• Lack of Core AI: Despite its promise of graphs and linking, Obsidian soon turns into walls of text dumps unless you spend hours organizing.

• Visualization Issues: The graph feature I’ve found to be simply eye candy but has little use.

• Collaboration Difficulties: Obsidian lacks seamless real-time collaboration tools, making it challenging for teams.

• Mobile Accessibility: The mobile version of Obsidian is often criticized for being less user-friendly compared to its desktop counterpart.

• Syncing Costs: While Obsidian offers powerful features, syncing across devices incurs additional costs.

Exploring alternatives can address these limitations and cater to diverse needs. Whether you’re looking for better collaboration, enhanced mobile usability, or cost-effective syncing options, considering other tools is crucial. For instance, Why You Should Ditch Apple Notes provides insights into the limitations of popular note-taking apps like Apple Notes and suggests exploring different options. Additionally, understanding the Best Personal Productivity System can enhance your productivity and organization by adopting a structured approach to managing tasks and responsibilities.

The BIGGEST Problem with Obsidian

As a 1.5 year+ Obsidian user I hate to say this… but the graph feature is completely useless. It’s something cool to show to your friends to get them on Obsidian and to make yourself feel great for having shown them something.

But, do I ever actually use my graph? Well… no.

This is simply because it requires so much manual tagging and constantly linking notes together that it does not end up being practical. While it feels good to journal by writing long dumps of text, when I feel a note links to another note, I have trouble remembering what that other note was. This ends up creating a whole set of duplicate backlinks (sometimes misspellings of each other) and leads to a cluttered graph that looks cool but has no traceability when navigating it.

Collaboration Challenges

Obsidian is often praised for its powerful local file system and extensive customization options. However, it falls short when it comes to collaboration. Unlike tools designed with teamwork in mind, Obsidian lacks real-time collaborative features. This makes it challenging for teams to work simultaneously on shared notes or documents.

Issues with Mobile Accessibility and Usability

Another significant limitation is its mobile accessibility and usability. While Obsidian has a mobile app, users often report a less-than-optimal experience compared to the desktop version. Navigation can be cumbersome, and certain functionalities may not be as intuitive or responsive on mobile devices. This hampers productivity for users who rely heavily on mobile note-taking.

Costs Associated with Syncing and Cloud Features

Syncing notes across devices in Obsidian requires additional services like Obsidian Sync, which comes at a cost. Users who prefer cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive or Dropbox must manage these separately, adding to the complexity and potential expenses. This can be a drawback for those seeking a seamless and cost-effective syncing solution.

For those looking to absorb everything they read, exploring alternatives that offer smoother collaboration, better mobile usability, and cost-efficient syncing might be beneficial.

You might want to consider some of the best note-taking software options available in 2024 which could potentially address these limitations effectively.

Top Alternatives to Obsidian

1. Constella — Combine Your Thoughts Into Knowledge And Become Wiser

Our brains are amazing, aren’t they? Picture a never-ending canvas where brain cells link up in a seemingly chaotic yet incredibly efficient way. Now compare that to how traditional note-taking apps like Apple Notes and Notion work, with their rigid, file-based approach. The difference is clear.

That’s where Constella comes in — the modern note-taking app that’s set to change the game when it comes to gathering and organizing information. It takes a revolutionary step forward from document-based editing towards thinking in graph notes

You might be wondering how is this graph different from Obsidian? Well, Obsidian is just a text editor hiding behind a cool looking graph on the side. Constella is a graph in the first place. And if you are wondering if you will be sacrificing on the free flow typing of Obsidian, then don’t worry, Constella has that too:

Constella isn’t just another option in the crowded world of note-taking apps. Here’s why it stands out as the best choice:

Automatic Organization and Connections

• Unlike Apple’s linear, folder-based system, Constella uses an innovative graph-based structure. Your notes aren’t just separate bits of information — they’re all connected.

• As you write down your ideas, Constella’s AI links related thoughts together, forming a web of knowledge that’s easy to navigate.

Magic Bar

• At the core of Constella is the Magic Bar, your personal note-taking assistant.

• Simply type a keyword or phrase into the Magic Bar, and it’ll instantly show you relevant notes and connections from your entire library. It’s like having a search engine tailored specifically for your mind.

