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The SiYuan Insider’s Guide

Everything we know about SiYuan in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.

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ToolGPAOctober 2026

SiYuan

The Insider’s Guide

Open-source, local-first notes built on linked content blocks

Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among note-taking apps, read from SiYuan’s own pages.

Made by Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd. · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com

3.0GPA

Contents

  1. 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
  2. 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
  3. 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
  4. 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
  5. 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
  6. 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
  7. 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

ToolGPA put this guide together from SiYuan’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on SiYuan’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.

Part 01 · Overview

Welcome

What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first

3.0

GPA, above 107 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade

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.

To get you started, here are 9 things to know about SiYuan, taken from its own pages and our grades.

No rating on record, and the listing shows real setup.
From our grade for ease of use
  1. 1

    Best for block-linked notes kept on your own device

    Refunds aren't offered, the trial's length isn't stated, and browser access needs a self-hosted Docker server.

  2. 2

    What it costs

    Paid plans start at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features).

  3. 3

    There is a free plan

    Free: basic functions with local storage, including for commercial use. Data sync and backup between devices are paid features.

  4. 4

    It runs on 6 platforms

    Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and Web, with a browser extension too.

  5. 5

    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.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    Databases

    Database views support relations that connect two databases, rollups across them and templates.

  8. 8

    A 3.0 GPA, above 107 of 147

    That is against the other note-taking apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.

  9. 9

    Keep it

    The plain part of SiYuan you could make: notes and linked notes. What surrounds it you could not. The 4 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.

SiYuan at a glance

Pricing
Free plan, from $64 one-time payment (PRO Features)
Free plan
Yes
Free trial
A trial subscription can be enabled in the desktop app under Settings > Account; its length is not stated
Runs on
Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Made by
Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd.
Category
Note-Taking Apps
Our grade
3.0 GPA, very good

The report card

Best for block-linked notes kept on your own device

SiYuan is an open-source notes app built from linked blocks, with databases, a graph and flashcards, that keeps everything on your own device. Syncing devices costs money: $64 once if you bring your own S3 or WebDAV storage, or $148 for the official cloud capped at 8 GB. Refunds aren't offered, the trial's length isn't stated, and browser access needs a self-hosted Docker server.

ToolGPA report cardSiYuanGraded Oct 10, 2026
SubjectGradeComment
Value for moneyAPRO Features is $64 once, down from $96, and a year of the middle note app here is $72, so you're under one year and paid for good. You do supply the S3 or WebDAV storage. The ready-made route is $148 for a lifetime subscription with 8 GB of cloud. No refunds on either.
Free plan and trialBThe app is free for local use, work included, and most of the features are in it, so one person on one machine could live here. Not an A, because sync and backup are paid, so a free phone and a free laptop won't share notes.
FeaturesBIt covers the job: 20-odd block types, references in both directions, a backlink panel, graphs, databases with relations and rollups, flashcards on the FSRS algorithm and end-to-end encrypted sync. Nothing missing, but nothing its rivals lack either, as Logseq does blocks and cards and Anytype does encrypted databases.
Ease of useCNo rating on record, and the listing shows real setup. The cheaper sync option means arranging your own S3 or WebDAV storage, browser access needs a self-hosted Docker server, and thinking in blocks rather than pages takes a while to click.
Platforms and integrationsBWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android and a browser extension, so every device is covered. The browser itself isn't, really: it needs a self-hosted Docker server or a desktop app on the same network. OpenAI is the only integration on record.
Grade point averageVery good, out of 4.03.0

An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.

Who SiYuan is for

  • Fits if you want notes stored on your own device that still work offline
  • Works for learners who want flashcards next to block-linked notes

Who it is not for

  • Skip it if you expect free sync between phone and laptop, as syncing starts at $64
  • Tight if you keep lots of files, since the official cloud stops at 8 GB per user
  • Not for you if you might want your money back, because refunds aren't available after subscribing
  • Watch out: the $64 sync option needs your own S3 or WebDAV storage, and the trial's length isn't stated
  • Skip it if you want a web app, since browser access needs a self-hosted Docker server or a desktop app on your network

Good to know

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.

Part 02 · Pricing

What it costs

Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved

$64 one-time

To start. There is a free plan too

SiYuan has a free plan. Paid plans start at $64 one-time payment (PRO Features).

The app is free for local use, work included, and most of the features are in it, so one person on one machine could live here.
From our grade for free plan and trial

  • Free

    $0

    Basic functions with local storage, described by the vendor as completely free.

  • PRO Features

    $64

    one-time payment

    Adds data sync and backup through your own S3 or WebDAV storage; no storage is included. Shown as reduced from $96.

  • Subscription

    $148

    one-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.

The free plan

Free: basic functions with local storage, including for commercial use. Data sync and backup between devices are paid features.

Trying it first

A trial subscription can be enabled in the desktop app under Settings > Account; its length is not stated

Read from b3log.org on Oct 5, 2026.

Ways to pay less

  • Lifetime license

    Lifetime 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

What the app costs elsewhere

Each country’s App Store price for “PRO Features”, against $79.99 in the United States, in dollars at the day’s rate. The four cheapest and the four dearest of 11.

