Logseq vs SiYuan

Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs

L

Logseq

Open-source outliner for knowledge management

4.3
Editorial Rating
S

SiYuan

Privacy-first local knowledge management with block-level references

4.5
Editorial Rating

Quick Comparison

Rating

4.3
vs
4.5

Starting Price

Free
vs
Free

Pricing Model

free
vs
freemium
Feature
Logseq
SiYuan
Outliner-based editing
Bidirectional linking
Daily journals
Graph view
Open source
Local-first
Block-level references
Spaced repetition
E2E encrypted sync
Math and diagrams
Mobile apps

Logseq Pros

  • Completely open source and free
  • Powerful block-level references and embedding
  • Excellent daily journaling workflow
  • Local-first with privacy built in
  • Active community
  • Strong for interconnected note-taking

Logseq Cons

  • Development pace slower than Obsidian
  • Performance issues with large knowledge bases
  • Outliner format not suitable for everyone
  • Fewer plugins than Obsidian ecosystem
  • Mobile apps less polished
  • Database mode still maturing

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

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