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BookStack vs SiYuan

A side-by-side editorial comparison of BookStack and SiYuan — release velocity, themes, recent moves, and the top alternatives to consider.

BookStack vs SiYuan: at a glance

FeatureBookStackSiYuan
SectorCollabCollab
Velocity score5.05.0
Sparks · 30d00
Top themesself-hosted, wiki, security-patches, permissionsnote-taking, knowledge base, mind maps, databases
Last editorial update2d ago12h ago
WebsiteVisit →Visit →

What is BookStack?

BookStack's release log is now mostly security patches between feature drops.

BookStack ships a feature release roughly every four months and fills the gaps with point releases that are almost all security fixes. The latest feature release, v26.09, added a customizable interface layout system and scoped search API endpoints; every point release since has closed permission and visibility holes.

Read the full BookStack trajectory →

What is SiYuan?

SiYuan 3.8.11 alphas add freeform mind maps and plugin snapshots right after 3.8.10.

SiYuan pushed 3.8.10 through betas and release candidates between November 7 and 9, carrying workspace AI memory, database sub-items and a built-in Markdown editor. The 3.8.11 alphas followed within days: freeform mind map relationships with per-node connector styles, browsing and restoring plugin snapshots, excluding assets from cleanup, a built-in date picker and rich text in database primary keys. Alpha 4 adds search and replace in the standalone Markdown editor.

Read the full SiYuan trajectory →

BookStack vs SiYuan: editorial side-by-side

B
BookStack
COLLAB
5.0

BookStack's release log is now mostly security patches between feature drops.

◆ Current state

BookStack ships a feature release roughly every four months and fills the gaps with point releases that are almost all security fixes. The latest feature release, v26.09, added a customizable interface layout system and scoped search API endpoints; every point release since has closed permission and visibility holes.

◆ Where it's heading

The recurring vulnerability theme is permission edge cases around drafts, the recycle bin and attachments, which suggests a steady external research effort probing the permission model. Feature work is leaning toward customization and API reach while the security cadence keeps the core trustworthy for self-hosters.

◆ Prediction

Expect at least one more security point release before the next feature version, likely again touching drafts, attachments or recycle-bin permissions, since those areas recur in nearly every patch.

S
SiYuan
COLLAB
5.0

SiYuan 3.8.11 alphas add freeform mind maps and plugin snapshots right after 3.8.10.

◆ Current state

SiYuan pushed 3.8.10 through betas and release candidates between November 7 and 9, carrying workspace AI memory, database sub-items and a built-in Markdown editor. The 3.8.11 alphas followed within days: freeform mind map relationships with per-node connector styles, browsing and restoring plugin snapshots, excluding assets from cleanup, a built-in date picker and rich text in database primary keys. Alpha 4 adds search and replace in the standalone Markdown editor.

◆ Where it's heading

SiYuan works in fast public cycles, with the next version's alphas starting as soon as the last one stabilises. 3.8.11 is about polish and editing depth: mind maps, databases and the new Markdown editor all get more control.

◆ Prediction

Expect more 3.8.11 alphas, then betas and release candidates with the same list, following the 3.8.10 pattern.

Alternatives to BookStack and SiYuan

Other Collab products tracked by Sparkpulse, ranked by recent ship velocity. Each card links to a full editorial trajectory and lets you pivot into a head-to-head comparison with either BookStack or SiYuan.

See all BookStack alternatives → · See all SiYuan alternatives →

Recent activity from BookStack and SiYuan

Latest ship moves from both products, interleaved chronologically. ⚡ = editorial spark.

  1. 18h agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.11 alpha 4 adds search and replace to Markdown editor
  2. 1d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.11 alpha: freeform mind maps, plugin snapshots
  3. 2d agoBookStackBookStack patches draft, image and recycle-bin permission leaks
  4. 4d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 RC5: related database views, better LAN sync
  5. 4d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 RC3: AI memory, database sub-items near stable
  6. 4d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 2
  7. 5d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 1
  8. 24d agoBookStackBookStack fixes comment and attachment exposure on drafts
  9. 1mo agoBookStackBookStack fixes ZIP import size check and audit log timezone
  10. 1mo agoBookStackBookStack adds customizable UI layouts and scoped search API
  11. 2mo agoBookStackBookStack fixes social login account mismatching
  12. 2mo agoBookStackBookStack patches ZIP import code execution and XSS issues

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between BookStack and SiYuan?

They serve adjacent needs but don't currently overlap on shipped themes. BookStack and SiYuan are shipping at a similar cadence (velocity 5.0 vs 5.0, both within Sparkpulse's "active" band). See the at-a-glance table above for a side-by-side breakdown of velocity, recent sparks, and editorial themes.

Is BookStack better than SiYuan?

Sparkpulse doesn't pick a winner — we score release velocity, not feature parity. BookStack and SiYuan are shipping at a similar cadence (velocity 5.0 vs 5.0, both within Sparkpulse's "active" band). For your specific use case, the alternatives sections above list other Collab products to evaluate alongside.

What are the best alternatives to BookStack?

Top BookStack alternatives in Collab are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "BookStack alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/bookstack for the full list with editorial commentary on each.

What are the best alternatives to SiYuan?

Top SiYuan alternatives in Collab are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "SiYuan alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/siyuan for the full list with editorial commentary on each.