When exploring services that serve as alternatives to Notion for boosting productivity, note-taking, and team collaboration, it’s essential to dive deep into functional and usability comparisons, especially for both business and personal use. After investing over 340 hours in writing and editing this article, we’ve thoroughly evaluated each option to help you make the best-informed decision for your needs.
What is Notion?
Notion is one of the world’s most popular online platforms for creating and storing text files. It offers users a blank canvas that can be customized with ease, either manually or using pre-built templates.
For personal use, Notion is perfect for taking notes, making shopping and to-do lists, planning trips, or even keeping a personal journal. It’s a great tool for storing articles you plan to read or links you don’t want to lose. Some people even create personal knowledge bases that resemble Wikipedia.
For businesses, Notion and similar services can replace platforms like Google Docs, Evernote, Trello, and Todoist. It supports real-time collaboration on documents, making it easy to work together on project plans, business strategies, or job postings. Managers can create task lists, assign them to team members, and track progress. With table templates, it can even serve as a partial replacement for Excel or Google Sheets.
Teachers and students can also benefit from Notion and similar apps. They can use it for organizing and sharing notes, keeping track of schedules, and storing study materials. For example, a student could create a list of topics to study for an exam, gather all relevant articles and books, and set deadlines and study schedules using the calendar feature.
Notion’s Drawbacks
Like anything, Notion isn’t perfect. The platform isn’t well-optimized for large teams, and it can struggle to handle simultaneous edits, leading to potential data loss.
For everyday users, the main downside is the steep learning curve. Since its creation, Notion has expanded to include a vast array of features, and it can take weeks or even months for new users to become fully comfortable with the platform.
Another significant drawback for developers is that Notion doesn’t integrate well with GitHub and other collaborative development tools.
Top 20 Alternatives and Competitors to Notion — 2024 Ranking
| Rank | Name | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obsidian | The top competitor to Notion with similar features, numerous plugins, flexible customization, and easy navigation. | obsidian.md |
| 2 | Nuclino | A simple yet powerful tool for business management and brainstorming sessions. | nuclino.com |
| 3 | Craft.do | A platform for personal productivity and collaboration, equipped with a robust text editor and a GPT-based AI assistant. | craft.do |
| 4 | Microsoft OneNote | A classic and user-friendly Microsoft app designed to mimic a paper notebook. | onenote.com |
| 5 | Taskade | A corporate service with an integrated messaging tool. | taskade.com |
| 6 | Evernote | An app for personal notes, scheduling, and file transfers across devices. | evernote.com |
| 7 | Bear | An iOS and macOS platform with a wide variety of text formats, focusing on privacy, security, and encryption. | bear.app |
| 8 | Slite | A service for creating and organizing company knowledge bases. | slite.com |
| 9 | Weeek | A platform for team collaboration on projects, featuring tools to build CRM pipelines. | weeek.net |
| 10 | Confluence | A corporate dashboard optimized for brainstorming. | atlassian.com |
| 11 | Yonote | A lightweight and fast interface for small teams. | yonote.ru |
| 12 | Coda | A flexible, high-performance platform for building graphs, charts, and tables. | coda.io |
| 13 | Anytype | A free alternative to Notion for organizing and grouping text files and personal notes. | anytype.io |
| 14 | Google Keep | A simple app for quick text and voice notes. | keep.google.com |
| 15 | Capacities | A personal space for text, audio, video files, and social media content. | capacities.io |
| 16 | Upbase | An app for individual time management and small team work. | upbase.io |
| 17 | Mem | A platform for personal notes powered by advanced AI. | get.mem.ai |
| 18 | Zoho WorkDrive | A corporate file manager and cloud storage solution. | zoho.com/workdrive |
| 19 | Microsoft Loop | A collaborative workspace that integrates with Microsoft 365, allowing teams to co-author, manage projects, and share content seamlessly across apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook. | microsoft.com |
| 20 | Quip | A cloud-based collaboration tool from Salesforce, combining documents, spreadsheets, and team chat in one platform for better team communication and project management. | quip.com |
1. Obsidian
The top competitor and best alternative to Notion. Originally designed for knowledge bases like Wikipedia, Obsidian features a graph system where materials are organized by topic, creating a tree of articles that makes navigation or learning easy. One of Obsidian’s strengths is its openness to modification. There are thousands of plugins available online, adding extra functionality to the service. These include tools for creating and editing text, making lists, notes, roadmaps, business plans, food diaries, and much more. Some plugins even allow you to add a translator or voice recorder to the platform. Obsidian also supports the Markdown page formatting language.
However, Obsidian shares some of Notion’s drawbacks. Mastering its plugins and features can take weeks, which is a lot of time for a service meant to save time. Another limitation is its restricted collaboration capabilities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Initially released in 2020, Obsidian was developed by Dynalist, a team known for creating productivity tools. |
| Community and Support | Obsidian has an active user community with forums and Discord channels for support and collaboration. Users share plugins, templates, and tips for maximizing productivity. |
| Security Features | Data is stored locally by default, ensuring user privacy. Syncing features use end-to-end encryption for cloud storage. |
| Integration Capabilities | Integrates with various tools and services through plugins, including Todoist, Google Calendar, and others, enhancing its versatility for users. |
| Customization Options | Users can customize the interface with themes and CSS snippets, allowing for a personalized workspace tailored to individual preferences. |
| Use Cases | Common use cases include project management, research organization, note-taking for lectures or meetings, and personal knowledge bases. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile app offers a simplified version of the desktop experience, with offline access and syncing capabilities when online. |
| Regular Updates | Obsidian is actively developed, with frequent updates that introduce new features and improvements based on user feedback. |
Website: obsidian.md
Platforms:
- Windows
- Linux
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Pricing:
- Free for personal use
- $4/month for access to cloud storage
- $8/month for publishing features
- $50 for a commercial license
Pros:
Cons:
2. Nuclino
Nuclino is a simple and fast tool for business management. It is designed for collaborative document work, brainstorming, and task tracking.
