SiYuan vs Notion: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
SiYuan
Privacy-First Open Source Note-Taking and Knowledge Management
Notion
All-in-One Workspace for Teams & Projects
SiYuan
Privacy-First Open Source Note-Taking and Knowledge Management
Notion
All-in-One Workspace for Teams & Projects
What are SiYuan and Notion?
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.
Notion is a versatile all-in-one workspace that functions like a set of digital building blocks. Think of it as a combination of Google Docs, Trello, Airtable, and Evernote all rolled into one seamless platform. Every page in Notion is built using 'blocks' - individual pieces of content like text, images, databases, or embedded files that you can arrange however you want.
What sets Notion apart is its flexibility. You can create simple notes, complex project management systems, company wikis, or personal journals using the same tool. The platform supports real-time collaboration, allowing teams to work together on documents, databases, and projects simultaneously. With templates for common use cases and the ability to create custom workflows, Notion scales from personal use to enterprise-level operations while maintaining simplicity and elegance.
Features of SiYuan and Notion
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
All-in-one workspace combining notes, docs, wikis, and databases
Block-based editor with drag-and-drop functionality
Real-time collaboration and team sharing
Multiple database views and advanced filtering
Template gallery for quick setup
Notion AI for content generation (Business+)
Cross-platform sync (web, desktop, mobile)
Integration with popular work tools
Unlimited pages and customizable workflows
Use Cases of SiYuan and Notion
Pricing of SiYuan and Notion
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.
Notion offers flexible pricing to suit individual users and growing teams. The Free plan is perfect for personal use, providing unlimited pages and blocks for individuals, plus collaboration with up to 10 guests. However, it limits file uploads to 5MB and includes basic features only.
The Plus plan at $10 per user monthly (annual billing) targets small teams, offering unlimited file uploads, 30-day page history, and collaboration with up to 100 guests.
The Business plan at $20 per user monthly includes everything in Plus plus Notion AI features, advanced page analytics, and priority support - making it ideal for growing companies.
Enterprise plans feature custom pricing and deliver advanced security with SAML SSO, user provisioning, audit logs, and dedicated customer success management. Students and educators receive Plus plan benefits free with school email verification.
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