Logseq vs Joplin
Logseq: Open source outliner for linked notes and daily journals, with local storage. Joplin: Open source note app with Markdown or rich text editing and end-to-end encrypted sync.
| Logseq | Joplin | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free app, optional Joplin Cloud |
| Free option | The app is free; the vendor describes it as privacy-first and open source | The apps are free; sync works with Dropbox, OneDrive and other services as well as Joplin Cloud |
| License | Open source (AGPL-3.0) | Open source |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Terminal |
| Notes stored as | Local Markdown or Org-mode files (outline format) | Local notes in an open format, synced to a service of your choice |
Choose Logseq if
- you think in outlines and daily journals
- you open source matters to you
- you want block-level references between notes
Strengths
- Open source with a public codebase you can read
- Outliner first: every bullet can be linked and referenced
- Daily journal workflow built in
Limits
- Outline format means exported Markdown is a nested bullet list
- Less polished for long-form prose than a document editor
Pricing details
- Check the Logseq site for current sync and collaboration options; this page does not quote a price for them
Choose Joplin if
- you want free, open source notes with encrypted sync
- you want to pick your own sync backend
- you clip web pages often
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption
- Web clipper for Chrome and Firefox
- Plugins and themes, Markdown or Rich Text editor
- Syncs with Dropbox, OneDrive and other services
Limits
- Interface is more utilitarian than Obsidian or Bear
- Notes are stored in the app, not as a folder of files you edit elsewhere
Pricing details
- Joplin Cloud plans are listed on joplinapp.org/plans
Logseq
Open source outliner for linked notes and daily journals, with local storage.
Open source
- Price: Free
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
- Storage: Local Markdown or Org-mode files (outline format)
Joplin
Open source note app with Markdown or rich text editing and end-to-end encrypted sync.
Open source
- Price: Free app, optional Joplin Cloud
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Terminal
- Storage: Local notes in an open format, synced to a service of your choice
Details come from each vendor's own website and were checked on 2026-10-18. Confirm current prices on the vendor page.