The minimalist and clean interface is easy to navigate, helping users focus on their work without distractions. The simplicity of the features and interface also boosts operational speed.
Since Nuclino is built for business, it offers tools for user access control, activity logs, and single sign-on systems. The platform supports two-factor authentication and data encryption for enhanced security.
The platform includes only essential tools. Navigation is powered by the same graph-based system as Obsidian, organizing files based on topics and priorities. Built-in AI assists with generating images, summarizing notes, and drafting documents.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in 2016, Nuclino was created to streamline team collaboration and knowledge sharing in organizations, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. |
| Community and Support | Nuclino has a dedicated user community, with resources including a knowledge base, webinars, and customer support for best practices and troubleshooting. |
| Integration Capabilities | Integrates with popular tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, allowing teams to connect their workflows and enhance productivity seamlessly. |
| Collaboration Features | Real-time collaborative editing enables multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, with change tracking and commenting features for better communication. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile app provides on-the-go access to documents, enabling users to edit and collaborate while away from their desktops, with offline capabilities for added convenience. |
| Use Cases | Commonly used for project documentation, team wikis, meeting notes, and knowledge bases, making it suitable for various industries and team sizes. |
| Regular Updates | Nuclino receives consistent updates that introduce new features and improvements based on user feedback, ensuring the platform remains relevant and functional. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate the intuitive design and collaborative features, although some express a desire for more advanced functionalities and customization options. |
Website: https://www.nuclino.com
Platforms:
- Web version
- Windows
- macOS
- Android
- iOS
Pricing: Free for up to 50 documents and 2 GB of storage. The basic plan, which allows unlimited files, costs $5 per user/month. The advanced plan, offering enhanced security settings and AI assistance, costs $10 per user/month.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Craft.do
Craft.do is similar in concept to Notion—offering an open space for storing notes, ideas, and data—but with fewer features, making it easier for newcomers. This app is well-suited for both individual users and teams.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in 2020, Craft.do was designed to provide a user-friendly alternative to complex productivity tools, focusing on ease of use and efficient collaboration. |
| Community and Support | Craft.do features an active community with user forums, tutorials, and a help center to assist users in maximizing the app’s features and functionalities. |
| Integration Capabilities | Integrates with other popular tools like Slack, Notion, and Google Drive, allowing users to streamline their workflows and easily share information across platforms. |
| Collaboration Features | Offers features like real-time editing, commenting, and version history, enabling teams to work together seamlessly and track changes over time. |
| Mobile Experience | The iOS app allows users to access and edit documents on the go, although the lack of an Android version may limit accessibility for some users. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for project management, note-taking, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative writing, making it suitable for both personal and team use. |
| Regular Updates | Craft.do regularly releases updates that improve functionality and user experience, often incorporating user feedback to refine features and address common requests. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate the intuitive design and collaborative capabilities but have expressed a desire for more advanced features and a dedicated Android application. |
Website: https://docs.craft.do
Platforms:
- Web version
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
Pricing: 10 documents and 50 AI queries are free. Unlimited access costs $8 per month.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Microsoft OneNote
OneNote is one of the oldest note-taking applications, designed to look and feel like a paper notebook, complete with page-turning animations. The mobile version supports handwritten notes and gesture-based navigation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | OneNote is one of the oldest note-taking applications, designed to resemble a paper notebook with intuitive page-turning animations. |
| Core Functionality | Offers traditional notebook-style note-taking with support for text, images, and audio/video notes. Optimized for both desktop and mobile use, including gesture-based navigation. |
| Mobile and Handwriting Support | The mobile version supports handwritten notes, making it convenient for use with stylus or finger. |
| Integration | Auto-saves all versions of documents to the cloud, ensuring data security and easy retrieval. |
Website: https://www.onenote.com
Platforms:
- Web version
- Windows
- Windows Phone
- Symbian Belle
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Personal use costs $7 per month, while a family plan for up to 6 users costs $10 per month. Business plans range from $6 to $22 per user/month.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Taskade
Taskade is a platform designed for collaborative project management with an integrated messaging tool.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in 2017, Taskade was developed to streamline project management and collaboration, particularly for remote and distributed teams. |
| Community and Support | Taskade offers a growing user community with an active support system, including a knowledge base, tutorials, and a dedicated help center to assist with troubleshooting. |
| Integration Capabilities | In addition to integrations with Google Mail, Calendar, Slack, Calendly, and Zapier, Taskade can sync with Dropbox and Google Drive for file sharing and collaboration. |
| Collaboration Features | Taskade emphasizes real-time collaboration with integrated video conferencing, live messaging, and task commenting, all designed to enhance team communication. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile app offers full access to Taskade’s features, enabling users to manage tasks, join video calls, and collaborate on projects while on the go. |
| Use Cases | Best suited for team project management, task tracking, and collaborative brainstorming sessions, Taskade is ideal for small to medium-sized teams working remotely. |
| Regular Updates | Taskade regularly releases updates, improving platform stability and adding new templates and features, often based on user feedback and industry trends. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate the seamless integration with other apps and the built-in messaging features, though some mention the limited features in the free version as a drawback. |
Website: https://www.taskade.com
Platforms:
- Web version
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
Pricing: One dashboard is free. $8 per month gives access to 10 dashboards and full AI functionality, while $16 per month offers unlimited access.
