Best Notion Alternative Shortlist
Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Notion is an all-in-one workspace where teams can write, plan, collaborate, and stay organized. Its flexible platform integrates notes, tasks, wikis, and databases for increased productivity.
However, some users look for alternatives due to Notion's learning curve or the need for features tailored to their specific workflows. Here are my top recommendations for the best Notion alternatives.
What Is Notion?
Notion is a workspace platform that combines note-taking, task management, databases, and project management. It caters to individuals and teams seeking an all-in-one workspace for writing, planning, and collaboration.
Notion is a flexible tool that allows users to create and organize work as they see fit. It offers a customizable environment for various use cases, from personal productivity to company-wide collaboration.
Why Look For A Notion Alternative?
You might consider an alternative to Notion if you need the following.
- Expanded Features: You require more advanced functionalities that Notion currently lacks.
- Intuitive User Interface: You prefer a more user-friendly interface for yourself or your team.
- Superior Collaboration Tools: You need enhanced options for team communication and collaboration.
- Enhanced Security: You seek stronger measures to protect sensitive data.
- Cost-Effectiveness: You desire a more affordable solution without sacrificing essential features.
Alternatives to Notion can offer various features and advantages that Notion may not provide. These alternatives could better suit your workflows, team size, and security needs.
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Best Notion Alternative Summary
This chart outlines the pricing of the top alternatives to Notion, helping you find the best option for your budget and needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Guru You can type any question in Guru's search and it will pull up relevant information from various company sources. | Best for advanced knowledge search | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Website |
2 | Miro Miro allows businesses to break tasks down into dependencies and sub-tasks. | Best for visual project management | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
3 | Nifty Nifty provides project workflows with milestones, task assignments, and progress reporting in one platform. | Best for progress visualization | 14-day free trial | From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available | Website |
4 | Zenkit Zenkit provides project tracking, task management, and customizable data views. | Best for data visualization | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
5 | Taskade Taskade simplifies project management with real-time task lists, mind maps, and video chat features. | Best for remote team coordination | 30-day free trial + free plan available | From $5/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
6 | Flock Flock offers messaging, video calls, and project tools for communication and task management. | Best for faster decision-making | 30-day free trial | From $4.50/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
7 | ProofHub ProofHub centralizes project tasks, planning, and communication for effective team collaboration and timeline management. | Best for unified project management | 14-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website |
8 | Coda Coda integrates docs, spreadsheets, and databases into a unified workspace for project management and documentation. | Best for doc-centric projects | 14-day free trial | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
9 | Evernote Teams Evernote Teams offers note-taking and information organization across teams. | Best for note-taking capabilities | 14-day free trial | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
10 | ClickUp ClickUp offers task management, project planning, and communication tools to increase productivity and teamwork. | Best for custom task statuses | 14-day free trial + free plan available | From $7/user/month | Website |
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Smartsheet
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.4 -
Wrike
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
monday.com
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Notion Alternative Reviews
I’ll guide you through a detailed analysis and overview of each Notion alternative. I will also review its pros and cons, key features, and best-use scenarios.
Guru is an AI-powered platform designed for enterprise search, intranet, and wiki functionalities, aimed at improving knowledge sharing and productivity within organizations.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
One of the primary reasons I picked Guru as a good alternative to Notion is its advanced AI-powered search capabilities. Guru integrates an enterprise AI search engine that allows you to quickly find relevant information within your organization's knowledge base. This feature is particularly beneficial for large organizations where the volume of data can make manual searches cumbersome and time-consuming.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include AI-powered answers, GuruGPT, semantic search, in-context knowledge delivery, custom pages, AI content creation, duplicate detection, publishing approvals, templates, analytics and reporting, and document management.
