How are SiYuan and GoodNotes scored?

SiYuan has an AI score of 7.44/10 and GoodNotes has an AI score of 8.64/10. Scores are based on category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.

SiYuan vs GoodNotes 2026 - Compared

SiYuan

GoodNotes

WINNER GoodNotes

The comparison between GoodNotes and SiYuan is particularly intriguing due to their distinct yet overlapping functionali...

SiYuan

7.44 Good

Knowledge Management Get SiYuan open_in_new

emoji_events WINNER

GoodNotes

8.64 Great

Knowledge Management Get GoodNotes open_in_new

SiYuan Free plan available

payments

GoodNotes From $9.99/mo Free plan available

psychology AI Verdict

The comparison between GoodNotes and SiYuan is particularly intriguing due to their distinct yet overlapping functionalities in the realms of digital note-taking and knowledge management. GoodNotes excels in providing a seamless and realistic writing experience, particularly for users who prefer handwritten notes. Its advanced PDF annotation capabilities allow users to mark up documents with precision, making it a favorite among students and professionals alike.

The app's powerful handwriting recognition and search features enhance its usability, allowing users to find notes quickly and efficiently. In contrast, SiYuan stands out as a robust knowledge management system that emphasizes privacy and offline capabilities, appealing to users who prioritize data security and local storage. Its block-based editor and bidirectional linking facilitate a more interconnected approach to knowledge management, allowing users to visualize their information in a graph view.

While GoodNotes is tailored for those who thrive on handwritten notes and document annotation, SiYuan caters to users seeking a comprehensive, structured way to manage and connect their knowledge. Ultimately, the choice between GoodNotes and SiYuan hinges on the user's specific needs: if one values the tactile experience of writing and annotating, GoodNotes is the clear winner; however, for those focused on knowledge organization and privacy, SiYuan offers unparalleled advantages.

emoji_events Winner: GoodNotes

verified Confidence: High

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thumbs_up_down Pros & Cons

SiYuan

check_circle Pros

Open-source and free to use
Strong focus on privacy with local data storage
Flexible block-based editor
Bidirectional linking for enhanced knowledge connectivity

cancel Cons

Steeper learning curve
Less polished user experience compared to paid apps
Limited mobile support compared to GoodNotes

GoodNotes

check_circle Pros

Realistic handwriting experience
Excellent PDF annotation tools
Powerful handwriting search functionality
User-friendly interface

cancel Cons

Limited to Apple devices
One-time purchase may deter some users
Lacks advanced knowledge management features

difference Key Differences

SiYuan GoodNotes

SiYuan's core strength is its comprehensive knowledge management capabilities, featuring a block-based editor that allows for flexible content organization and bidirectional linking, which enhances the interconnectivity of notes.

Core Strength

GoodNotes' core strength lies in its ability to replicate the feel of traditional handwriting, making it ideal for users who prefer a pen-and-paper experience. Its PDF annotation tools are particularly robust, allowing for detailed markup and organization of documents.

SiYuan offers impressive performance with local SQLite storage, which ensures quick access to data and offline functionality, making it reliable even without internet connectivity.

Performance

GoodNotes performs exceptionally well on Apple devices, with smooth handwriting recognition and fast loading times for large PDF files, ensuring a responsive user experience.

SiYuan is open-source and free, making it an attractive option for users looking for a powerful knowledge management tool without any financial commitment, although it may lack some polish compared to paid alternatives.

Value for Money

GoodNotes operates on a one-time purchase model, providing excellent value for users who prefer to avoid subscription fees, especially given its extensive feature set for note-taking and annotation.

SiYuan, while feature-rich, has a steeper learning curve due to its complex functionalities and block-based editing system, which may require time for users to fully grasp.

Ease of Use

GoodNotes boasts an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all ages, particularly students who may be new to digital note-taking.

SiYuan is best suited for knowledge workers, researchers, and anyone looking to build a personal knowledge base with a focus on privacy and offline access.

Best For

GoodNotes is ideal for students, educators, and professionals who need a reliable tool for handwritten notes and document annotation.

help When to Choose

SiYuan

If you prioritize privacy and local data storage
If you need a free and open-source knowledge management tool
If you want advanced linking and organization features for your notes

GoodNotes

If you prioritize a realistic writing experience
If you need robust PDF annotation capabilities
If you prefer a user-friendly interface for note-taking

description Overview

SiYuan

SiYuan is a powerful, open-source personal knowledge management system with a block-based editor and an outliner. Data is stored locally in SQLite, ensuring privacy and performance. It features bidirectional linking, graph view, and supports Android. It's a strong choice for users seeking a free, privacy-focused, and feature-rich Notion-like experience with offline capability. Development is commu...

GoodNotes

Goodnotes recreates the structure of paper notebooks while adding digital handwriting and PDF annotation. Pen and highlighter tools work with a choice of page templates, allowing notes to take the form of lined pages, diagrams or other layouts. On an iPad, stylus input makes it relevant to students and people who prefer writing by hand to composing every note with a keyboard. Imported digital pla...