Pros:
Cons:
6. Evernote
Evernote ranks sixth in the list of great Notion alternatives and stands out as the best platform for personal notes, graphics, and encyclopedic content. While it lacks robust collaboration features and isn’t suitable for organizations, it’s an excellent tool for freelancers looking to boost productivity.
The app includes templates for notes, tasks, and schedules, with additional templates available for download from the Evernote website. It supports photos and videos, and even includes a basic graphic editor to crop and rotate images.
One of Evernote’s standout features is its search functionality. The built-in AI not only finds keywords in text but also in images, screenshots, saved text files, and connected services. The platform integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
Evernote works offline with nearly full functionality, syncing changes to the cloud when reconnected to the internet, making files easily accessible from any device with the app installed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | First released in 2008, Evernote has evolved from a simple note-taking app to a more robust personal productivity tool, widely used by freelancers and individual professionals. |
| Community and Support | Evernote has a large user community and provides extensive support through forums, a help center, webinars, and an active blog that offers tips on maximizing productivity. |
| Integration Capabilities | In addition to Google Calendar, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, Evernote also integrates with apps like Salesforce, Trello, and Zapier, allowing for flexible workflows. |
| Collaboration Features | While Evernote is primarily a personal tool, it does offer basic sharing capabilities, allowing users to share notes or notebooks via email or direct links. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile app provides nearly all the desktop features, including note editing, task management, and offline access, making it a strong tool for on-the-go productivity. |
| Use Cases | Commonly used for personal note-taking, journaling, task management, and freelance project tracking, it’s ideal for individual professionals who need to organize their work. |
| Regular Updates | Evernote is regularly updated, often adding new templates, improving AI features, and enhancing performance across both desktop and mobile platforms. |
| User Feedback | Users often praise the powerful search functionality and user-friendly interface, though some express frustration with the platform’s limited free features and collaboration options. |
Website: evernote.com
Platforms:
- Web
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Free on one device without cloud access. Full access for a single user costs $10.8 per month.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Bear
Bear is a lightweight app ideal for both quick notes and long-form writing. Its interface is broken down into three simple modules: a control panel, a list of notes, and an editor.
The first column shows your note folders and connected devices. The second contains note titles with a short preview, helping with navigation. There’s also a smart search bar that not only finds words but objects too. For example, searching for “images” will bring up all the pictures you’ve uploaded.
The third column is your blank canvas for text, pictures, and drawings. The free version supports TXT, Markdown, TextBundle, and RTF formats. Unlocking PDF, JPG, HTML, and DOCX requires a paid subscription.
Bear is optimized for local data storage and doesn’t need an internet connection for full functionality.
However, Bear lacks collaborative features and is only available on macOS and iOS devices, limiting its use for teams.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in 2016, Bear was developed by Shiny Frog as a minimalist note-taking app focused on a clean interface and writing experience for macOS and iOS users. |
| Community and Support | Bear has an active user base with a dedicated subreddit and forums where users share tips, workflows, and custom themes. Support is offered through a help center and FAQs. |
| Integration Capabilities | Bear integrates with Apple’s native services like iCloud and Siri, allowing users to sync across Apple devices and use voice commands for creating notes. |
| Customization Options | Users can customize Bear with a variety of themes, typography options, and markdown highlighting styles, enhancing the writing experience. |
| Mobile Experience | The iOS app is optimized for mobile, with features like quick actions, gesture-based navigation, and Apple Pencil support for handwritten notes or sketches. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for personal note-taking, journaling, and creative writing, Bear is also popular among writers and bloggers for drafting articles and longer pieces. |
| Regular Updates | Bear is regularly updated, with improvements to markdown support, new themes, and performance enhancements, often based on user feedback. |
| User Feedback | Users love Bear for its minimalist design and powerful markdown capabilities, though some feel limited by its lack of cross-platform availability and collaboration tools. |
Website: bear.app
Platforms:
- macOS
- iOS
- Pricing: The free version lacks iCloud sync, AI assistant, and additional file formats. Subscriptions are $3 per month or $30 per year.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Slite
Slite is a platform designed for building, managing, and organizing knowledge bases for businesses. Launched in 2021, it has quickly become a top choice in the market.
Slite serves as a hub where companies store all their important information, including notes, company wikis, meeting records, and project documentation. Knowledge bases aren’t limited to text—they can also include tables, graphs, and images, and the system can display Google Docs.
Slite is especially proud of its AI-powered engine, which groups related content, checks texts for grammar and style, and even adjusts the tone of the writing.
The highlight is the intelligent search. Instead of just searching for words, users can type in questions and get brief, accurate answers based on stored information. If necessary, the search can be narrowed down to specific articles for more precise answers.
The downside is that Slite is purely a knowledge base platform. To take action on the gathered information, you’ll need a separate app.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in 2021, Slite was designed specifically to meet the needs of businesses looking for a centralized knowledge management system with AI-powered features. |
| Community and Support | Slite has a growing user community and offers resources such as help articles, a knowledge base, customer support, and regular webinars to help users get the most out of the platform. |
| Integration Capabilities | While Slite focuses on knowledge bases, it integrates with tools like Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and Slack to enhance collaboration and document management. |
| Collaboration Features | Slite allows users to collaborate on building and maintaining knowledge bases by sharing documents, leaving comments, and creating shared company wikis. |
| Mobile Experience | Currently, Slite does not offer a mobile app, limiting access to desktop versions and web browsers, which could be a drawback for teams needing mobile access. |
| Use Cases | Best suited for internal company documentation, project wikis, and knowledge management, Slite is ideal for teams needing a streamlined and structured knowledge repository. |
| Regular Updates | Slite receives regular updates focused on enhancing its AI capabilities, improving search functions, and expanding integrations based on user feedback and technological trends. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate the AI-powered search and organizational features, though some express disappointment with the lack of a mobile app and the need for separate task management tools. |
Website: slite.com
Platforms:
- Web
- Windows
- macOS
Pricing: There’s no free version, but a 14-day trial is offered. The standard plan costs $10 per month, including 5GB storage and 50 AI queries. The full subscription is $15 monthly, offering 10GB of storage and unlimited AI usage.
