TickTick vs Obsidian: Why These Productivity Tools Are Gaining Massive Popularity in 2025

User Favorites: Why TickTick and Obsidian Are Gaining Popularity

Laptop screen showing TickTick and Obsidian apps open side by side in a minimal workspace with coffee and stationery on a clean desk.


In 2025, staying productive isn't just about having a to-do list—it's about using the right tools that align with how you work, think, and organize information. Two apps that have seen explosive growth in popularity this year are TickTick and Obsidian. Both are incredibly different in structure and use-case, but they cater to the same goal: boosting productivity. Here's why more people are choosing these tools in 2025, and what makes them stand out.

What Is TickTick?

TickTick is a sleek, all-in-one task management app that helps users organize their schedules, habits, goals, and to-dos with ease. With features like built-in Pomodoro timer, calendar view, habit tracker, and smart reminders, it has become a favorite among busy professionals and students alike.

Top Features of TickTick:

  • Smart Task Management: Create tasks with deadlines, priorities, tags, and even sub-tasks.
  • Calendar Integration: Syncs with Google Calendar and lets you manage time blocks visually.
  • Habit Tracker: Track habits alongside your tasks for holistic productivity.
  • Pomodoro Timer: Built-in focus mode helps reduce procrastination.
  • Cross-Platform: Available on Android, iOS, Web, Mac, and Windows.

TickTick isn’t just a task manager; it’s a full productivity ecosystem that’s ideal for people who like structure and simplicity.

What Is Obsidian?

Obsidian is a powerful note-taking and knowledge management app that uses Markdown and links to help users build a “second brain.” It appeals to thinkers, writers, and creators who need a non-linear way to manage knowledge, thoughts, research, and projects. It's offline-first, privacy-focused, and heavily customizable with plugins.

Top Features of Obsidian:

  • Markdown Notes: Write in clean Markdown for flexibility and portability.
  • Bidirectional Linking: Create a network of connected ideas and notes.
  • Graph View: Visualize how your notes interconnect across topics.
  • Plugin Ecosystem: Extend functionality with custom themes, templates, and tools.
  • Offline First: Everything is stored locally for privacy and security.

Obsidian is ideal for deep work, journaling, research, project documentation, and developing your own personal knowledge system.

Why Are They So Popular in 2025?

1. Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work

As more people work remotely or manage flexible schedules, self-management tools have become essential. TickTick helps users plan their time efficiently, while Obsidian offers a flexible space to document knowledge, ideas, and reflections across different projects.

2. Growing Interest in Second-Brain Systems

More users are adopting personal knowledge management (PKM) frameworks like PARA, Zettelkasten, and Building a Second Brain. Obsidian is a perfect fit for these, helping users think better, connect ideas, and retain knowledge over time.

3. Habit + Productivity Combo

TickTick stands out because it doesn’t just help manage work tasks—it also integrates habit tracking and routines. That combination is rare and powerful for people who want a holistic view of their goals and personal development.

4. Customization and Control

Both apps offer strong customization options. TickTick allows users to set priority levels, recurring tasks, and tags. Obsidian takes it further with themes, keyboard shortcuts, and a plugin marketplace, giving users full control over their workspace.

5. Affordability and Accessibility

TickTick offers a freemium model with a generous set of features, and its premium version is still cost-effective compared to others. Obsidian is free for personal use and even its advanced features are accessible through community plugins—making it ideal for individuals on a budget.

What Users Are Saying

Productivity communities on Reddit, YouTube, and Twitter are flooded with praise for both tools. Many users appreciate how TickTick helps them stick to their daily routines, while Obsidian fans often mention how it has revolutionized the way they learn, reflect, and write.

"TickTick is the only app that has helped me stay consistent with both my tasks and habits. It’s my digital life manager." – A Reddit User
"Obsidian has completely replaced Evernote for me. I finally feel like my notes are alive and working for me, not just sitting in folders." – A Knowledge Worker

Who Should Use TickTick?

  • People who want a structured way to manage tasks and habits
  • Students, professionals, freelancers, and teams
  • Users who prefer simplicity with some level of customization

Who Should Use Obsidian?

  • Writers, researchers, knowledge workers
  • People building a second brain or using PKM frameworks
  • Anyone looking for deep customization and offline control

Conclusion

In a world full of productivity apps, TickTick and Obsidian have carved out strong, loyal user bases for a reason. TickTick simplifies task and habit management while keeping everything in one place. Obsidian, on the other hand, empowers users to think more deeply, learn better, and create lasting knowledge systems.

If you're looking to upgrade your productivity toolkit in 2025, these two apps are worth a serious look. Whether you're a structured planner or a creative thinker, TickTick and Obsidian offer the best of both worlds—clarity and control.

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