CountryPrice thereIn dollarsAgainst the US
Canada$99.99$70.2912% less
Philippines₱ 4,990.00$79.43about the same
Turkey₺3.999,99$81.35about the same
India₹ 7,900$81.67about the same
Mexico$1,799.00$98.8524% more
BrazilR$ 499,90$99.8825% more
Germany89,99 €$100.8426% more
United Kingdom£79.99$105.7532% more

Part 03 · Features

What it does

Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it

7

Places it runs: Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and Browser extension

Open-source, local-first notes built on linked content blocks. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, self-hostable, local-first, end-to-end encrypted, notes, linked notes, databases.

Nothing missing, but nothing its rivals lack either, as Logseq does blocks and cards and Anytype does encrypted databases.
From our grade for 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.

Where it runs

  • Web
  • macOS
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Browser extension

What it works with

  • OpenAI

SiYuan is made by Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd.

Part 04 · Standing

Where it stands

Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own

107/147

Other note-taking apps it is graded above

SiYuan's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 107 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade, and level with 21.

It stands best on value for money (A, above 62 of 147) and worst on ease of use (C, above 5).

Each grade against the category

Every bar is all 148 note-taking apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. SiYuan’s own letter is outlined.

  • AValue for moneyAbove 62 of 147
  • BFree plan and trialAbove 71 of 147
  • BFeaturesAbove 100 of 147
  • CEase of useAbove 5 of 147
  • BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 86 of 147

Keep it, or make your own?

Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.

Keep it

The plain part of SiYuan you could make: notes and linked notes. What surrounds it you could not. The 4 things listed below take a company, not a weekend.

It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 107 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade. It costs $64, paid once. SiYuan is open source, so there is a third way: take its code and run it yourself.

What you could make

  • Notes and linked notes: an app builder makes these well.

What you could not

  • Databases with views, filters and links between them.
  • Apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android that stay in step with each other.
  • End-to-end encryption done properly.
  • The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.

What this rests on. SiYuan’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.

Part 05 · Alternatives

The alternatives

The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side

Obsidian, Logseq, Trilium Notes, Joplin and Anytype

The 5 tools SiYuan is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.

  • 3.6GPA

    Obsidian

    Free plan · from $4/mo

    Markdown note-taking app that keeps your files on your device.

    • Only SiYuan lists a web app.
    • SiYuan is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
    • SiYuan also covers databases.
    SiYuan and Obsidian compared in full
  • 3.0GPA

    Logseq

    Free plan · from $5/mo

    Open-source outliner for linked notes stored as local files.

    • Only SiYuan lists a browser extension.
    • SiYuan is self-hostable and end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • SiYuan also covers databases.
    SiYuan and Logseq compared in full
  • 3.0GPA

    Trilium Notes

    Free

    Free, open-source hierarchical notes for a personal knowledge base.

    • Only SiYuan lists iOS and Android apps.
    • SiYuan is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
    • SiYuan also covers linked notes and databases.
    SiYuan and Trilium Notes compared in full
  • 3.6GPA

    Joplin

    Free plan · from €2.40/mo

    Open source Markdown notes with sync through a service you choose.

    • SiYuan also covers linked notes and databases.
    • Joplin also covers Markdown and web clipper.
    SiYuan and Joplin compared in full
  • 2.6GPA

    Anytype

    Free plan · from $4/mo

    Local-first, end-to-end encrypted workspace for notes and data.

    • Only SiYuan lists a web app.
    • Only SiYuan lists a browser extension.
    • SiYuan is open source, according to its own site.
    SiYuan and Anytype compared in full

Part 06 · Questions

Quick answers

The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two

12

Questions, each answered in a line or two

The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.

Is SiYuan free?

SiYuan has a free plan. Free: basic functions with local storage, including for commercial use.

How much does SiYuan cost?

SiYuan lists 3 plans. Free: $0.

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.

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.

How does SiYuan compare with other note-taking apps?

SiYuan's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 107 of the 147 other note-taking apps we grade, and level with 21.

Could I make my own version of SiYuan?

The plain part of SiYuan you could make: notes and linked notes. What surrounds it you could not.

Where this guide comes from

The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from SiYuan’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from SiYuan's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-03-11.

Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd. Prices change, so check b3log.org before you buy.

Part 07 · About

About ToolGPA

Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

3,189

Tools graded, in 94 categories

ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.

Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.

  • 3,189

    tools graded

  • 94

    categories

  • 426

    price changes on record

  • 579

    apps priced in 12 countries

What else is on toolgpa.com

Scan for the live page

Prices and grades as they are today

Quoting this guide?

Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:

ToolGPA, "SiYuan: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/siyuan

Know someone choosing between note-taking apps?

Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/siyuan/guide

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See our other guides

The best-graded note-taking apps after SiYuan, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.

ToolGPA

Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.

Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›

Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what SiYuan’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. SiYuan is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Yunnan Liandi Technology Co., Ltd. Prices and plans change: check b3log.org before you buy.