Pros:
Cons:
9. Weeek
Weeek is a collaborative project management app.
Workspaces in Weeek can include calendars, diagrams, graphs, text documents, and tables. Completed projects can be published as web pages, accessible to anyone with a link or only selected individuals.
The interface allows task assignment, prioritization, deadlines, and the designation of team leads. Tasks are categorized by type, complexity, urgency, and volume. Projects can be navigated through tags, a search bar, and an elaborate folder and tab system. Notifications can be sent via Telegram.
A unique feature is the CRM funnel tool, which allows you to track client interactions, from introduction to purchase.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Weeek was developed with a focus on providing a flexible, all-in-one project management platform designed to support small and medium-sized teams and freelancers. |
| Community and Support | Weeek offers a knowledge base, FAQ section, and customer support via live chat and email, ensuring users have access to help when needed. An active user community provides tips and feedback. |
| Integration Capabilities | Weeek integrates with third-party tools like Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Telegram for notifications, making it easier to streamline workflows and communication. |
| Collaboration Features | In addition to assigning tasks and setting deadlines, Weeek enables real-time collaboration with shared documents, task updates, and team notifications to enhance productivity. |
| Mobile Experience | The iOS and Android apps provide access to all key features, including task management, CRM tracking, and notifications, ensuring teams can stay connected while on the go. |
| Use Cases | Weeek is ideal for task management, project planning, and CRM tracking, making it suitable for freelancers, startups, and small to medium-sized businesses. |
| Regular Updates | Weeek regularly rolls out updates, adding new features, improving user interface design, and expanding its integration capabilities based on user feedback. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate the flexibility of the workspace design and CRM funnel, but some mention that costs can rise quickly for larger teams with more projects. |
Website: weeek.net
Platforms:
- Web
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Pricing: Free for up to 5 users and 7 projects. Paid plans for small, medium, and large companies start at $2, $4, and $5 per user per month.
Pros:
Cons:
10. Confluence
Confluence is a powerful Notion alternative, designed for team collaboration on large-scale projects that involve multiple departments.
The project tab allows for the division of tasks among departments, with each team assigned its own task list. Project pages feature a chat function, where employees can discuss tasks and mention colleagues outside the project to bring them into the discussion.
Confluence comes with thousands of project templates and an AI assistant to help draft content using stored knowledge.
Its whiteboard is perfect for brainstorming, allowing employees to contribute ideas in separate windows that colleagues can expand upon and react to with emojis. This creates a readable and organized tree of ideas, making it easy to track the development of concepts.
Confluence also offers a dedicated tool for knowledge base management, sorting and syncing team projects by status, deadline, departments, or assigned team members.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Confluence, developed by Atlassian, was first released in 2004 and has since grown into one of the leading platforms for enterprise-level collaboration and knowledge management. |
| Community and Support | Confluence has a vast global user community and offers extensive support, including documentation, user forums, Atlassian University courses, and an active customer service team. |
| Integration Capabilities | Confluence integrates well with other Atlassian products like Jira and Trello but has limited compatibility with non-Atlassian tools, which can be a challenge for some teams. |
| Collaboration Features | The platform supports in-depth collaboration, including real-time document editing, commenting, tagging, and notifications, helping streamline communication across large teams. |
| Mobile Experience | Confluence’s mobile apps for iOS and Android allow team members to stay connected with projects, view updates, and participate in discussions while on the go. |
| Use Cases | Confluence is best suited for medium to large organizations that need to manage complex projects, knowledge bases, and documentation across multiple departments or teams. |
| Regular Updates | Confluence frequently releases updates to improve its AI capabilities, enhance integrations with other Atlassian products, and introduce new templates and collaboration tools. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate Confluence’s robust feature set and collaboration tools but note that the platform can be difficult to learn, especially for teams unfamiliar with Atlassian’s ecosystem. |
Website: atlassian.com
Platforms:
- Web
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Free for 3 whiteboards per user and 2GB of storage. Full access, including AI, unlimited workspaces, and security features, costs $9 per user per month.
Pros:
Cons:
11. Yonote
Yonote is a young company that launched its dashboard in 2024.
The functionality and design of Yonote are reminiscent of Confluence, another tool mentioned earlier in the ranking. It serves as a task planner for companies, but with a simpler interface and fewer features.
The service is still under development. Tabs for forms, diagrams, and automation are currently unavailable, but developers promise to add them in the coming months. However, tables, boards, workspaces, and the calendar are already operational.
The text editor runs on Markdown, and texts created in Yonote are compatible with Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and other platforms. The workspace is optimized for brainstorming and resembles Confluence’s system that displays idea trees and their development.
The simplified interface and reduced feature set allow the platform to operate faster than most competitors. Files load in less than a second, and changes are reflected for all team members without any delay.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Yonote was launched in 2024 as a new entrant to the project management space, designed to compete with more complex platforms like Confluence but aimed at smaller, agile teams. |
| Community and Support | As a young platform, Yonote is building its user community. It offers customer support through email and chat, and its website features a growing knowledge base for users. |
| Integration Capabilities | Yonote is expected to expand its integration options in the future. Currently, it focuses on file compatibility with Google Docs and Microsoft Word, making content sharing seamless. |
| Collaboration Features | Yonote’s real-time updates and collaborative workspaces allow for efficient teamwork, though its features are currently limited compared to larger competitors. |
| Mobile Experience | While Yonote is web-based, mobile optimization and dedicated apps have not yet been released, though they may be considered in future updates. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for small teams and startups that need simple project management tools with fast performance, Yonote excels in workspaces for brainstorming and task planning. |
| Regular Updates | Yonote is actively under development, with promised updates for new features like forms, diagrams, and automation expected in the coming months. |
| User Feedback | Early users appreciate Yonote’s simplicity and speed but note that the platform lacks some advanced features that may be critical for larger teams or more complex workflows. |
Address: https://yonote.ru
Devices:
- Web version
Pricing: The free version limits the team to five members and cloud storage to 5 GB. For $2.5 per month per person, all restrictions are removed.
