NotionAbout SiYuan
SiYuan is the power-user's personal knowledge base: block-level editing like Notion, bidirectional links like Roam, and spaced-repetition flashcards built in — so the notes you take actually get remembered.
Everything is local-first. Your notes live on your machine, sync is optional and end-to-end encrypted, and you can self-host the whole thing with Docker. Attribute queries, SQL-style database views and a plugin marketplace make it one of the deepest PKM tools anywhere.
AGPL-3.0 licensed with a large international community, SiYuan suits serious note-takers who want Notion-grade structure without giving up ownership.
What makes it different
Notion-style blocks with instant rendering — drag, nest, embed and query them.
Bidirectional links, block references and a graph view connect your thinking.
Turn any block into a spaced-repetition card — review without leaving your notes.
Notes stay on your device; optional sync is end-to-end encrypted, or self-host with Docker.
TypeScript
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Electron
DockerThe honest read
- Deep feature set: blocks, backlinks, queries, flashcards
- Local-first with E2E-encrypted optional sync
- Self-hostable and AGPL-licensed
- Plugin marketplace and themes
- Strong performance on large vaults
- Denser learning curve than simpler note apps
- UI is busier than minimalist rivals
- Some sync features are paid
- Collaboration isn't the focus
Quick answers
Yes — SiYuan is free and open source under AGPL-3.0. The optional official cloud sync is paid, but self-hosting sync is free.
SiYuan is local-first and self-hostable with your notes stored on your device, and it adds backlinks and built-in flashcards. Notion is cloud-only and closed-source.
Yes — any block can become a flashcard reviewed on a spaced-repetition schedule, similar to Anki, without leaving the app.
Yes — a Docker image lets you run SiYuan on your own server, including sync.
Fully — it's local-first, so everything works offline; sync happens when you're back online.
More open-source picks
Privacy-first outliner with backlinks and journals.
Local-first docs + whiteboards + databases.
Hierarchical notes for large personal knowledge bases.
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