Obsidian vs SiYuan: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
SiYuan
Privacy-First Open Source Note-Taking and Knowledge Management
SiYuan
Privacy-First Open Source Note-Taking and Knowledge Management
What are Obsidian and SiYuan?
Obsidian is a note-taking app that works with plain text files stored directly on your device. You can write notes, link them together, and see how your ideas connect through a visual graph. Unlike cloud-based tools, everything stays private on your computer.
The app uses simple text files with basic formatting, which means your notes remain readable even without Obsidian. You can link any note to another, creating connections that help you discover patterns in your thinking. This makes it great for building knowledge over time.
There is a free version with all core features and optional paid services for cloud syncing and web publishing. The app works on computers, phones, and tablets.
SiYuan is a personal knowledge management system that treats every piece of content as a block. These blocks can be linked, referenced, and organized in multiple ways. Unlike traditional note-taking apps, SiYuan gives you complete control by storing everything locally on your device.
The tool uses a block-based approach where even whole documents are treated as blocks. This makes it easy to split, move, and connect information without breaking existing links. You can create bidirectional links between ideas, use outlines to organize thoughts, and view your knowledge as a graph.
It includes features like mathematical formulas, charts, flashcards for learning, and database views. The app is self-hosted, meaning you own your data completely.
Features of Obsidian and SiYuan
Stores notes locally on your device with full privacy
Links notes together to build knowledge networks
Visual graph shows connections between ideas
Canvas for unlimited brainstorming space
Thousands of free community plugins available
Works offline without internet connection
Plain text files you own forever
Mobile apps for phones and tablets
Supports basic text formatting
Free to use with optional paid services
Privacy-first with complete offline use
Block-level references and bidirectional links
Markdown editor with visual formatting
End-to-end encrypted sync
Spaced repetition flashcards
Database views with relations
Self-hosted deployment option
Multiple device support
Mathematical formulas and charts
Open source and free for local use
Graph view of knowledge connections
Use Cases of Obsidian and SiYuan
Pricing of Obsidian and SiYuan
Obsidian is completely free for personal use with all core features included. You get unlimited notes, full plugin access, and complete control over your data at no cost.
For users who want to sync notes across devices, Obsidian Sync offers two plans. The Standard plan costs $4 per month when paid yearly (or $5 monthly) and includes one synced vault with 1GB storage. The Plus plan costs $8 per month yearly (or $10 monthly) with 10GB storage and unlimited vaults.
Obsidian Publish lets you share notes on the web for $8 per month yearly (or $10 monthly) per site, with custom themes and no technical knowledge needed.
The optional Commercial License costs $50 per user yearly for business use, though it became optional in 2025. For one-time supporters, the Catalyst license at $25 gives early access to beta versions and community perks.
SiYuan offers three pricing options designed to meet different user needs. The Free version gives you lifetime access to all core features for local use, including block editing, markdown support, and offline access. This makes SiYuan perfect for individual users who want complete control without any cost.
The PRO Features package costs $64 as a one-time lifetime payment (discounted from $96) and unlocks integration with third-party services like Amazon S3 and WebDAV for sync and backup.
The Subscription plan costs $148 lifetime (discounted from $296) and includes everything in PRO plus official cloud sync with 8GB storage space, cloud inbox for collecting ideas, and automatic backup. Limited seats are available for this plan.
All features for creating and managing notes locally remain free forever, even for commercial use.
FAQs: Obsidian vs SiYuan
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