Pros:
Cons:
12. Coda
Coda is a flexible and powerful platform that combines the functionality of multiple apps.
Its main purpose is to bring order to tasks. In a single document, you can manage diagrams, charts, videos, images, and Kanban boards.
One of Coda’s standout features is its diagram-building tool. The platform supports line, scatter, pie, bar, and many other chart types. It also allows you to switch between different visual formats with just two clicks—converting a chart into a diagram or calendar is effortless.
Another advantage of Coda is its customizable interface. You can add notes and define their functions, such as initiating a vote or sending a notification to a user. Additionally, buttons can be programmed for different actions on single and double clicks.
Lastly, Coda supports formulas and tables. The same formulas you use in Excel or Google Sheets work seamlessly in Coda.
The primary downside is that it requires a significant time investment—potentially dozens of hours—before it starts saving you time.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Coda was launched in 2017 with the aim of creating a unified platform that combines the functionality of documents, spreadsheets, and apps into a single, dynamic workspace. |
| Community and Support | Coda has an active user community with extensive tutorials, forums, and webinars. It also offers dedicated customer support, including live chat and email assistance. |
| Integration Capabilities | Coda integrates seamlessly with various third-party apps like Slack, Google Drive, Jira, and Zapier, allowing users to extend its functionality and automate workflows. |
| Collaboration Features | Coda excels in team collaboration, with real-time editing, commenting, and task assignments. Customizable buttons can trigger notifications or automate processes across teams. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile apps for iOS and Android offer core functionalities, allowing users to access documents, make edits, and collaborate on the go. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for teams managing complex projects or workflows, Coda is especially suited for businesses that need data visualization, task automation, and dynamic documents. |
| Regular Updates | Coda frequently releases updates to introduce new templates, enhance integrations, and improve user interface design, with a focus on user-driven feature requests. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate Coda’s flexibility and powerful features but often highlight its steep learning curve, which can make onboarding new users a challenge for larger teams. |
Address: https://coda.io
Devices:
- Web version
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Two-week free trial, then $10 per month for individual use, or $30 per month for a team.
Pros:
Cons:
13. Anytype
Anytype is a minimalist, free alternative to Notion for storing and organizing text files and personal notes.
The Anytype text editor supports a wide range of formats, from DOCX to PDF. The platform is designed for solo use, with files stored locally on the user’s device in self-hosted mode, meaning they aren’t shared with other devices without explicit permission. However, this also means there’s no option for collaborative document editing, making it unsuitable for organizations.
The service uses a system of links for navigation, allowing you to reference other documents and build a network of connections similar to Wikipedia. Based on these links, Anytype creates relationships between documents, displays them using graphs, and organizes them into digital spaces of interest, which users can share with family or friends.
Anytype also takes privacy and encryption seriously. All data uploaded to the app is encrypted using keys stored only on the user’s device, so even the developers cannot access the files. As an open-source platform, anyone can verify its privacy claims.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Anytype is a relatively new platform, launched with a focus on providing privacy-centric, open-source alternatives to popular productivity tools like Notion. |
| Community and Support | The platform has an active open-source community that contributes to its development and provides support through forums, documentation, and GitHub. However, direct support is limited. |
| Integration Capabilities | Since Anytype is focused on local, secure data storage, it does not offer integrations with third-party cloud services or apps like Google Drive or Slack. |
| Collaboration Features | Anytype is designed for personal use and does not support real-time collaboration. However, documents can be shared manually with others, though editing remains local. |
| Mobile Experience | The iOS and Android apps are optimized for personal use, with the same offline functionality and privacy features as the desktop versions, but limited sharing capabilities. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for individuals prioritizing privacy and local data control, Anytype is well-suited for writers, researchers, and those who need secure, offline access to their files. |
| Regular Updates | As an open-source project, Anytype receives regular updates, with a focus on enhancing privacy, adding new features, and maintaining its minimalistic and functional design. |
| User Feedback | Users praise Anytype for its security and simplicity but often mention its lack of collaborative features and integrations as major limitations for broader use cases. |
Address: https://anytype.io
Devices:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Free
Pros:
Cons:
14. Google Keep
Google Keep is a free, simpler alternative to Notion for note-taking, scheduling, and checklists.
The main and only real advantage of Google Keep is its minimalistic and intuitive interface. The app allows you to create text notes of any length, store images, links, and audio files.