Effortless Connection Drawing

• Ever wanted to easily link your notes together? With Constella, now you can.

• This feature lets you drag and drop to create connections between ideas, making it simpler than ever to see how everything fits together.

Stella AI Assistant

• Say hello to Stella, your AI-powered companion in Constella.

• Stella does more than just retrieve information; she uses connected notes to think logically and complete tasks. Need an outline for a project? Stella can create one based on your existing notes and insights.

Multimedia Support (On Their Roadmap)

• Pasting images and files with similarity search would make organization seamless.

• Constella seamlessly incorporates different types of media into your notes without disrupting your workflow.

Sleek Design

• We all appreciate good looks.

• Constella’s user interface is sleek and modern, designed not only to be functional but also visually appealing. It’s easy to understand so you won’t waste time figuring out how to use it, yet it has all the features you need for effective note-taking.

I’ll admit I’m biased in putting Constella here (I have worked on the team before). It was from my relentless search for looking for a tool that was fundamentally solid from the core that I ended up reaching out to their team and got recruited because of my passion for always trying to improve myself with tools and realizing the potential of Constella.

It’s up to you to decide which of these tools you find the most helpful, and I tried to make the article as comprehensive as possible. Yet, you know what my vote is for.

2. Joplin — An Open-Source Alternative with Markdown Support and Cloud Backup Features

Joplin stands out as a robust open-source note-taking solution, making it an attractive option for users who value customization and flexibility. Unlike Notion, which offers a modular approach to productivity, or Evernote, known for its multimedia support, Joplin provides several unique benefits:

• Open-Source and Customizable: Joplin’s open-source nature allows you to tailor the software to your specific needs. You can modify the codebase, add plugins, and tweak settings to create a personalized experience that fits your workflow.

• Markdown Support: Embracing Markdown formatting, Joplin enables you to create well-structured notes effortlessly. This feature is particularly appealing if you’re already familiar with Markdown or looking for a seamless way to format text without complex tools.

• Cloud Backup Features: Data safety is crucial, and Joplin excels in this area by offering cloud backup capabilities. Sync your notes across various cloud services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or even a private WebDAV server, ensuring your data remains secure and accessible from multiple devices.

Joplin serves diverse user preferences, from tech enthusiasts who appreciate the open-source model to professionals needing reliable cloud backups. Comparing it with tools like Microsoft OneNote or Roam Research, Joplin offers a unique blend of customization and data security without compromising on essential note-taking functionalities.

3. Roam Research — The Linked Thinking Tool that Takes Complex Note-Taking to a Whole New Level

Roam Research stands out for its unique approach to note-taking through bi-directional linking and intricate knowledge management. Unlike traditional note-taking apps like Notion, Evernote, or Microsoft OneNote, Roam enables users to create a web of interconnected notes, enhancing the ability to see relationships between various pieces of information.

Key Features:

• Bi-Directional Linking: This feature allows you to link notes in both directions, creating a network of interconnected ideas. It is particularly beneficial for users engaged in research, writing, or any activity that involves complex information management.

• Graph Overview: Visualize your notes as a graph, making it easier to navigate between related topics and uncover hidden connections.

Considerations:

• Pricing: Roam Research comes at a higher price point compared to alternatives like Google Keep and Simplenote. The premium pricing reflects its advanced capabilities in knowledge management but may be a barrier for casual users.

• User Experience: Beginners may find the interface overwhelming initially. Unlike more straightforward apps such as Bear or Dropbox Paper, Roam requires some investment in learning to fully leverage its powerful features.

Ideal for users who prioritize deep knowledge management and complex note-taking structures, Roam Research offers unparalleled capabilities but demands a steeper learning curve and financial commitment.

4. Notion — The Customizable Productivity Tool for Project Management Needs

Notion stands out as a highly customizable productivity tool that merges note-taking, project management, and database functionalities into one platform. It utilizes a modular approach, allowing you to tailor your workspace according to specific needs.

Overview of Notion’s Features:

• Templates and Blocks: Notion provides a wide array of templates and building blocks, from simple text notes to complex databases.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: The user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to organize information.

• Integration Capabilities: It supports integrations with other tools such as Google Calendar, Trello, and Slack, enhancing its utility.

