SiYuan
Free (local) / $9.99/year (cloud sync)Privacy-centric note-taking with block-level linking, SQL queries, and unlimited local storage.
Why founders use SiYuan
The Good
The Bad
The Verdict
SiYuan is a powerful local-first note-taking and knowledge management system built for users who value privacy and control. Every note is stored locally on your device in JSON format, with optional end-to-end encrypted cloud sync. It features innovative block-level linking, advanced SQL querying capabilities, and a WYSIWYG editor that handles documents with millions of words efficiently.\n\nUnlike cloud-based tools, SiYuan lets you own your data completely. The free version includes all core features with unlimited local storage; paid cloud sync ($9.99/year) is optional. It's particularly loved by researchers, technical writers, and knowledge workers building complex personal knowledge systems.