SiYuan
Privacy-first, self-hosted personal knowledge management software.
Pricing
Free tier
Flat rate
Adoption
→StableLicense
Open Source
Data freshness
Aging · Jun 8, 2026Overview
What is SiYuan?
SiYuan is a privacy-focused, open-source tool for managing personal notes and knowledge. Written in TypeScript and Go, it offers users full control over their data by allowing self-hosting.
Key differentiator
“SiYuan stands out as a privacy-focused, fully open-source alternative for those who need complete control over their data through self-hosting.”
Capability profile
Capability Radar
Honest assessment
Strengths & Weaknesses
↑ Strengths
↓ Weaknesses
The graph database and node-based organization system require significant time to understand and utilize effectively.
SiYuan primarily focuses on self-hosting and privacy, resulting in fewer official integrations compared to more mainstream note-taking applications.
Setting up SiYuan involves configuring a server environment with specific dependencies and configurations, which can be challenging for users without extensive technical knowledge.
The tool may experience performance degradation when handling large volumes of notes or complex graph structures, especially on lower-end hardware.
Fit analysis
Who is it for?
✓ Best for
Individuals who prioritize privacy and control over their data
Users looking for a self-hosted solution for note-taking and knowledge management
✕ Not a fit for
Teams requiring cloud-based collaboration features
Users unwilling to manage their own server infrastructure
Cost structure
Pricing
Free Tier
Available
Open source — free to use
Starts at
$0
Model
Flat rate
Enterprise
None
Performance benchmarks
How Fast Is It?
Ecosystem
Relationships
Next step
Get Started with SiYuan
Step-by-step setup guide with code examples and common gotchas.