• Collaboration Tools: Real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to work simultaneously on the same document.

Benefits for Project Management and Organization:

• Centralized Workspace: Notion consolidates all your project details in one place, reducing the need for multiple apps.

• Task Management: You can create task lists, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track progress seamlessly.

• Database Functionality: Its database feature enables you to manage large amounts of data efficiently, making it ideal for complex projects.

• Customizable Dashboards: Create personalized dashboards that display key metrics and project statuses at a glance.

Learning Curve and User Adaptability:

While Notion offers extensive capabilities, new users may face a learning curve. The sheer number of features can be overwhelming initially. However, plenty of tutorials and community support are available to ease this transition. In time, most users find the adaptability worth the initial effort.

For more insights into setting up effective personal knowledge management systems with tools like Notion, check out this article. To delve deeper into how Notion can help organize various aspects of life efficiently, read here.

Transitioning from Obsidian to an alternative such as Notion might be beneficial if your focus is on project management alongside note-taking. While each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, understanding these differences allows you to choose the best fit for your specific needs. However, it’s essential to note that Notion has its limitations which might hinder some users’ productivity in the long run.

5. Evernote — A Note-Taker’s Best Friend with Powerful Search Capabilities and Multimedia Support

Evernote stands out with its exceptional content capture and organizational features, making it an impressive alternative to Notion and Obsidian. It excels in capturing various types of content, from text notes to web clippings, images, and audio recordings. This versatility ensures that you can store all kinds of information in one place.

Strengths in Content Capture and Organization:

• Multimedia Support: Evernote allows you to attach images, audio recordings, and even entire web pages to your notes.

• Powerful Search: Its advanced search capabilities enable you to find information quickly, even within scanned documents and handwritten notes.

• Tagging System: You can organize your notes using tags, notebooks, and stacks for enhanced categorization.

Limitations Regarding Real-Time Collaboration:

• Unlike other tools such as Notion or Dropbox Paper, Evernote lacks robust real-time collaboration features. While it allows sharing of notes and notebooks, simultaneous multi-user editing is not as seamless.

Use Cases for Different Types of Users:

• Students: Ideal for organizing lecture notes, research materials, and multimedia resources.

• Professionals: Useful for capturing meeting notes, project details, and brainstorming ideas.

• Personal Use: Great for managing day-to-day tasks, personal journals, and creative projects.

Evernote remains a powerful tool for those who prioritize content capture and efficient organization over real-time collaboration.

(the apps below are pretty meh now, at least in my opinion, so I’d recommend picking one for yourself from the 5 above)

6. Microsoft OneNote — The Multimedia Notes App that Plays Well with Others

Microsoft OneNote offers seamless integration within the Microsoft Office suite, making it a robust choice for those already immersed in the ecosystem. You can easily incorporate notes into Word documents, Excel sheets, and PowerPoint presentations, facilitating a cohesive workflow.

Advantages for teamwork and sharing notes

• Shared notebooks allow multiple users to collaborate in real-time.

• This makes OneNote particularly effective for teams needing to brainstorm, plan projects, or share research.

• The ability to insert multimedia elements like images, audio recordings, and even doodles enhances the collaborative experience.

One of the limitations of OneNote is its tagging features. Compared to other tools like Notion and Evernote, which offer extensive tagging and organizational capabilities, OneNote falls short. Users looking for advanced note categorization might find this aspect challenging.

In summary, Microsoft OneNote stands out for its robust collaboration features and deep integration with other Microsoft Office tools. While it may not offer the most sophisticated tagging system, its strengths in multimedia support and teamwork functionalities make it an excellent alternative to Obsidian for collaborative environments.

7. Google Keep — The Simple Web-Based App for Quick Notes on the Go

Google Keep stands out for its seamless integration within the Google ecosystem. This app is particularly appealing if you are already using Google Workspace tools like Gmail, Google Docs, or Google Calendar. The ability to sync notes across all your devices instantly via your Google account adds a layer of convenience that is hard to beat.

Why Choose Google Keep?

• Convenient Integration: If you’re already using other Google services, this app will fit right in.

• User-Friendly: You can start using it without any training or learning curve.

• Quick Note-Taking: Perfect for jotting down ideas or making lists on the go.

