Memos vs SiYuan
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool for your needs
M
Memos
Lightweight self-hosted note-taking for quick capture
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
free
vsfreemium
Feature
Memos
SiYuan
Quick note capture
Markdown support
Tags and filters
Timeline view
REST API
Mobile-friendly
Block-level references
Bidirectional linking
Spaced repetition
E2E encrypted sync
Math and diagrams
Mobile apps
Memos Pros
- Incredibly lightweight — runs on a Raspberry Pi
- Perfect for quick thought capture without heavy UI
- 59K GitHub stars reflect genuine community enthusiasm
- Single Docker container with SQLite makes deployment trivial
- Mobile-friendly web interface for on-the-go capture
- API enables automation and integration with other tools
Memos Cons
- Not designed for long-form documents or complex knowledge bases
- Limited formatting compared to full note-taking apps
- No real-time collaboration features
- Search is basic compared to tools like Trilium
- No native mobile app — browser-based only
- Plugin ecosystem is minimal
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