The PolyTools Database literally started in particular due to THIS category. The knowledge management - PKM need I had to organize not only all of my expansive content plans, but the rest of my vast organization for my life.

These are the tools I felt made the top 10, and that doesn't mean they're great. However I felt that you should at least be aware of some of them. As what might be great for me may not be perfect for you. Let's explore!

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This may be subject to change, as this is the first of all of these list posts I am making (however I delayed it because of changes). It is also one of my most important categories to me on this database. It's also likely that I might switch tools eventually too.

#10 - Anytype

Screw "sets", just call it a database and stop trying to be unique. I've tried to use this app a number of times. It just is convoluted for no reason, and it kept lagging when I tried to import or manipulate a lot of notes. Which defeats the purpose of using it then.

Some people were able to adapt to their terminology, and like how it syncs across devices. Although I think it has a long way to go.

#9 - Reflect App

While I detest paying for a tool outright, if it works for you well then it is worth it. However it takes too much for me to move an entire swath of notes to test out a new tool.

Given the rise of competition in the space I think this tool has limited reach. They aren't able to convert the diehard notion or tana users. Which would be the ones who would pay for the tool.

EDIT: I should also note that I've been hearing more and more how much people are liking this tool. Personally I haven't tried it hardly, though mostly due to pricing.

#8 - NotePlan

The ONLY reason this tool is on this list is simply because this is how from a user interface standpoint I would want my notes. Interweaved with the calendar and task management cleanly.

It has a daily, weekly, monthly note based system, which is how I set up my PIOS in Obsidian. However given that this app is Mac/iOS only, that neuters its user base in half.

#7 - AppFlowy

Sort of a more functional AnyType, but the interface was pretty awful when I tried it. Couldn't use the database at all, as I was so used to how Notion worked. Which ironically I think Appflowy was trying to copy.

I might have a bit of a strong stance on some of these tools, but I think that this one actually has a lot of potential.

#6 - Tana

More and more people have told me they left Notion or even Obsidian because of the features and great AI that Tana has.

They were really weird with their invite codes

#5 - Logseq

This one might move up with their upcoming Database Version. Edit: Now that Obsidian has "Bases" I think that it overtakes the potential benefit of the Logseq DV.

A lot of people love the simplicity of the user interface, as opposed to the alternative of expansion-ability of Obsidian. However I think that it is just simply missing too many features to compete.

While it is nice that it is local, fast, and easy to use for some people. It is more for the people who want something overtly simple.

#4 - AFFiNE

I thought this tool did an interesting job trying to compete with Notion and AnyType, but it lacked consistency and database usability.

There is a lot going for it, and I like the whole knowledge OS thing. However it didn't feel ready when I tried it a couple times.

#3 - Capacities

Something I really enjoyed the thought of with the whole "object based" notetaking. However I found it infuriating at times. The UX wouldn't work in some cases like when I clicked into a text box, or tried to highlight multiple lines of text. Basic stuff like that!

When I tried to use it daily, the daily notes feature was far too different than what I was used to with Obsidian or even other apps. The lack of a traditional calendar too really was annoying. That was the same experience I had with Acreom too. Trying too hard to make a unique calendar experience, only for that to get in the way of actually using the tool.

Since I could add dates to any note, that is how I tried planning my content, but since it was a web based only app or internet based local app. I had to stay connected all the time to use the daily notes, IN ORDER TO SEE my scheduled posts. That lead me to missing a lot of plans.

Now that they have a local version it is worth trying for some people, but I still couldn't fit my PIOS into the app. The one benefit I could see helping people is the objects, such as making a bookshelf for a books object, or a people crm for a people object, etc.

#2 - Notion

Sort of the first tool I used in this space. As PM tools like Monday/Asana/Clickup, etc, or database tools like Airtable; Are really NOT knowledge management tools. You can force them to be in a way, as I know Chris Dancy did with Airtable.

However Notion was one of the first tools on the market where you could really build a second brain, or in my case a PIOS or Omni-Brain.

The lego-like building system of blocks really lets you explore to your heart's content, and with the addition of Notion Calendar it can help a lot with content planning too.

#1 - Obsidian

My tool of choice. I've chosen it now three times over the years, even went back to it after trying most of the tools on this list.

While I have some gripes with it: Up until the quite recent addition of Obsidian Bases, the project management plugins absolutely sucked. Additionally, there is no working Calendar plugin at this point. Only the Day Planner, which is more of a sidebar thing.

HOWEVER, it has been the fastest, most stable, and most freeing tool for me to use. That is even including how free I felt when I first got into Notion. While the Big N is something like Legos, where you can build whatever you want. That freedom actually leads you to waste more time rebuilding your system or dashboard. With Obsidian the plugins give you a bit more healthy constraint, and because of that you have more time to actually focus on doing your work.

I've been using it now for a while, and I really like how everything is local. So I don't have to worry about internet access. Or AWS going down like it did often when I was using Notion.

However with the sheer size of my vault I couldn't get Sync to work properly. That has been an issue for me. If you have less than a few thousand notes, then you should be fine though.

Bonus: Saner AI and Kortex

I wasn't sure where to really put these on the list, as while I have tried them. I wasn't able to make them work for my needs. Thus my experience was a bit null, but I know that for some content creators Kortex would be cool. For people wanting a really interactive AI and for learning then maybe Saner.

Find the right tool for YOU:

The PolyTools Database
The Polymath’s Toolkit for all things Digital Renaissance. From content repurposing to automation and personal knowledge management! This is the database for the PolyTools brand.
Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator

This is a link to a page that has the database within, and you can sort by tag for knowledge management if you need to look around!

🧠 PIOS Omni-Brain = Knowledge Management - Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]
The lego-like all in one productivity system, that you can create your own life operating system or second brain. Following the principles of the Polymath Integration Operating System can help lead you to understanding yourself, and gaining huge levels of productivity! Sometimes also referred to as the Personal Innovation Operating System. Is the amalgam of all aspects behind change in your life, and at every level. ___ SCALE: Yearly >Quarterly > Monthly > weekly > Daily
Official Website for Dustin Miller PolyInnovator [LLC]Dustin Miller | PolyInnovator