Logseq vs Obsidian
Both are free, privacy-focused note tools; Logseq is open source (AGPL-3.0) but in beta, Obsidian is closed-source with stable apps on more platforms.
Pick Logseq if…
You want open-source software you can inspect, with outliner-style linked notes, and you can accept a beta DB version with possible data loss.
Pick Obsidian if…
You want notes in open file formats on your device, apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, and community plugins and themes, even though the app itself is not open source.
Price
- Free
- Open source
- Free
Starting price
Free plan
Open source
Works on
| Feature | Open-source, privacy-first knowledge base for linked notes, outlines and tasks. | Note-taking app that stores notes as local files, with links between notes and a graph view. |
|---|---|---|
| Price |
|
|
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Works on | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Try Logseq (opens the Logseq website in a new tab) | Try Obsidian (opens the Obsidian website in a new tab) |
Logseq calls itself a privacy-first, open-source knowledge base. Its code is under AGPL-3.0, and it runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with a web app at app.logseq.com. Its README says the current DB version is in beta, with data loss possible, so it recommends regular SQLite backups.
Obsidian keeps notes on your device in open file formats, links notes together, and offers a graph view and a Canvas. It is free without limits, including for commercial use, and has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, plus Web Clipper extensions. Obsidian is not open source: its licence page says the company reserves rights to the app's code.
On cost, no Logseq pricing is listed; the project asks for voluntary support through Open Collective and GitHub Sponsors. Obsidian's paid extras are optional: Sync is $4 per user per month billed annually, Publish is $8 per site per month billed annually, and a Commercial licence is $50 per user per year.
Logseq's new sync (RTC) and mobile app are in alpha, while Obsidian's mobile apps and paid Sync are listed as available products. If syncing across phone and laptop matters today, that difference counts.
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Last updated 17 October 2026. How we make money