create, schedule, and track tasks without leaving your notes. It parses markdown task syntax, supports recurring tasks, and integrates seamlessly with Obsidian's core features.
Tasks.md is a lightweight, self‑hosted task management board that stores each card as an individual Markdown file on your server. This file‑based approach makes editing, backing up, and version‑controlling tasks simple with any text editor or Git workflow. Delivered as a Docker container, it runs locally or on a private network and is accessed through a clean browser UI. It offers lanes, cards, tags, and filters for individuals and small teams who prefer a no‑frills board without third‑party data exposure.
- Fully integrated with Obsidian UI
- Zero cost, open‑source
- Supports complex queries and filters
- Works offline on all desktop platforms
- Zero cost, fully free
- Data stored as plain Markdown files
- Easy Docker deployment
- No external data sharing
- Limited to desktop; no mobile app
- No built‑in calendar sync (e.g., Google Calendar)
- Configuration can be verbose for beginners
- Limited advanced features compared to SaaS kanban tools
- No built‑in mobile app, relies on browser access
- Requires self‑hosting knowledge for setup and maintenance
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to obsidian-tasks
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth tools are free, but obsidian‑tasks is best for deep Obsidian integration on desktop, while Tasks.md offers a lightweight, browser‑based solution with real‑time sync.
Key differences
- •Obsidian‑tasks runs locally inside Obsidian; Tasks.md is a cloud SaaS accessed via web.
- •Obsidian‑tasks supports complex query blocks and calendar views; Tasks.md provides a simple calendar sidebar only.
- •Tasks.md includes real‑time collaboration and an API; obsidian‑tasks has no API and no built‑in sync.
Pricing & value
Both are free, but obsidian‑tasks adds offline desktop value without any SaaS costs.
Ease of use / learning curve
Tasks.md’s minimal UI and keyboard shortcuts are easier for beginners than obsidian‑tasks’ verbose configuration.
Features & depth
Obsidian‑tasks offers advanced queries, recurrence rules, multiple calendar views, and CSV export not found in Tasks.md.
Integrations & ecosystem
Tasks.md provides an API for custom integrations; obsidian‑tasks only integrates with Obsidian.
Collaboration
Tasks.md has real‑time sync for multiple users; obsidian‑tasks lacks any built‑in collaboration features.
Scalability
Cloud SaaS scales across devices and users; obsidian‑tasks is limited to a single desktop vault.
Support
Tasks.md offers email support; obsidian‑tasks relies only on GitHub Issues.
Choose obsidian-tasks if…
Power users who live inside Obsidian on desktop and need advanced task queries.
Choose Tasks.md if…
Teams or individuals needing simple, browser‑based task lists with real‑time sync.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either tool?
Both are free; obsidian‑tasks is open‑source, and Tasks.md offers a fully functional free plan.
Can I collaborate with others in real time?
Tasks.md provides real‑time synchronization for collaborators; obsidian‑tasks has no built‑in collaboration.
Do either of them work on mobile devices?
Neither provides a native mobile app; both are limited to desktop (obsidian‑tasks) or web browser access (Tasks.md).