Integrations include Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, GitHub, Jira, HubSpot, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, BambooHR, Freshdesk, Notion, ServiceNow, Airtable, and Adobe Workfront.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Analytics to track knowledge usage and identify gaps
- AI suggestions improve information relevancy and retrieval
- Provides a system for verifying information
Cons:
- More for centralized knowledge management than individual productivity
- Can become overwhelming if not properly organized
Miro is a visual project management and collaboration platform that helps teams brainstorm, plan, and execute projects. It also offers visual tools to help teams define and understand task relationships and dependencies.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
I chose Miro for this list because, compared to other tools like Notion, Miro's ability to integrate visual aids such as Kanban boards, flow charts, and dynamic visualizations stands out. Miro also helps teams collaborate, allowing teams to visualize complex systems, ideas, and organizational structures. This capability is enhanced by Miro's support for real-time data visualization, workshops, and asynchronous collaboration.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its visual project management, diagramming, process mapping capabilities, and ability to support content and data visualization. It also offers workshops and asynchronous collaboration.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Webex, Zoom, Atlassian, Slack, Google Workspace, Jira, Azure DevOps, Airtable, Figma, InVision, Adobe XD, Slack, Zoom, Google Meet, Smartsheet, monday.com, Asana, ClickUp, Jira, and Azure DevOps.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy-to-use
- Easily accessible from mobile devices and tablets
- Extensive library of shapes, icons, and images
Cons:
- Lack of advanced project management features
- May be expensive for larger teams
Nifty is a project management tool designed to simplify team collaboration and enhance the visualization of project progress. It combines task management, document sharing, and communication tools in a single platform, making it easier for teams to stay aligned.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
I chose Nifty mainly because of its progress visualization capabilities. While Notion offers a versatile environment for note-taking and project management, Nifty offers project milestones and visual timelines. These features provide a clear overview of progress and deadlines, keeping projects on track.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include milestone-based project timelines, interactive Gantt charts, and a unified dashboard aggregating tasks, discussions, and documents.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed dashboard that centralizes information
- Seamless integration with popular productivity tools
- Effective visualization of project milestones and timelines
Cons:
- Template options are limited
- May require a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with project management software
Zenkit is a project management tool emphasizing data visualization to help teams analyze their work. It offers a range of views and tools to make complex data accessible and actionable.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
I chose Zenkit because of its data visualization capabilities, which lets teams quickly analyze and interpret complex information. Notion has broad functionality, while Zenkit offers customizable views and charts, making it ideal for data-driven teams.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include multiple data views, such as Kanban, table, list, and mind map. It also provides reporting tools and customizable fields.
Integrations include Trello, Asana, Google Calendar, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface to accommodate both beginners and experienced users
- Solid integration capabilities with major productivity and workflow tools
- Highly customizable views for diverse data visualization needs
Cons:
- Fewer automation features compared to some other tools
- The number of features can be overwhelming for some users
Taskade is a collaborative workspace that aims to improve the productivity and communication of remote teams. It combines task management, real-time collaboration, and video conferencing in one platform.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
I chose Taskade because it focuses on the specific needs of remote teams, such as real-time synchronization and communication tools. While Notion is versatile for information storage and project planning, Taskade provides live collaboration and helps team members coordinate, regardless of location.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include built-in video conferencing, customizable workflow templates, and real-time editing and commenting.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Slack, and Dropbox.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time editing and updates facilitate quick decision-making
- Customizable templates speed up workflow setup
- Integrated video conferencing enhances real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Advanced features locked behind higher pricing tiers
- May require a learning curve for new users
Flock is a communication and collaboration platform that aims to accelerate decision-making within teams and organizations. It offers direct messaging, group chats, and video calls, which are all important for team interactions.
Why it's a good Notion alternative:
I chose Flock because it emphasizes real-time communication and quick decision-making. Unlike Notion, which is structured more for content management and asynchronous collaboration, Flock provides an environment where immediate feedback and rapid issue resolution are prioritized.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include integrated to-dos and reminders, channel-based discussions, video conferencing, and a shared notes and files feature.