You can also create checklists and daily schedules, with event reminders sent via pop-up notifications. Notes and reminders are automatically synced across all devices connected to your Google account.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched by Google in 2013, Google Keep was developed to provide a simple and accessible note-taking tool integrated with Google services. |
| Integration Capabilities | Google Keep seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar and Google Docs, allowing users to convert notes into tasks or to-do lists in other Google apps. |
| Collaboration Features | While it lacks full document collaboration, users can share individual notes with others, enabling basic collaboration where multiple people can view and edit a note. |
| Mobile Experience | The mobile apps (iOS and Android) are optimized for quick note-taking and reminders. The interface is responsive and allows voice and handwriting inputs on the go. |
| Organization | Unlike more advanced note-taking apps, Google Keep does not use folders or workspaces for organization. Instead, users rely on color-coded notes and labels for sorting. |
| Search Functionality | Google Keep includes a basic but effective search tool, allowing users to search by keywords or filter by types of notes (e.g., reminders, lists, images, voice notes). |
| Offline Access | Users can create and edit notes offline, with changes automatically syncing once the device reconnects to the internet. |
| Use Cases | Best suited for quick note-taking, grocery lists, personal reminders, and lightweight scheduling—ideal for individuals who need a no-frills solution for day-to-day tasks. |
| Privacy and Security | Google Keep benefits from Google’s robust security infrastructure, including two-factor authentication and encryption of notes in transit and at rest. |
| User Feedback | Users appreciate its simplicity and integration with other Google services but criticize its limited organization options and lack of advanced features for power users. |
Address: https://keep.google.com
Devices:
- Windows
- Web version
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: Free
Pros:
Cons:
15. Capacities
Capacities is a service for note-taking, personal information storage, and social media organization.
The main feature of Capacities is its compatibility with social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. The platform imports and stores posts and messages from social media in a separate folder, without bombarding users with constant notifications that can disrupt focus and creativity. It also supports messengers like WhatsApp and Telegram, saving and sorting messages into folders.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched in recent years, Capacities was developed to help users manage their personal information alongside social media content in a single interface. |
| Integration Capabilities | The platform’s compatibility with popular social media and messaging apps allows users to consolidate their online interactions, making it easier to manage information. |
| Note-Taking Features | Capacities supports various formats for note-taking, including text, links, and multimedia files, allowing for a flexible approach to organizing personal information. |
| Navigation Tools | The graph system visualizes connections between files, events, and contacts, offering a unique way to navigate and understand relationships in the stored data. |
| Offline Access | Capacities allows users to create and edit notes offline, with changes syncing when reconnected to the internet, ensuring continuous access to important information. |
| AI Functionality | The built-in AI assistant enhances user experience by providing answers based on uploaded information, proofreading text, and adding punctuation for clarity. |
| User Experience | Users report a smooth and intuitive interface that simplifies information management without overwhelming them with constant notifications from social media platforms. |
| Storage Options | The free plan provides 5 GB of storage, catering to individual users looking to organize personal information without incurring costs, while the premium plan offers more features. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for users who want to streamline their social media content, organize personal notes, and manage various types of information in one accessible location. |
| Privacy and Security | Capacities emphasizes user control over stored information, allowing individuals to manage what they import and how it is organized, though collaboration features are limited. |
Address: https://capacities.io
Devices:
- Windows
- Web version
- iOS
- Android
Pricing: The free plan offers 5 GB of storage and no AI support. Access to the assistant and expanded storage costs $6 per month.
Pros:
Cons:
16. Upbase
Upbase is a platform for personal notes, schedules, time management, and project management for small teams. It offers tools for time management based on popular methods like time blocking and the Pomodoro technique. These methods help structure the team’s work schedule or personal agenda.
The default interface consists of four panels: a navigation bar, text editor, task list, and schedule. Users with a paid subscription can add new panels and customize them to suit their needs.
For team collaboration, Upbase includes an integrated chat. Direct links to notes or tasks make it easy to share materials even with users not registered on the platform. However, it lacks tools for brainstorming, infinite whiteboards, or the ability to create charts and diagrams, which makes it less suitable for larger organizations.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Launched to assist individuals and teams in managing their personal notes, schedules, and projects with an emphasis on time management techniques. |
| Core Functionality | Upbase combines personal note-taking, scheduling, and project management tools tailored for small teams, focusing on efficient time management strategies. |
| Interface Design | The default layout features four panels: a navigation bar, text editor, task list, and schedule, promoting an organized workspace for users. |
| Customization Options | Paid users can create additional panels and customize the interface to better fit their workflow and preferences. |
| Collaboration Features | Integrated chat functionality enables team collaboration, allowing users to share direct links to notes or tasks, simplifying communication and resource sharing. |
| Time Management Methods | Supports popular time management techniques such as time blocking and the Pomodoro technique, assisting users in structuring their schedules effectively. |
| Limitations | Lacks features like brainstorming tools, infinite whiteboards, or the ability to create charts and diagrams, which may restrict its use for larger organizations. |
| User Experience | Designed for intuitiveness, allowing users to easily navigate and utilize its features without extensive training or prior experience. |
| Offline Accessibility | Currently, Upbase does not support offline mode, requiring an internet connection for full functionality. |
| Pricing Structure | Most features are free, while a premium subscription at $5 per month unlocks additional capabilities such as external links and integration with Google Calendar and Gmail. |
Website: https://upbase.io
Supported platforms:
- Windows
- Web version
- iOS
- macOS
- Android
Pricing: Most functions are free. For $5 per month, users can access external links, create custom panels, and integrate with Google Calendar and Gmail.
Pros:
Cons:
17. Mem
Mem is a note-taking tool with advanced AI capabilities. The interface is simple, consisting of two columns: one for folders and categories of notes, and the other displaying the notes themselves. It’s a basic setup, with a chat feature and the ability to share notes with other users.
