Logseq
Open-source outliner for linked notes, with tags, queries and table views, that keeps your graph on your own device.
Founded 2020
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Logseq is an open-source outliner where every note is a list of blocks you can link, tag and query. Logseq 2.0, the current download on logseq.com, is labeled beta and keeps each graph in a SQLite database on your own device instead of Markdown files. A desktop Markdown Mirror can write a one-way Markdown copy, and the file-based app continues as Logseq OG, with maintenance updates only. Every page and block lists linked and unlinked references. Tags can carry typed properties, so tagged notes appear in editable table, list or gallery views, alongside built-in tasks, journals and flashcards. The desktop and web apps are free for personal and company use while data stays local. Sync, with end-to-end encryption and real-time collaboration, is in testing for monthly Open Collective backers (from $5 a month) and can be self-hosted. A plugin SDK, local HTTP API, CLI and MCP server extend it.
Best for
People who think in outlines and daily journals and want private, linked notes on their own device, and who are comfortable with beta software or with the maintenance-only Markdown version, Logseq OG.
Pros
- Free and open source (AGPL-3.0), with no license needed for personal or company use while your data stays local
- Graphs are stored and run on your own device, with automatic backups on desktop (the last 12 are kept)
- Every page and block shows linked and unlinked references, and tags with typed properties turn notes into editable tables
- Built-in tasks with repeats, daily journals, flashcards and PDF annotation
- Plugin SDK, local HTTP API, command-line interface and MCP server for scripts and AI apps
Cons
- Logseq 2.0 is a beta: its own README warns that data loss is possible and recommends regular backups
- Sync and live co-editing are still in testing and need a monthly Open Collective donation from $5 (or a self-hosted server); hosted page publishing also needs a Sync account
- Notes live in a SQLite database, not Markdown files; the desktop Markdown Mirror is one-way, and the Markdown app, Logseq OG, gets maintenance updates only
- Whiteboards, Org-mode files and the built-in Zotero integration were dropped from the database version
- Beyond an opt-in on-device semantic search that needs Python, AI comes through outside apps connected to its MCP server
From our tests
Screenshots of Logseq from our hands-on tests. Each links to the full-size image; the test name leads to the task, how we judged it and the other tool's result.
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly | Yearly (12-month total) |
|---|---|---|
| FreeDesktop and web apps; no license needed for personal or company use while data stays local and off Logseq's servers | Free Free plan | |
| Backers (Open Collective)Monthly Open Collective donation, no yearly price; early access to insider builds; Logseq Sync (still in testing) for DB graphs since July 2026 (sign in with your Open Collective email) | $5/mo | no yearly price |
| Sponsors (Open Collective)Monthly Open Collective donation, no yearly price; early access to insider builds; Logseq Sync, still in testing (first to get invites; Backers have had the same access since July 2026) | $15/mo | no yearly price |
Prices checked on .
Features
In Notes and knowledge
| Feature | Logseq |
|---|---|
| Offline use | Yes · Graphs are stored and run on your device |
| Local-first files | Partial · Local SQLite database file; one-way Markdown Mirror on desktop; Markdown files only in Logseq OG |
| Databases | Yes · Tags with typed properties; editable table, list and gallery views; queries |
| Backlinks | Yes · Linked and unlinked references on every page and block |
| Real-time collaboration | Add-on · Live co-editing through Logseq Sync, still in testing for monthly Open Collective backers (from $5/month); can be self-hosted |
| API | Yes · Plugin SDK, local HTTP API (desktop), CLI and MCP server |
| Publish to web | Yes · Export public pages as a static site to host yourself; hosted Logseq Publish needs a Sync account |
| Encryption | Yes · Sync is end-to-end encrypted with a password you set on your device |
| AI features | Partial · MCP server for outside AI apps; opt-in on-device semantic search (needs Python) |