Integrations include Google Drive, Trello, Asana, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface for efficient team collaboration
- Complete integration with other productivity tools
- Streamlined communication for quick decision-making
Cons:
- Some users report having a learning curve
- Limited customization options for more complex workflows
ProofHub is a project management and collaboration tool that simplifies team workflows and enhances productivity. It centralizes various functionalities, such as task management, document sharing, and team communication, making it ideal for businesses seeking a unified project management approach.
Why it's a good Notion Alternative:
I picked ProofHub because it provides tools for various project management needs. Unlike alternatives specializing in specific areas, ProofHub offers a unified platform that integrates multiple functionalities.
Features include Kanban boards for visual task tracking, Gantt charts, collaboration tools, and real-time chat.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, QuickBooks, and FreshBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong collaboration features to support team interaction
- Intuitive user interface and easy navigation
- Unified platform for various project management tasks
Cons:
- Initial setup may be time-consuming for larger teams
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Coda blends the functionalities of documents, spreadsheets, and databases into a unified platform, making it ideal for managing doc-centric projects where detail and organization are important.
Why it's a good Notion Alternative:
I chose Coda because it offers a unique approach to integrating text, data, and workflow management in a single document. Unlike Notion, which is broader in its offerings but less focused on documents, Coda stands out with its ability to transform static documents into interactive tools, which is essential for document-based workflows.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include creating interactive docs that function like apps, automation capabilities, and customizable templates.
Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with key productivity tools
- Strong automation and template options
- Highly customizable and interactive documents
Cons:
- May have some scalability issues
- May require a learning curve to leverage its features fully
Evernote Teams is an extension of the popular app. It’s tailored for collaborative and organizational use in both teams and businesses. Its powerful tools for capturing, organizing, and sharing notes make it essential for teams heavily relying on documentation.
Why it's a good Notion Alternative:
I chose Evernote Teams because of its simple and efficient note-taking capabilities. While Notion is a complete workspace, Evernote Teams provides note organization, making it easier for teams to capture and retrieve information.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include search capabilities and a text editor that supports text, images, attachments, and audio notes.
Integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with major productivity tools
- Efficient search function to quickly locate information
- Exceptional note-taking and organizational features
Cons:
- Price increases may affect the value proposition for some users
- Limited project management features compared to broader tools
ClickUp is a project management software that allows teams of various sizes to customize their workflows and improve productivity across tasks and projects. It allows users to create and manage custom task statuses that fit their specific processes and team dynamics.
Why it's a good Notion Alternative:
I chose ClickUp because it offers specificity and adaptability that Notion doesn't. While Notion is excellent for organizing and sharing information, ClickUp provides customization options for project management. This makes it ideal for teams that must tailor project tracking to precise specifications. ClickUp also offers multiple project views, like lists, boards, calendars, and more advanced options like Gantt charts, mind maps, and timeline views.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable task statuses, dashboards tracking project progress, document management, reporting and analytics, collaboration tools, time management tools, resource management, and automation features.
Integrations include Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Webhooks, HubSpot, Everhour, Toggl, Harvest, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Outlook, Google Calendar, and Figma.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable task statuses and workflows
- Comprehensive dashboards and reporting tools
- Effective automation and time management features
Cons:
- Most security features are limited to higher-tier plans
- Extensive features may take time to learn
Other Notion Alternatives
Below is a list of additional Notion alternatives we shortlisted but did not reach the top list. They are worth checking out!
- Slack
For team communication
- Zoho Projects
For tracking work time
- Jira Service Management
For issue tracking
- Confluence
For content collaboration
- Pneumatic Workflow
For AI-powered workflow creation
- Microsoft Teams
For integrated team communication
- Basecamp
For remote team collaboration
- Asana
For workflow customization
- Wrike
For scalable project management
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet-like project tracking
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Selection Criteria For Notion Alternatives
When selecting alternatives to Notion, you should evaluate how effectively each tool meets essential project and knowledge management needs. The following evaluation criteria are based on my thorough trials and extensive research of the top alternatives.
Core Functionality - 25% of total weighting score:
Common features for Notion alternatives typically include task and project management, note-taking, document sharing, real-time collaboration, databases, templates, integrations, search functionality, and version history.
