Notion Offline Mode vs Obsidian: Expectations, Reality, and a New Local-First Alternative

Notion’s Offline Mode: A Long-Awaited Feature

On August 19, 2025, Notion rolled out its official offline mode for both desktop and mobile apps. You can now download pages to work on them offline—even create new pages—with access managed through the Offline dashboard (Settings → Offline) Link.

Paid plan users (Plus, Business, Enterprise) also get automatic downloads of their recent and favorited pages for offline use Link.

What Works — And What Doesn’t — When You’re Offline

Notion’s offline experience is functional, but with important caveats:

• You can create, view, and edit downloaded pages and simple blocks (text, lists, checkboxes) Link.
• You cannot access embeds, AI blocks, forms, buttons, or other features that rely on an online connection Link.
• Database pages only cache the first 50 rows of the first view, and deeper rows must be manually downloaded Link.
• Sub-pages won’t be available offline automatically; each one has to be marked manually Link.
• Offline downloads are device-specific — enabling a page on one device doesn’t auto-enable it on another Link Link.
• Content may become stale if not refreshed — offline pages don’t always auto-update in the background Link.

Obsidian: The Benchmark for True Offline Usage

If you are wondering how does Obsidian compare to Notion's offline mode:

• Obsidian offers local-first storage, full offline usability, and deep customization through Markdown files and community plugins.
• But Obsidian doesn’t support the same structured database and layout tools that make Notion popular for workflows and collaboration.

The Gap Between Them

• Notion offers databases and collaboration, but misses full offline utility and requires online preparation.
• Obsidian excels in offline control and flexibility, but lacks database-like data handling.

Where’s the local-first tool that has both?

Introducing Tokie: Local Workflows with Customization

Tokie transforms your local folders into customizable, database-style workspaces:

• Apply fields and tags to files and folders.
• View and edit files inline, including Markdown and embedded content.
• Operate entirely offline by default, working directly on your local file structure.
• No syncing required — your workflows stay on your machine.

If you’re unsatisfied with Notion’s partially offline model, or longing for structure in Obsidian, Tokie bridges the gap.

Final Takeaway

• Notion’s new offline mode is a welcome step—but it requires preparation, has limitations, and isn’t truly local-first.
• Obsidian shows the power of local-first tools, but lacks the workflow richness of Notion.
• Tokie offers a compelling middle ground: local, flexible, and structured.

The offline debate continues — but with Tokie, you don’t have to choose between control and customization.