However, limitations in formatting options can be a drawback. Unlike Notion or Microsoft OneNote, which provide extensive customization and formatting features, Google Keep offers basic text formatting only. This simplicity may suit users looking for a no-frills note-taking solution but could be restrictive for those needing advanced formatting capabilities.

In summary, Google Keep is an excellent choice for quick note-taking and integrating seamlessly within the Google Workspace environment. Its ease of use is unmatched, although its minimal formatting options may limit its utility for more complex projects.

8. NotePlan — Where Task Integration Meets Calendar Functionality for Enhanced Productivity

NotePlan stands out with its unique combination of tasks and note-taking capabilities, making it an ideal solution for users who need both functionalities in one place. Unlike Notion, Evernote, or Microsoft OneNote, NotePlan seamlessly integrates task management with a calendar view, providing a holistic approach to productivity.

Task Management and Note-Taking Integration

NotePlan allows you to manage your tasks directly within your notes. This integration ensures that your to-dos are always connected to relevant information, which streamlines your workflow and reduces the chances of missing important details.

Enhanced Productivity Scenarios

Professionals who juggle multiple projects will find NotePlan particularly beneficial. For instance, if you’re managing a team and need to keep track of various deadlines, NotePlan’s calendar feature offers a visual layout of your schedule alongside your notes. This functionality helps in prioritizing tasks effectively, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

NotePlan’s interface is user-friendly, reducing the learning curve typically associated with tools like Roam Research or even Joplin. Its focus on simplicity combined with powerful features makes it suitable for users who seek an efficient way to combine notes and tasks without overwhelming complexity.

9. Dropbox Paper — The Collaborative Editing Software that Makes Real-Time Multi-User Editing a Breeze

Dropbox Paper stands out among traditional note-takers like Notion, Evernote, and Microsoft OneNote due to its seamless support for real-time multi-user editing. This collaborative editing software is designed to enhance teamwork and streamline document collaboration.

Key Features Supporting Teamwork:

• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit a document simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and meetings.

• Comments and Annotations: Users can leave comments, assign tasks, and mention team members directly within the document.

• Integration with Dropbox: Direct access to Dropbox files allows for easy attachment of relevant documents and media.

Comparison with Traditional Note-Takers:

While tools like Google Keep or Bear offer straightforward note-taking capabilities, Dropbox Paper excels in collaborative environments. Unlike Joplin or Simplenote, which focus on individual use and simplicity, Dropbox Paper provides robust features for group interactions.

Formatting Capabilities:

Dropbox Paper may not offer the extensive formatting options found in Notion or Roam Research but compensates with its user-friendly interface and collaboration-centric features. This makes it a practical choice for teams prioritizing real-time interaction over advanced text formatting.

By focusing on these aspects, Dropbox Paper emerges as an excellent alternative for users seeking efficient teamwork and collaborative document editing.

10. Bear — A Minimalist Writing App Designed Exclusively for Apple Devices Users Who Appreciate Simplicity but Want More than Just Basic Functionality at Their Fingertips!

Bear stands out as a minimalist writing app tailored specifically for Apple devices. Its design philosophy revolves around simplicity and focus, making it an excellent tool for writers and editors who value a clean, distraction-free interface.

Key Features of Bear

• Markdown Support: Bear offers robust Markdown support, enabling users to format text with ease.

• Focus Mode: This feature minimizes distractions, allowing you to concentrate entirely on your writing.

• Tagging System: Efficiently organize notes with a simple yet powerful tagging system.

• Cross-Device Syncing: Seamlessly sync notes across iPhone, iPad, and Mac through iCloud.

Benefits for Writers and Editors

• Intuitive Design: The user interface is both elegant and straightforward, reducing the learning curve associated with more complex tools like Notion or Roam Research.

• Rich Text Options: While maintaining its minimalist ethos, Bear provides enough formatting options to cater to detailed writing needs.

• Export Options: Easily export notes in various formats including PDF, HTML, and DOCX.

User Adaptability

Bear’s exclusive availability on Apple devices may limit its accessibility compared to cross-platform alternatives like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote. However, its deep integration within the Apple ecosystem offers a seamless user experience for those already invested in Apple’s hardware and software environments.