To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best Notion alternatives, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases.
- Efficient organization and retrieval of information
- Collaboration across teams and stakeholders
- Integration with other work tools for seamless workflows
- Customization to fit various team and project needs
- Scalability for a growing team and project sizes
Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score:
- Identification of unique collaboration features like real-time co-editing or contextual commenting
- Exploration of tools that offer advanced search and retrieval methods, like natural language processing or AI-enhanced suggestions
- Evaluation of solutions with exceptional customization for task management, such as custom fields or automated workflows
- Focus on tools providing comprehensive data visualization or reporting features to enhance decision-making
- Assessment of platforms with strong mobile support for on-the-go access and updates
Usability - 10% of total weighting score:
- Interface design that balances sophistication with intuitiveness, making it accessible for all users
- Responsive design and consistent performance across devices
- Clear and logical navigation that supports ease of use
Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score:
- Availability of guides and tutorials for new users
- Access to templates that expedite setup and immediate use
- Implementation of interactive tours and tooltips that familiarize users with key functionalities
- Provision of community forums or help centers for peer and expert advice
Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score:
- Responsiveness and availability of support through multiple channels like live chat, email, and phone
- Quality of troubleshooting resources and how quickly issues are resolved
- Proactive provision of updates and information on new features or changes
Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score:
- Comparison of subscription plans to assess affordability and feature inclusion
- Analysis of free versus paid feature sets to gauge entry-level utility versus full-suite capability
- Evaluation of tier structures and their suitability for different sizes and types of teams
Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score:
- Examination of overall user satisfaction and how expectations are met
- Analysis of common praises and criticisms to identify trends in user experience
- Consideration of longevity and consistency in positive feedback over time
Notion Alternative Key Features
Here are some key features of Notion that your alternative software should replicate or improve upon to be a good fit.
- Task Board View: Visualize workflow with a Kanban-style board.
- Gantt/Timeline View: Plan and track progress with a timeline view.
- Reporting & Statistics: Analyze data with reporting tools and statistics.
- Integration with Google Drive: Link files and documents through Google Drive integration.
- AI Assistant: Utilize an AI assistant for content creation and productivity.
- Template Gallery: Access a variety of templates for different projects.
- Integrations: Connect with other tools, such as Google Calendar, to simplify workflows.
- Real-Time Collaboration: Work with other team members live, in real-time.
- Heavy Customization: Tailor the workspace to specific needs for personal or professional use.
- Note-Taking: A feature that allows users to jot down and organize notes.
- Automation: The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.
- Knowledge Base: A repository of information that can be easily accessed and searched.
- Templates: Pre-designed structures or formats that can be used as a starting point for new documents or projects.
- Wiki: A collaborative platform that allows users to create, edit, and share content.
- Workspace: A collaborative digital environment where team members can work on projects and tasks.
- Kanban Boards: Visual tools for managing work at various process stages using cards and columns.
- Knowledge Management: Features that help organize, manage, and share knowledge. Find a list of specific knowledge management software here.
- Markdown: A lightweight markup language with plain text formatting syntax.
- Note-Taking App: A dedicated application for creating and organizing notes.
- Project Management Tool: Software designed to help plan, organize, and manage projects.
- Task Management: Managing a task through its life cycle, including planning, testing, tracking, and reporting.
- Dashboards: Interfaces that display key performance indicators and metrics in a consolidated view.
- Plugins: Add-on software components that add specific capabilities to a larger software application.
- To-Do Lists: Lists of tasks that must be completed, often used for personal or project management.
- CRM: Customer Relationship Management software for managing interactions with clients.
- Free Plan: A no-cost option that provides basic features of the software.
- Mobile App: Software designed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Time Tracking: Recording the amount of time spent on tasks or projects.
- Checklists: Tools for creating lists of items to be completed or checked.
- User-Friendly Interface: An interface that is easy to use and navigate online and offline.
- Customizable Databases: Create databases with customizable views like tables, lists, calendars, and Kanban boards.
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