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Comparison · Collab

Memos vs SiYuan

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

Memos vs SiYuan: at a glance

FeatureMemosSiYuan
SectorCollabCollab
Velocity score5.05.0
Sparks · 30d00
Top themesself-hosted, collaboration, spaces, usage-limitsnote-taking, knowledge base, mind maps, databases
Last editorial update12d ago13h ago
WebsiteVisit →Visit →

What is Memos?

Memos adopts calendar versions and rebuilds writing around one block editor.

Memos has moved to calendar versioning, with 26.10 candidates following 0.31 and versions now written YY.MM.N. 26.10.0-rc.2 replaces the editor with one block editor shared by writing and reading, and turns the instance-wide memo length and upload caps into ordered per-user usage limits that also cover memo count and total storage. rc.1 added editor suggestions and transcription of existing audio attachments, and Spaces now follow the user across Timeline, Calendar, Map and Attachments.

Read the full Memos 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 →

Memos vs SiYuan: editorial side-by-side

M
Memos
COLLAB
5.0

Memos adopts calendar versions and rebuilds writing around one block editor.

◆ Current state

Memos has moved to calendar versioning, with 26.10 candidates following 0.31 and versions now written YY.MM.N. 26.10.0-rc.2 replaces the editor with one block editor shared by writing and reading, and turns the instance-wide memo length and upload caps into ordered per-user usage limits that also cover memo count and total storage. rc.1 added editor suggestions and transcription of existing audio attachments, and Spaces now follow the user across Timeline, Calendar, Map and Attachments.

◆ Where it's heading

Spaces made Memos multi-user, and usage limits are what an administrator needs once several people share an instance. The candidate keeps spending compatibility to get there: upgrading signs everyone out because access tokens are bound to the password, and the old size settings are removed without migration, leaving defaults of 8 KiB per memo and 32 MiB per file. The HTTP layer also moved to the Go standard library, with operators asked to report reverse-proxy differences.

◆ Prediction

Expect 26.10.0 stable with those upgrade notes intact. Reverse-proxy reports against the new HTTP layer are the likeliest cause of another candidate.

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 Memos 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 Memos or SiYuan.

See all Memos alternatives → · See all SiYuan alternatives →

Recent activity from Memos 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. 4d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 RC5: related database views, better LAN sync
  4. 4d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 RC3: AI memory, database sub-items near stable
  5. 5d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 2
  6. 5d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 1
  7. 18d agoMemosOne block editor, per-user usage limits and calendar versions
  8. 1mo agoMemosEditor suggestions, audio transcription, unified browsing
  9. 2mo agoMemosCalendar and Map pages, moving memos between Spaces
  10. 2mo agoMemosCollaborative Spaces, author-owned memos, and Saved Views ⚡
  11. 3mo agoMemosEmbedded MCP endpoint, live SSE updates, and revocable share links ⚡
  12. 3mo agoMemosMemos Web Clipper and a redesigned memo detail rail

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Memos and SiYuan?

They serve adjacent needs but don't currently overlap on shipped themes. Memos 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 Memos better than SiYuan?

Sparkpulse doesn't pick a winner — we score release velocity, not feature parity. Memos 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 Memos?

Top Memos alternatives in Collab are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "Memos alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/memos 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.