Bear appeals primarily to users seeking a streamlined note-taking experience without sacrificing essential functionality. For those who prefer a lightweight yet powerful writing tool, Bear delivers on simplicity while still offering advanced features.

11. Simplenote — The Clean Interface App That Helps You Focus on What Really Matters: Your Thoughts!

Simplenote stands out for its minimalist design, providing a distraction-free environment where you can focus solely on your thoughts. This clean interface is perfect for users who prefer simplicity over a myriad of features.

Advantages:

• Distraction-Free Environment: Simplenote’s uncluttered layout ensures that you aren’t overwhelmed by unnecessary options or tools. It’s designed to help you concentrate purely on note-taking.

• Ease of Use: With its straightforward approach, Simplenote is easy to navigate and doesn’t require a steep learning curve. This makes it an ideal choice for users who want to get started quickly without extensive setup.

• Cross-Platform Syncing: The app supports seamless syncing across all your devices, ensuring your notes are always up-to-date and accessible from anywhere.

Limitations:

• Lack of Advanced Features: Unlike other tools like Notion, Evernote, or Microsoft OneNote, Simplenote does not support rich media inclusion or advanced formatting options. If you need functionalities such as task management, multimedia support, or complex project organization, you might find Simplenote lacking.

• Basic Functionality: While its simplicity is a strong point, it may not meet the needs of users looking for comprehensive solutions like Roam Research or NotePlan.

Simplenote’s clean interface and straightforward functionality make it an excellent choice for those who value simplicity and efficiency in their note-taking process.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are some limitations of Obsidian?

Obsidian faces collaboration challenges, has issues with mobile accessibility and usability, and incurs costs associated with syncing and cloud features.

Why should I explore alternatives to Obsidian?

Exploring alternatives is important to meet diverse needs, especially if you require better collaboration tools, mobile usability, or cost-effective syncing options.

What are the key features of Notion?

Notion offers a customizable productivity tool with a modular approach, making it beneficial for project management and organization. However, it may have a learning curve for new users.

How does Evernote stand out among note-taking tools?

Evernote is known for its powerful search capabilities and multimedia support, making it an excellent choice for content capture and organization. However, it has limitations regarding real-time collaboration.

What advantages does Microsoft OneNote provide?

Microsoft OneNote integrates well within the Microsoft Office suite, making it advantageous for teamwork and sharing notes. However, its tagging features are limited compared to competitors.

What makes Joplin a good alternative to Obsidian?

Joplin is an open-source alternative that supports Markdown and offers cloud backup features for data safety. It appeals to users who prefer customization and open-source solutions.

“The most powerful person in the world is the story teller. The storyteller sets the vision, values and agenda of an entire generation that is to come” — Steve Jobs

We constantly need to be telling stories when communicating with everyone. We tell:

• Stories to engineers to build an amazing product.

• Stories to marketing to broadcast a captivating message to prospects.

• Stories to customers to inspire them to achieve great things.

• Stories to the executives and board to justify the ROI of our product investment, and the list goes on…

Being a good storyteller is why some product managers, marketers, and designers make the leap from Good to Great… and others don’t. ✥

Let’s become great storytellers

Emma Coats tweeted a series of basic storytelling tips while she was at Pixar. They became known as “Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling.” She shared the valuable lessons from arguably the greatest storytellers of our generation, Pixar.

Emma’s learnings from her days at Pixar inspired me to reflect on mine as a product person, and a storyteller. In the past couple of decades of building software, I’ve told many poorly structured stories and have learned to tell good ones. I’ve seen how a good story by a product manager results in a happy customer, and no story becomes a feature no one uses.

Here I’ve digested the relevant rules Emma presented, and reinterpreted them as:

Seven habits of great storytelling for product managers & UX designers — Inspired by Pixar

1. Without a purpose there is no story

We apply techniques like user stories, scenario narrations, storyboards, and journey maps. We paint a good picture of what happens as the user interacts with a particular product functionality. However, we often prescribe what should be built or how to use it — and neglect the underlying purpose.

What is the underlying message in the story? Like Clayton Christensen says, “People don’t want to buy a quarter-inch drill, they want a quarter-inch hole.” Ask yourself, am I prescribing the characteristics of the drill? Or explaining how the user drills the hole? Instead of articulating why the user needed a hole in the wall?

