Capacities vs SiYuan
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs
C
Capacities
Your second brain for object-based note-taking
4.5
Editorial RatingS
SiYuan
Privacy-first local knowledge management with block-level references
4.5
Editorial RatingQuick Comparison
Rating
4.5
vs4.5
Starting Price
Free
vsFree
Pricing Model
freemium
vsfreemium
Feature
Capacities
SiYuan
Object-Based Notes
Custom Types
Daily Notes
Bi-Directional Links
Graph View
Media Management
Block-level references
Bidirectional linking
Spaced repetition
E2E encrypted sync
Math and diagrams
Mobile apps
Capacities Pros
- Unique object-based approach to knowledge management
- Beautiful and thoughtful interface design
- Great daily notes and journaling workflow
- Typed objects create structured knowledge bases
- Good graph view for visualizing connections
- Active development with frequent updates
Capacities Cons
- Newer tool with a small community
- No collaboration features yet
- Limited integrations and API
- No offline access currently
- Mobile apps are still early
- Export options are limited
SiYuan Pros
- Block-level referencing more granular than any competitor
- Spaced repetition built in for active learning
- End-to-end encrypted sync option for cross-device use
- Rich content support including math diagrams and code
- Desktop and mobile apps for all platforms
- Completely free for local use
SiYuan Cons
- Steeper learning curve than simpler note apps
- Block reference syntax takes time to master
- Cloud sync requires paid subscription
- Smaller community than Obsidian or Notion
- Interface can feel overwhelming for simple notes
- English documentation sometimes lags Chinese original