Logseq vs Wiki.js
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted notes & knowledge base options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
| Feature | Logseq | Wiki.js |
|---|---|---|
| Deploy effort | Read-the-docs project | Under-an-hour setup |
| Health score | 100 · Excellent | 98 · Excellent |
| Category | Notes & Knowledge Base | Notes & Knowledge Base |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | Clojure | Vue |
| Setup difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 256 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | binary, bare-metal | docker, bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 45,040 | ★ 28,956 |
| First released | 2020 | 2017 |
| Replaces | Notion, Roam Research | Confluence, Notion |
What are Logseq and Wiki.js?
Logseq
Logseq is a privacy-first, local-first outliner for knowledge management and networked note-taking using plain Markdown files. It targets users who want a graph-based personal knowledge tool. It runs as a desktop app with optional file syncing.
- Outliner with bidirectional links
- Plain Markdown file storage
- Graph view of notes
- Plugin marketplace
Wiki.js
Wiki.js is a modern, feature-rich wiki engine with multiple editors, authentication options, and storage backends. It targets teams and communities building a structured knowledge base. It is deployed via Docker or Node.js.
- Markdown, WYSIWYG and code editors
- Many authentication providers
- Git and storage sync
- Powerful permissions
Logseq vs Wiki.js: key differences
Logseq is written in Clojure, while Wiki.js is built with Vue. Logseq is the lighter option, starting around 256 MB of RAM against 512 MB for Wiki.js. Wiki.js is the more established project (first released 2017), while Logseq arrived in 2020. Wiki.js lists first-class Docker deployment; Logseq does not.
Why pick each one
Choose Logseq if…
- Local-first and private
- Great for linked thinking
- Files stay portable
Watch out for
- Not a hosted server
- Performance dips on huge graphs
Choose Wiki.js if…
- Flexible and full-featured
- Many auth options
- Good content management
Watch out for
- Configuration can be involved
- Version 3 rewrite in progress
Frequently asked questions
Is Logseq or Wiki.js better?
Logseq is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Wiki.js if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Logseq and Wiki.js free and open-source?
Yes. Logseq is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Wiki.js under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Logseq and Wiki.js with Docker?
Logseq: check the project docs for container support. Wiki.js: yes.
Which is lighter on resources, Logseq or Wiki.js?
Logseq has the smaller minimum footprint at 256 MB of RAM, compared to about 512 MB for Wiki.js. Real-world usage depends on library size, user count, and enabled features.