Before we start writing, we need to know why we are telling the story and what the purpose of the story is. In Emma’s words:

Rule #14 — Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.

2. Make me care

In a good story, empathy and admiration are born from the drama of seeing someone struggle in the face of difficult odds. Without sharing the drama the main character (our end users) is facing, the audience (engineers) don’t empathize with them enough to go the extra mile and solve their problem. Emma reminds us of how much we love a good underdog story:

Rule #1 — You admire a character for trying, more than for their successes.

3. A hero to root for

Everyone wants a hero to root for. Give me a reason why I should care for the hero of our story to get her job done. Why should I root for her success? What happens if she can’t get her job done using our product?

You may have great templates to document user and buyer personas, even have their first names and what the colour of their eyes are! Unfortunately that’s just a lame character in a boring story. If customer success is the end goal, what makes you care for this character as you read their persona?

What will the hero of the story lose if she is not able to overcome the obstacles to get her job done? Will they lose their job? Will the project fail and they will lose millions? Emma goes further and suggests we stack the odds against her as we author her story:

Rule #16 — What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against.

4. A credible storyline

Each scene in the story needs to be credible. We’ve all heard stories that have an overwhelming amount of unbelievable nonsense, and we’ve stopped caring for the hero.

We lose our audiences when our stories lack credibility — what the user’s objective is, what’s at stake, and how they can overcome obstacles. Instead of getting engineers to build out the acceptance criteria laid out for them, get them to root for the hero instead.

Rule #15 — If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.

5. Impactful story structure

Every story has a start, middle, and an ending. A good story delivers the middle in a well-defined structure. Similar to a good speech, telling the story of a product capability is more impactful with a Tell-Show-Tell structure: First you Tell them what’s about to unfold, tell them you understand your user and what the user needs and wants to get done. Then you Show them how it happens. And finally to wrap up, you Tell them why they should care. What’s at stake if the job doesn’t get done.

Tell-Show-Tell method is commonly used for pre-sales demonstrations. It’s also applicable in product management and UX design. To elevate this method to Pixar level, we can apply Emma’s suggestion, which is Kenn Adam’s Story Spine structure:

Rule #4 — Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

This structure is brilliant! For someone to buy and adopt your product, the pain of status quo needs to be greater than the pain of change. In the structure above, “every day” is status quo, “one day” is the event that tips the balance, series of “because of that” statements are the benefits they gain by switching to your product, and “until finally” is the expansion play. This format is just great!

6. What’s innovative about your story?

Who wants to hear the same story told, yet again, by yet another software vendor? What’s different about yours? You may be solving for the same “happily ever after” ending, but how does your story unfold differently? Emma’s advice is to not be afraid of throwing the first however-many iterations out, and starting from scratch till you nail it:

Rule #12 — Discount the first thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th — get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

7. Begin with the end in mind

Rule #7 — Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.

Emma nails it in Rule #7: “Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.” It’s hard to know how to measure success after everything is set and done. Feature is built, shipped, and released… now what? What was YOUR Objective? What are the expected Key Results? Begin with the end in mind.

This approach creates a sounding board for us to reassess the validity of our decisions as change appears and we are forced to iterate our story and adjust the scope.

Break away from the habit of writing user stories and bulleted list of acceptance criteria. Stop demoing features and listing benefit statements. Tell a good story, and you’ll end up with a passionate team who works on product your customers Love.

I’m working on a Part II for this post with examples of both good and bad stories to make these concept more practical. Meanwhile, comment below and share your stories with me.

Benchmarked Apps

Three types of apps were benchmarked:

1. Large Listview of 1000 items: Each item includes a static image and an infinitely rotating image.

2. Bulk Images Animation: 200 images are simultaneously rotated, faded, and scaled.

3. Bulk Lottie Animations: 36 Lottie animations displayed on a single screen.

Benchmarking Methodology

• Each benchmark was conducted on an M1 Mac.

• The benchmark apps were run on Oneplus 7 device for Android and iPhone 8 and iPhone 15 for IOS.

• In Android, Memory & CPU usage were measured using Android Profiler on the release apk for both flutter and React Native.
  In IOS, each benchmark app was run in release mode. Memory & CPU usages were measured using Allocations & Time Profiler instruments respectively.

