Obsidian is a file-based note-taking app emphasizing local storage and customization through plugins, while Logseq uses a block-based architecture optimized for task management and bidirectional linking. Both are excellent 'second brain' tools; choice depends on workflow preference and cloud vs. local storage needs.
Obsidian vs Logseq — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Local-first markdown editor with bidirectional linking, plugins, and complete data ownership.
Free, open-source knowledge management tool emphasizing local-first storage and data ownership.
Architecture. Data Storage. Plugin Ecosystem. Task Management. Learning Curve. Business Model. Offline Access. Customization
Obsidian excels for power users seeking deep customization and local data control with an extensive plugin ecosystem, making it ideal for complex knowledge bases. Logseq is better for those prioritizing intuitive task management and cloud collaboration with a gentler onboarding experience. The choice hinges on whether you value flexibility (Obsidian) or ease-of-use (Logseq).
Obsidian: Free (sync $8-10/mo optional) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Minimal (plugin-dependent) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Basic (via plugins only) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: No (plugin-based only) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 1000+ (community plugins) | Logseq: 300+ (community plugins)
Obsidian: ~2.5M (estimated) | Logseq: ~800K (estimated)
Obsidian: Via plugins only | Logseq: Native with Kanban
Obsidian: Limited (HTTP API beta) | Logseq: Yes (GraphQL & REST)
Obsidian: Bootstrapped (private) | Logseq: $4.1
Obsidian: $0 (not designed for teams) | Logseq: $0 (free)
Obsidian: Full (100% offline functionality) | Logseq: Yes — fully offline
Obsidian: No native support | Logseq: Limited (community plugins)
Obsidian: 9 (advanced graph visualization) | Logseq: 9 (outliner-native integration)
Obsidian: 5-15 (markdown basics) | Logseq: 5-10 (outliner intuitive)
Obsidian: 7 (Obsidian Mobile, good) | Logseq: 7 (Mobile app available)
Obsidian: Markdown + Attachments (fully portable) | Logseq: Markdown + Attachments (fully portable)
Obsidian: 3+ million active users | Logseq: 0.5+ million active users
Obsidian: Local Markdown files | Logseq: Local files (Markdown/EDN)
Obsidian: Plain Markdown | Logseq: Markdown + EDN (org-mode compatible)
Obsidian: Native Markdown (always portable) | Logseq: Native Markdown
Obsidian: No (free but proprietary) | Logseq: Yes (AGPL)
Obsidian: No (single-player by default) | Logseq: Limited (planned)
Obsidian: Obsidian Sync ($4/mo) or iCloud/Dropbox | Logseq: Logseq Sync (beta) or manual
Obsidian: Yes | Logseq: Yes (beta quality)
Obsidian: Via Outliner plugin | Logseq: Native — every line is a block
Obsidian: Yes (via links) | Logseq: Yes — first-class feature
Obsidian: Yes — link graph | Logseq: Yes (basic graph)
Obsidian: Via Dataview plugin | Logseq: Via queries
Obsidian: Yes (community + core) | Logseq: Yes
Obsidian: Via plugins | Logseq: Built-in (TODO/DOING/DONE)
Obsidian: Via Spaced Repetition plugin | Logseq: Via Scheduler plugin
Obsidian: 1,500+ community plugins | Logseq: 100+ plugins
Obsidian: Via plugins (Copilot, Smart Connections) | Logseq: Via plugins
Obsidian: Obsidian Sync $4/mo | Logseq: Beta / manual sync
Obsidian: N/A (no team plan) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Free (with optional $50 Sync) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 5 (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 50+ official + 100+ community | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Standard markdown (high portability) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 70% feature parity (plugins limited on mobile) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Unlimited (device storage dependent) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Free (Sync $8/month optional) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $0-96/year (depending on add-ons) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Standard Markdown (.md files) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 5M+ downloads on mobile alone | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Built-in graph with plugin enhancements | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $0/month (free tier) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $0/year (or $120 with Obsidian Sync) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Limited to manual sharing; no native multi-user editing | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Local device or user-chosen cloud storage | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: iOS and Android available (limited features on free tier) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Unlimited (fully free tier) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $0–$10/month (optional sync subscription) | Logseq: Free (or $10/month Pro)
Obsidian: $0 (free core) or $120/year (with Sync) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 100% fully functional offline | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: ~1.5 million (2024 estimate) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 6 (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Web) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Complete local ownership; markdown files on your device | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $0 (free) or $49 one-time | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: $49 one-time lifetime | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: 1-2 (shared vault via third-party) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: Partial (Dataview plugin, limited querying) | Logseq: N/A
Obsidian: N/A | Logseq: Web-based (limited offline)
Obsidian: N/A | Logseq: Local-first (on your device)
Obsidian: N/A | Logseq: Basic queries and search
Obsidian: N/A | Logseq: Device storage dependent
How to choose between Obsidian and Logseq
Obsidian vs Logseq — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Obsidian vs Logseq. Contains 84 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Obsidian vs Logseq — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Obsidian vs Logseq.
Obsidian dominates with 1000+ community plugins compared to Logseq's ~150+. This makes Obsidian far more extensible for power users seeking custom functionality.
What's the cost difference between them?
Obsidian offers free personal use with optional $96/year sync; Logseq offers a free tier with premium plans at $120-240/year. Both have free versions suitable for individual users.
Yes, Obsidian is fully functional offline since it stores all notes locally as Markdown files. Changes sync automatically when reconnected to the internet if using their optional sync service.
Yes, Logseq has native task management with TODO states, priorities, deadlines, and Kanban board views built-in. Obsidian requires plugins for similar functionality, making Logseq superior for task-heavy workflows.
Logseq is more beginner-friendly with its intuitive block-based interface and lower setup time (~12 minutes). Obsidian requires more configuration and customization, making its learning curve steeper for new users.
How to Choose Between Obsidian and Logseq
Architecture: Obsidian has File-based (Markdown files), while Logseq has Block-based (hierarchical blocks).
Data Storage: Obsidian has Local-first, optional sync service, while Logseq has Cloud-based platform.
Plugin Ecosystem: Obsidian has 1000+ community plugins (2026), while Logseq has Limited plugin availability.
Task Management: Obsidian has Secondary feature via plugins, while Logseq has Built-in with TODO states & Kanban.
Learning Curve: Obsidian has Steeper, more customization needed, while Logseq has Gentler, intuitive interface.
Business Model: Obsidian has Bootstrapped, optional paid sync, while Logseq has $4.1M funded, freemium model.
Offline Access: Obsidian has Full offline functionality, while Logseq has Limited offline features.
Customization: Obsidian has Highly customizable via CSS/plugins, while Logseq has Moderate customization options.