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Comparison · Collab

Read the Docs vs SiYuan

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

Read the Docs vs SiYuan: at a glance

FeatureRead the DocsSiYuan
SectorCollabCollab
Velocity score5.05.0
Sparks · 30d00
Top themesdocumentation-hosting, direct-upload, api-keys, build-toolingnote-taking, knowledge base, mind maps, databases
Last editorial update3d ago13h ago
WebsiteVisit →Visit →

What is Read the Docs?

Read the Docs adds project-scoped API keys for uploading built docs.

Read the Docs ships a dated release most weeks. October moved builds to Python 3.14 and Ubuntu 26.04, banned git:// URLs and added temporary build variables. The 10 November release adds project-scoped API keys for artifact uploads, managed from the project dashboard, so CI can push prebuilt docs without an account-wide token.

Read the full Read the Docs 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 →

Read the Docs vs SiYuan: editorial side-by-side

R5.0

Read the Docs adds project-scoped API keys for uploading built docs.

◆ Current state

Read the Docs ships a dated release most weeks. October moved builds to Python 3.14 and Ubuntu 26.04, banned git:// URLs and added temporary build variables. The 10 November release adds project-scoped API keys for artifact uploads, managed from the project dashboard, so CI can push prebuilt docs without an account-wide token.

◆ Where it's heading

The direct-upload work that started with September design docs is now usable end to end: projects can build docs elsewhere and push the output with a narrow key. Read the Docs is becoming a host for docs built anywhere, not only a build service.

◆ Prediction

Expect more around direct upload, such as CI examples, upload limits or key permissions, since the last three months of entries keep returning to it.

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 Read the Docs 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 Read the Docs or SiYuan.

See all Read the Docs alternatives → · See all SiYuan alternatives →

Recent activity from Read the Docs 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. 3d agoRead the DocsProject-scoped API keys for uploading built docs
  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. 5d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 2
  7. 5d agoSiYuanSiYuan 3.8.10 release candidate 1
  8. 10d agoRead the DocsSecurity scanner build and a scoped API keys design doc
  9. 17d agoRead the DocsRedirect form tweaks and slug-change notices
  10. 23d agoRead the DocsDefaults move to Python 3.14 and Ubuntu 26.04
  11. 1mo agoRead the DocsNo commit status on closed PR previews
  12. 1mo agoRead the DocsRelease branch merge, no listed changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Read the Docs and SiYuan?

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

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

Top Read the Docs alternatives in Collab are ranked by recent ship velocity. Browse the "Read the Docs alternatives" section above for the current picks, or visit /alternatives/read-the-docs 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.