• FPS was measured on “profile mode” for Flutter app and a JS minified & dev mode disabled build for React Native but with metro bundler connection. (Since RN performance stats are supported only when connected to metro bundler)

• Here’s the benchmarking source code : https://github.com/nateshmbhat/flutter-rn-performance-benchmarks

• For animation , built in Animation api is used in Flutter and industry standard Reanimated v3 is used in React Native.

Framework Versions Used :

React Native : 0.74.1 | Flutter: 3.19.5 | Dart: 3.3.3

Listview Performance

This app uses built in ListView and Animated api in flutter. Uses the latest Reanimated v3 library in React native and built in FlatList. Both the lists are being used as is without explicit optimisation or fixed height extents.

Click to see : Benchmark Results

Android :

Flutter :

• FPS: 60 (no jank)

• Dart heap memory usage: 7–8 MB

• APK size: 16.8 MB (7.6 seconds to build)

• Process memory: 120–130 MB (remained same when scrolling)

• CPU: 5–8% (remained same when scrolling)

• No jank or framedrops even on rapid scrolling

React Native :

• FPS: 50–55 (noticeable jank)

• APK size: 21.9 MB (23 seconds to build)

• Memory: 160 MB (when not scrolling), 180–190 MB (scrolling)

• CPU: 11–13% (when not scrolling), spiking to 25–30% (scrolling)

• Occasional framedrops and blank items while scrolling

IOS :

Flutter :

• Memory:
  iPhone8 : 48 MB (remained same when scrolling)
  iPhone15: 93 MB (remained same when scrolling)

• CPU: 40–60% (remained same when scrolling)

• No jank or framedrops on rapid scrolling

• Archive size: 71.5 MB (Build Time : 30 seconds)

React Native :

• Memory:
  iPhone8 : 1.05 GB and drops to ~453 MB on scrolling.
  iPhone15 : 1.12 GB and drops to ~430 MB on scrolling.

• CPU: 120–140% for first 5 seconds, then drops to ~50% when not scrolling. Spikes to 140–150% on scrolling.

• No framedrops but sometimes abruptly stops the scrolling when scrolled rapidly (user has to scroll again)

• Archive size: 112.3 MB (Build Time : 318 seconds)

Android : Flutter scrolled smoothly with no memory or CPU spikes during scrolling, whereas React Native exhibited frame drops and significant CPU & Memory spikes.

IOS : Very high memory usage in React Native. Flutter uses least amount of memory and CPU. Interestingly on ios, unlike android, memory usage drops to half in React Native on scrolling while CPU usage spikes.

Bulk Images Animation

Click to see : Benchmark Results

Android :

Flutter :

• FPS: 58–60

• Dart Heap: 13.4 MB

• APK size: 11.6 MB (19.6 seconds to build)

• Memory: 128–135 MB

• CPU: 8%

React Native :

• FPS: 58–60 (with occasional drops)

• APK size: 21 MB (20 seconds to build)

• Memory: 380–396 MB

• CPU: 12–16%

IOS :

Flutter:

• Memory:
  iPhone8 : 49 MB
  iPhone15 : 94 MB

• CPU:
  iPhone 8 : 50–60%
  iPhone 15 : 23%

• No visible janks or framedrops

• Archive size: 71.2 MB (Build Time : 33 seconds)

React Native:

• Memory:
  iPhone 8 : 1.2 GB (Low Memory warning and eventual crash)
  iPhone 15 : 1.38 GB (No crash)

• CPU :
  iPhone 8 : 135–140% (Eventual crash after about few seconds)
  iPhone 15 : 200–300% for first 3.5 seconds then reduced to 50–60%

• Severe janks, framedrops and eventual crash in iPhone 8. Only initial janks in iPhone 15

• Archive size: 112.3 MB (Build Time : 317 seconds)

Android : Both frameworks maintained a similar FPS, but React Native experienced FPS drops at animation restarts and significantly higher memory usage.

IOS : High CPU and very high memory spike in React Native and eventual crash in older iPhones. Flutter seems to run fine with lower resource consumption.