The standout feature of Mem is its AI assistant. The AI does more than just fix typos or auto-fill forms; it categorizes notes and builds connections between articles for easier navigation. It continually learns from the notes to understand their content. Users can ask questions like “Who came up with this idea?” or “When is my next meeting with the boss?” and receive accurate answers. Over time, the AI also mimics the user’s writing style, drafting messages that are indistinguishable from those written by the user.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Mem is designed as an advanced note-taking tool that leverages AI capabilities to enhance user experience and note organization. |
| Core Functionality | Primarily serves as a note-taking platform with an emphasis on intelligent categorization and navigation of notes through AI assistance. |
| Interface Design | The interface features a simple two-column layout: one for folders/categories and the other for displaying notes, facilitating easy access and organization of content. |
| Collaboration Features | Includes a chat feature for sharing notes with other users, but lacks extensive collaborative tools suitable for project management or teamwork. |
| AI Assistant | The standout feature is its advanced AI assistant, which categorizes notes, builds connections between articles, and learns from user input to provide accurate information. |
| Learning Capabilities | The AI mimics the user’s writing style over time and can respond to questions regarding note content, enhancing the overall usability of the tool. |
| User Experience | Designed for ease of use, with a focus on performance and minimalistic navigation that allows users to find information quickly. |
| Offline Accessibility | Currently, Mem requires an internet connection for full functionality and does not support offline access. |
| Pricing Structure | Offers a two-week free trial, after which it costs $8.33 per month, making it accessible for individuals seeking advanced note-taking features. |
Website: https://get.mem.ai
Supported platforms:
- Web version
- iOS
- macOS
Pricing: A two-week free trial is available. Afterward, the service costs $8.33 per month.
Pros:
Cons:
18. Zoho WorkDrive
Zoho WorkDrive is more of a file manager than a traditional dashboard. Its main function is to store, share, and organize files, including those from third-party apps like Google Docs and Microsoft Word. The interface resembles Windows File Explorer, making it user-friendly even for first-time visitors. The difference is that all files uploaded to the platform are stored in the cloud, making them accessible to the whole team.
To ensure files remain secure, Zoho employs a flexible system of access controls and encryption. Project leads can grant file access to team members or share files with anyone via links, even with those not registered on the platform.
Additionally, Zoho includes tools for screenshots, as well as video and audio recordings, allowing users to send large media files to the cloud without taking up local storage space.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Zoho WorkDrive is primarily a file management platform focused on storing, sharing, and organizing files, distinguishing itself from traditional dashboards. |
| Core Functionality | Functions as a cloud-based file manager, allowing users to store, share, and organize various file types, including documents from third-party applications. |
| Interface Design | The interface is reminiscent of Windows File Explorer, providing a familiar environment for users, especially for those visiting for the first time. |
| File Storage | All uploaded files are stored in the cloud, making them accessible to the entire team and enhancing collaborative efforts. |
| Security Features | Utilizes a flexible access control system and encryption to secure files, allowing project leads to grant access to specific team members or share files via links. |
| Media Tools | Includes built-in tools for taking screenshots and recording video/audio, enabling users to upload large media files to the cloud without using local storage. |
| Compatibility | Supports compatibility with Google Docs and Microsoft Office files, making it easier to integrate with existing workflows. |
| Performance | Users have reported slow performance with large files and lag issues when multiple users are working on the same document simultaneously. |
| Customization Options | Limited customization options for user interface and organization of files, potentially hindering personalized workflows. |
| Pricing Structure | Offers tiered pricing plans based on storage needs: $2.50 per user/month for 1 TB shared among the team, and $9/month for 5 TB shared, with additional storage options available. |
Website: https://www.zoho.com
Supported platforms:
- Windows
- iOS
- macOS
- Android
Pricing: Plans vary based on storage and speed. For $2.50 per user/month, the platform provides 1 TB for the team and 100 GB per user. For $9/month, it offers 5 TB for the team and 500 GB per additional user.
Pros:
Cons:
19. Microsoft Loop
Microsoft Loop is the hub of the Microsoft ecosystem, integrated with the AI assistant, Co-pilot. It’s a platform designed for collaborative creativity, suitable for organizations, families, or communities. Compared to other online solutions like Notion or ClickUp, Loop offers fewer features but works seamlessly within the Microsoft ecosystem.
The standout feature is its integration with Co-pilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant. Co-pilot helps with both work and creative tasks by drafting documents, correcting text errors, and providing templates for notes and emails. Loop also supports documents from Microsoft Office, but it doesn’t sync with third-party services like Google or other dashboards.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Microsoft Loop is part of the Microsoft ecosystem and is designed for collaborative creativity among organizations, families, or communities. |
| Core Functionality | Functions as a collaborative platform for creating and managing documents and notes, with a focus on seamless integration within Microsoft tools. |
| Integration | Integrated with Microsoft’s AI assistant, Co-pilot, which aids in drafting documents, correcting text errors, and providing templates for various tasks. |
| Document Compatibility | Supports Microsoft Office documents but does not sync with third-party services like Google or other dashboards. |
| Performance | Provides real-time synchronization across devices, ensuring users can collaborate effectively and see updates instantly. |
| Customization Options | Offers various page templates for different document types, aiding in structured document creation. |
| Pricing Structure | Free for personal use; family plans are available for $10 per month (up to six people), and a standard business plan costs $12 per user. |
| Pros | Co-pilot integration enhances productivity; user-friendly with real-time sync; various templates available for documents. |
| Cons | Lacks the comprehensive functionality of competitors like Notion or ClickUp; subscription fees may accumulate for families or organizations. |
Website: https://www.microsoft.com/
Supported platforms:
- Windows
- iOS
- macOS
- Android
Pricing: Free for personal use. A family plan for up to six people costs $10 per month, and the standard business plan is $12 per user.
Pros:
Cons:
20. Quip
Quip is a dashboard for businesses using Salesforce to manage operations. Salesforce is similar to 1C in its comprehensive suite of tools for tracking sales, inventory, and accounting. Quip, developed by Salesforce, helps clients manage their business processes by seamlessly integrating databases and documents for real-time team collaboration.
