Jotter is the better app overall, scoring 9.1 to 8.5. Jotter wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Logseq on 2, with 1 tied.
iPhone and iPad users who want a quick, private notepad with handwriting
Students, researchers and writers who like outlines and linked daily notes
Score by score
The details
| Feature | Jotter | Logseq |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Productivity & Notes | Productivity & Notes |
| Category rank | #3 of 17 | #10 of 17 |
| Developer | The Big Head | Logseq, Inc. |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Usable for free | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone & iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android | — | ✓ |
| Mac | — | ✓ |
| Windows | — | ✓ |
| Linux | — | ✓ |
| Web | — | ✓ |
Common questions
Is Jotter better than Logseq?
Jotter is the better app overall, scoring 9.1 to 8.5. Jotter wins on 2 of the 5 scores, Logseq on 2, with 1 tied.
Which is cheaper, Jotter or Logseq?
Jotter: Free, no subscription or ads; an optional tip unlocks nothing. Logseq: Free and open source; optional Open Collective backing starts at $5 a month. On value for money, Jotter scores higher.
Do Jotter and Logseq work on the same devices?
Only Logseq runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, Web.
Which is more private, Jotter or Logseq?
Logseq scores higher on privacy (9.6/10). App Store label: no tracking, and only crash and performance data, not linked to you. Your notes live on your device, and the beta sync is end-to-end encrypted with a password you set.
Strengths and weaknesses
Jotter
- No titles, folders or save buttons to slow you down
- Handwriting and photo text are searchable, read on the device
- Free, no account, synced through your own iCloud
- iPhone and iPad only, with no Mac, Android or web app
- No backlinks, plugins or collaboration
Jotter is built around one idea: open it and start typing. The first line names the note and it saves as you go. Checklists, Apple Pencil handwriting, scans and voice notes live in the same note, and search reads the text inside pictures and handwriting on the device. Notes sync through your own iCloud with no account, and every note exports as Markdown. It lacks the backlinks and plugins of Obsidian, but as a free, private everyday notepad it is quick and pleasant.
Full Jotter review
Logseq
- Free and open source
- Your notes stay on your own device
- Linking, searches and plugins for building a big knowledge base
- The new database version is still in beta
- iPhone App Store version last updated in April 2024
- Android app isn't on Google Play
Logseq is a free, open-source outliner for people who think in bullet points. Each day starts with a journal page, and linking ideas with double brackets slowly builds a web of connected notes. Add tasks, saved searches, flashcards and notes on PDFs, and keep it all on your own device. A big change is underway, though: the new database version is still in beta, and the iPhone App Store app dates from 2024.
Full Logseq review
