SiYuan
Open-source, local-first notes built on linked content blocks
What is SiYuan?
SiYuan is an open-source note-taking app that stores data on the user's own device and keeps working without a network connection. Notes are made of content blocks that can reference each other, with backlinks, a relationship graph, databases, flashcards and Markdown-style editing. Most features are free; syncing between devices is a paid feature, either through the vendor's cloud or your own storage.
SiYuan has a free plan. Paid plans start at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features). See every plan
Good for
- People who want notes stored on their own device and usable offline
- Note-takers who link ideas at the block level and explore them in a graph
- Learners who want flashcards alongside their notes
Worth knowing
- Syncing devices costs money: $64 once to use your own S3 or WebDAV storage, or the subscription for the official cloud.
- The official cloud storage is limited to 8 GB per user.
- Refunds are not available after subscribing; the vendor suggests trying the trial subscription in the desktop app first.
- Browser access comes from a self-hosted Docker server or a desktop app on the same local network.
Key features
- Block-based editor
- Everything is a content block. The WYSIWYG editor offers more than 20 block types and 10 inline types, and any block can be zoomed into on its own.
- Block references and backlinks
- Blocks link in both directions, a backlink panel surfaces mentions that can be turned into links, and global and block-level graphs show how notes connect.
- Databases
- Database views support relations that connect two databases, rollups across them and templates.
- Flashcards
- Built-in spaced repetition schedules card reviews with the FSRS algorithm.
- End-to-end encrypted sync
- Paid options sync devices with end-to-end encryption, using either the official 8 GB cloud or S3 or WebDAV storage that you provide.
- Self-hosted server
- A Docker image runs SiYuan on your own server for use from a browser, with a lock-screen password controlling access.
SiYuan pricing
- Starts at
- $64 one-time payment (PRO Features)
- Free plan
- Free: basic functions with local storage, including for commercial use. Data sync and backup between devices are paid features.
- Free trial
- A trial subscription can be enabled in the desktop app under Settings > Account; its length is not stated
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic functions with local storage, described by the vendor as completely free. |
| PRO Features | $64one-time payment | Adds data sync and backup through your own S3 or WebDAV storage; no storage is included. Shown as reduced from $96. |
| Subscription | $148one-time payment for a lifetime subscription | PRO Features plus 8 GB of official cloud storage, official sync and backup, a cloud inbox and asset hosting. Shown as reduced from $296 for limited seats. |
Read from b3log.org on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with SiYuan before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- Lifetime licenseLifetime subscription at $148 for limited seats
A vendor post says the $148 lifetime price covers a limited number of seats, then reverts to $296, and that the lifetime option closes once all seats are sold.
Stated on liuyun.io
Works with
SiYuan alternatives
- SiYuan vs Obsidian
Free plan · from $4/mo
- SiYuan vs Logseq
Free plan · from $5/mo
- SiYuan vs Joplin
Free plan · from €2.40/mo
- SiYuan vs Anytype
Free plan · from $4/mo
Common questions
Is SiYuan free?
SiYuan has a free plan. Free: basic functions with local storage, including for commercial use. Data sync and backup between devices are paid features. Paid plans start at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features).
How much does SiYuan cost?
SiYuan lists 3 plans. Free: $0. PRO Features: $64 one-time payment. Subscription: $148 one-time payment for a lifetime subscription. Prices were read from b3log.org on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does SiYuan work on?
SiYuan is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Web. It also has a browser extension.
Does SiYuan offer any discounts?
SiYuan publicly lists the following: Lifetime subscription at $148 for limited seats.
Is SiYuan open source?
Yes. SiYuan is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Is SiYuan end-to-end encrypted?
SiYuan describes itself as end-to-end encrypted on its own site. Nobody here has audited that.
What does SiYuan integrate with?
SiYuan's listing names OpenAI. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Does SiYuan have a free trial?
Yes. A trial subscription can be enabled in the desktop app under Settings > Account; its length is not stated.
Who makes SiYuan?
SiYuan is made by Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd.
What are the alternatives to SiYuan?
The closest alternatives to SiYuan in our directory are Obsidian, Logseq, Trilium Notes, Joplin and Anytype. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SiYuan.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.