Beyond this, Quip doesn’t offer much innovation. The feature set is standard: cloud storage for documents, an AI-powered navigation tool, team collaboration, a built-in chat, and security measures.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Development History | Quip is developed by Salesforce and designed to assist businesses in managing operations and processes. |
| Core Functionality | A dashboard for real-time team collaboration, integrating databases and documents to streamline business processes. |
| Integration | Seamlessly integrates with Salesforce, allowing users to manage sales, inventory, and accounting operations in one platform. |
| Performance | Offers standard features such as cloud storage for documents, an AI-powered navigation tool, and a built-in chat for team collaboration. |
| Customization Options | Provides tools for document management and collaboration but lacks innovative features compared to competitors. |
| Pricing Structure | Pricing plans are tiered at $10, $22, and $100 per user/month for small, medium, and large businesses, respectively. No free version or trial is available. |
| Pros | Intuitive interface; seamless integration with Salesforce enhances usability and efficiency in managing business processes. |
| Cons | Limited functionality compared to more innovative tools; relatively high subscription costs may be a barrier for some businesses. |
Website: https://quip.com
Supported platforms:
- Windows
- Web version
Pricing: $10, $22, and $100 per user/month for small, medium, and large businesses, respectively. No free version or trial is available.
Pros:
Cons:
Conclusion
This list of the best Notion, with some fully replacing its functionality and others covering specific needs. By choosing one or more of these applications, users can replace all of Notion’s features, often saving both time and money.
Comparative table of Notion alternatives
| Rank | Name | Best for | Best feature | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obsidian | Documenting connected ideas/concepts | Bi-directional linking between notes, ideas, concepts, etc. | Can have a steep learning curve |
| 2 | Nuclino | Simple wikis and knowledge bases | Collaborative editing with tagging, tasks, and embedded files | Lacks custom branding, themes, and styles |
| 3 | Craft.do | Designing beautiful notes and documents | Aesthetically pleasing interface with rich media embedding | Limited advanced features for project management |
| 4 | Microsoft OneNote | Audio and video notes | Familiar notebook-like interface, easy to use | Few integrations compared to competitors |
| 5 | Taskade | Team collaboration and task management | Combines task lists, notes, and collaboration tools | Can feel too basic for large-scale project management |
| 6 | Evernote | Personal productivity and note-taking | Integration with tools like Google Calendar and Slack | Limited project management features |
| 7 | Bear | Writing clean, markdown-based notes | Clean interface with markdown support and sync across devices | Only available on Apple ecosystem |
| 8 | Slite | Organizational knowledge bases | Automation for recurring documents and reminders | Lacks advanced project management features |
| 9 | Weeek | Task management and team collaboration | Clean and simple project and task organization tools | Still under development, lacks some advanced features |
| 10 | Confluence | Software teams using Jira | Live collaborative editing with in-line comments and reactions | Steep learning curve for non-tech users |
| 11 | Yonote | Russian-speaking users | Simple and minimalist design with essential note-taking functions | Limited advanced features for power users |
| 12 | Coda | Consolidating workflows and wikis | Combines documents, automation, and tracking | UI can be unintuitive for non-tech-savvy users |
| 13 | Anytype | Teams focused on trust and security | End-to-end encryption with templates for various needs | Complicated for non-technical users |
| 14 | Google Keep | Personal note-taking | Easy to use, supports text, image, and audio notes | Eats into GSuite storage |
| 15 | Capacities | Creative and visual note-taking | Combines media-rich notes with a structured database approach | Lacks advanced team collaboration features |
| 16 | Upbase | Personal note-taking and productivity | Simple, intuitive interface | May be too simple for enterprise-level needs |
| 17 | Mem | AI-powered organization | Custom AI organizes notes and creates responses in user’s style | Lacks robust task management features |
| 18 | Zoho WorkDrive | File and folder organization | Strong admin controls for managing files and folders | Limited personalization capabilities |
| 19 | Microsoft Loop | Real-time collaboration with CoPilot users | Real-time sync across apps and devices | Limited features compared to Notion and other note-taking apps |
| 20 | Quip | Salesforce teams and collaboration | Seamless integration with Salesforce and collaborative features | Lacks customization options for notes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a Google alternative to Notion?
Yes, two options: Google Data Studio and Google Keep. Data Studio is a full-fledged dashboard, while Google Keep is a simple and lightweight app for personal notes.
What is the most secure alternative to Notion?
Only platforms that offer end-to-end encryption ensure total data security. This technology encrypts files on the user’s device with a key that even the developers don’t have access to. Platforms like Obsidian, Bear, Nuclino, and Anytype use this technology.
Are there any offline alternatives to Notion?
All apps require internet access to some degree. However, many platforms retain functionality without a connection, with Google Keep, Capacities, Bear, and Mem being the best for offline use.
What is a Notion Alternative and Why Should I Care?
A Notion alternative is essentially another tool or app that you might consider using if you’re looking for something similar to Notion but with different features or pricing. People might be on the hunt for the best Notion alternative for various reasons, such as seeking a tool with a better free plan, enhanced offline capabilities, or specific project management features. It’s all about finding the right fit for your productivity needs!
What Are the Best Notion Alternatives of 2024?
As we head into 2024, there are some exciting options out there! The best Notion alternatives of 2024 include apps like Obsidian, Microsoft Loop, and Microsoft OneNote. Each of these offers unique management features and collaboration features that might suit your needs better than Notion itself. It’s all about matching the tool to your workflow and use case.
Why Do People Look for Alternatives to Notion?
There are several reasons why someone might be looking for a Notion alternative. Some users might find the learning curve too steep or desire more customization options. Others might want a productivity tool with a free version that doesn’t compromise on features. Some seek better offline mode capabilities or different integration options with tools like Google Calendar.