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Software · head to head

Logseq vs Obsidian

Logseq logo

Logseq

Software

Free open-source note-taking with linked thoughts

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Obsidian logo

Obsidian

Software

A powerful knowledge base on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Logseq aGPL-3.0 licensing requires derivative works to be open-source; Obsidian sync is a paid add-on at $4 per month billed annually rather than part of the app
  • They diverge on capability: Logseq covers Markdown-based notes, Obsidian covers Graph view visualization.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Logseq and Obsidian actually diverge.

Attributes where Logseq and Obsidian differ
AttributeLogseqObsidian
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsmacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, WebWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2020).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Logseq

  • Markdown-based notes
  • Graph visualization
  • Backlinks
  • Tags
  • Daily notes
  • Journaling
  • Search and filtering

Only in Obsidian

  • Graph view visualization
  • Markdown support
  • Local file storage
  • Plugin ecosystem
  • Custom CSS themes
  • Templates
  • Search and tags
  • Zotero

Both cover

  • Bidirectional linking

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Logseq

  • Privacy-first knowledge management with local data storagenot Obsidian
  • Open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking platformsnot Obsidian
  • Markdown and Org-mode file support with PDF annotationnot Obsidian
  • Extensible through plugin ecosystem for custom workflowsnot Obsidian

Obsidian

  • Local-first markdown note taking with no account requirednot Logseq
  • Linking notes into a personal knowledge graphnot Logseq
  • Syncing a vault across devices with end-to-end encryption on the paid add-onnot Logseq
  • Publishing a public site from a vaultnot Logseq
  • Extending the editor with community pluginsnot Logseq

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Logseq

  • AGPL-3.0 licensing requires derivative works to be open-source
  • Mobile apps (iOS and Android) still in alpha/beta development stage
  • Self-hosted with local-first architecture, no built-in cloud sync option
  • No native synchronisation between desktop and mobile versions without setup

Obsidian

  • Sync is a paid add-on at $4 per month billed annually rather than part of the app
  • Publishing to the web is a further $8 per month per site
  • Commercial use asks for a $50 per user per year licence, though the vendor states it is not required
  • Collaboration is limited compared with a hosted notes tool, since the vault is local files first

Pricing, plan by plan

Logseq

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Logseq review.

Obsidian

Free
  • Obsidian Sync$4/month
    • Sync notes across devices
  • Obsidian Publish$8/month
    • Turn notes into a website

Which should you pick?

Choose Logseq if

  • You need markdown-based notes.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want graph visualization.
Logseq review

Choose Obsidian if

  • You need graph view visualization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want markdown support.
Obsidian review

Questions people ask

Is Logseq or Obsidian better?
Neither clearly leads. Logseq starts at Free and Obsidian at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Logseq or Obsidian?
Logseq starts at Free and Obsidian at Free.
Does Logseq or Obsidian run on more platforms?
Logseq runs on macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, Web. Obsidian runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Can I use Logseq for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Logseq best used for?
Logseq is most often used for privacy-first knowledge management with local data storage, open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking platforms, markdown and org-mode file support with pdf annotation, extensible through plugin ecosystem for custom workflows. Of those, privacy-first knowledge management with local data storage and open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking platforms are not what Obsidian is typically brought in for.
What can Logseq do that Obsidian cannot?
Logseq covers Markdown-based notes, Graph visualization, Backlinks, Tags. Obsidian covers Graph view visualization, Markdown support, Local file storage, Plugin ecosystem. Both handle Bidirectional linking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Obsidian: Is Obsidian free?

Yes. The core Obsidian application is 100% free for personal and commercial use with no limitations. You can use unlimited vaults and every core feature without payment.

Source
Obsidian: What file format does Obsidian use?

Obsidian stores every note as a plain Markdown file. Because it uses standard Markdown instead of a proprietary format, your notes remain portable and can be edited with many other Markdown editors.

Source
Obsidian: Can I collaborate with others in Obsidian?

The core application does not include built-in team collaboration features. However, Obsidian offers optional add-ons and can be used with version control systems or cloud storage for collaboration.

Source
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