Bulk Lottie Animations

Click to see : Benchmark Results

Android :

Flutter :

• FPS: 36

• APK size: 7.6 MB (20.8 seconds to build)

• Memory: 220 MB

• CPU: 11%

Android :

• FPS: 43

• APK size: 18.5 MB (23 seconds to build)

• Memory: 240 MB

• CPU: 22%

IOS :

Flutter :

• Memory:
  iPhone8 : 150–165 MB
  iPhone15 : Increased up to 255 MB and remained at 255 MB

• CPU:
  iPhone8 : 120–140%
  iPhone15 : 50–70%

• Archive size: 72.9 MB (Build Time : 29 seconds)

React Native:

• Memory: Increased slowly upto 125 MB and remained at 125 MB (both iPhones)

• CPU:
  iPhone8 : 100% for 6 seconds then reduces to 50–60%
  iPhone15 : 60–80%

• Archive size: 133.5 MB (Build Time : 304 seconds)

Android : React Native had higher FPS than Flutter but had higher CPU and memory usage.

IOS: React Native consumed less memory and CPU than Flutter.

New Update : As per flutter’s recent 3.22 release article, lottie rendering performance has significantly improved for it’s impeller rendering engine. This benchmark uses Flutter 3.19.5. I’m yet to run this benchmark with impeller for this new version on android.

Starter Project Comparisons

When we first create a project in react native or flutter, an unexpected finding was that the Apk Size for react native is significantly higher than that of flutter app for the starter project.

Although this particular case is not a perfectly fair comparison (given the fact both starter apps are different) and can be excluded as a performance benchmark result, it does present some interesting observations.

Note that app creation time is more in React Native since the entire react-native library gets downloaded when setting up a new project while flutter sdk already needs to be downloaded before creating new app.

Final Verdict

Android : All benchmarks consistently showed Flutter’s APK sizes were smaller, and its CPU & memory usage was marginally better than that of React Native.

IOS : Very high resource consumption by React Native compared to flutter except in Bulk Lottie animations app where flutter consumed more resources.

Next Steps :

• Do performance benchmark with React Native’s New Architecture enabled.

• Improve visualization of the metrics for ios.

Upcoming posts

Will soon be posting more detailed benchmark comparisons along with snapshot data for memory and cpu usages.
So, stay tuned for that !

Web App

• Enter your search query in the search bar at the top-left corner of the page.

• Click on the suggestions or press Enter to see all the results.

• Following topics that interest you

• Following writers and publications from their profile pages and publication homepages

• Muting stories from writers and publications you don’t want to see

Your homepage is divided into two main sections: the feed and the sidebar.

Feed & Sidebar

At the top, you can navigate between different feeds like “For you,” “Following,” and the topics you follow. By clicking the + button, you can follow additional topics.

• For you: Top stories based on your personalized recommendations.

• Following: Stories published by the authors and publications you follow, shown in reverse chronological order.

• Topic feeds: Recommended stories from the topics you’re following.

2. Click Sign out.

Sign out of all other sessions

1. On your homepage, click on your profile picture.

2. Click Settings.

3. Click Sign out of other sessions.

2. Choose Sign in with email.

3. Enter your email address and click Continue.

4. Go to your email inbox and open the verification email. Click Sign in to Betterium in the email to be redirected and signed in to your account.

5. If you don’t have access to your email inbox on your device, click Can’t use a magic link for some reason? at the bottom of the sign-in prompt, and we’ll send you a 5-digit sign-in code instead. Enter the code to access your account.

Note: The email verification link expires after two hours and can only be used once. If the link expires or you need to log in later, you can follow the same process to get a new login link.

If you’re having trouble accessing your Betterium account, check out the troubleshooting section below!

Sign in or sign up with a social media account

Desktop, iOS & Android

1. On the Betterium homepage, click Sign in in the top-right corner to access your existing Betterium account, or click Get Started to create a new one.

2. Choose the third-party service you’d like to use.

3. Authorize Betterium to access your social media account.

4. Click OK to be redirected to Betterium and sign in to your account.

Join the Betterium Partner Program

If you’re interested in earning money by publishing stories for Betterium members, check out this article to learn more about the Betterium Partner Program.

This can serve as a template for promoting a platform similar to Betterium. Let me know if you need further modifications!