What apps are like Notion?

Alternative Apps
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I’m looking for apps similar to Notion with great flexibility and organization features. I’ve been using Notion, but I need backup options in case it doesn’t suit all my needs. What are some good alternatives?

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1. Coda

Homepage Link: https://coda.io/

Pros:

  • Strong spreadsheet capabilities with collaborative docs.
  • Combines text, data, and task management super effectively.
  • Tons of templates available to jump-start various workflows.

Cons:

  • The learning curve can be steep for beginners.
  • Limited offline functionality, which may not suit everyone.

Features:

  • Dynamic tables that integrate with formulas and buttons.
  • Packs (integrations) to connect with other tools like Slack and Google Calendar.
  • Cross-functional team collaboration with real-time edits.

User Reviews:
Most users praise Coda for its adaptability and seamless ability to merge docs and spreadsheets. However, some complain about the complexity for basic document needs.

Verdict:
Coda is perfect if you need a tool that combines database functionality with written content. It’s like Notion meets Airtable but tailored to a different kind of workflow.

2. ClickUp

Homepage Link: https://clickup.com/

Pros:

  • Excellent team task management in addition to documentation.
  • Highly customizable views (lists, boards, timelines, etc.).
  • Offers a robust free plan with lots of functionality.

Cons:

  • Can feel overwhelming to people new to the platform.
  • The interface won’t feel as smooth as Notion for pure documentation tasks.

Features:

  • Time tracking and goal-setting tools.
  • Custom workflows with integrations to over 1,000 apps.
  • Project collaboration for teams and task assignments.

User Reviews:
Users frequently appreciate ClickUp for its extensive options to customize tasks, though many note it sometimes loses focus on simplicity.

Verdict:
If you’re looking for something more task/project-oriented, ClickUp fills that gap beautifully. Think of it as a task powerhouse plus a document editor.

3. Airtable

Homepage Link: https://airtable.com/

Pros:

  • Super intuitive database system with fantastic customization options.
  • A visually appealing interface that’s fun to use.
  • Integrates well with tools like Zapier and other automation systems.

Cons:

  • Primarily focused on data organization rather than textual content.
  • The free plan is somewhat limited in terms of storage.

Features:

  • Advanced filtering, grouping, and sorting functionalities.
  • Grid view, Kanban boards, and calendar integrations.
  • Ready-to-use templates for various industries.

User Reviews:
Highly favored for its data visualization options, but users feel it’s not ideal for note-taking or more Notion-like textual tasks.

Verdict:
Great if you rely more on databases and less on long-form content. It’s Notion-like but tilts heavily into the spreadsheet-style side of things.

4. Obsidian

Homepage Link: https://obsidian.md/

Pros:

  • Markdown-based, local storage – works offline seamlessly.
  • Perfect for individuals rather than team collaboration.
  • Great for creating personal knowledge networks with backlinks.

Cons:

  • Collaboration is virtually nonexistent unless paired with plugins.
  • Somewhat intimidating initial setup for new users.

Features:

  • Graph view to visually link your notes.
  • You own your data outright – no cloud lock-in.
  • Expansive plugin community for customization.

User Reviews:
Users love Obsidian for its simplicity and powerful control over personal notes. It’s frequently described as a ‘second brain’ software. Team-based users, however, find it less appealing.

Verdict:
A powerful, minimalist Notion alternative if collaboration isn’t essential for you and if you want local-first data management.

5. Trello

Homepage Link: https://trello.com/

Pros:

  • Highly visual and intuitive board-based organization.
  • Easy to get started, even for non-tech-savvy users.
  • Flexible use cases, from task tracking to project documentation.

Cons:

  • Not robust for extensive document management.
  • Limited functionality unless upgraded to paid tiers.

Features:

  • Kanban-style task boards with drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Power-ups to add specific use case tools (e.g., Gantt charts, calendars).
  • Collaboration for teams on projects and personal boards.

User Reviews:
Users love its simplicity for managing projects visually. Document-heavy requirements, however, feel clunky on its platform.

Verdict:
Ideal as light documentation coupled with task tracking. Trello is better suited for teams and projects than solo doc management.

6. Evernote

Homepage Link: https://evernote.com/

Pros:

  • Long-respected tool in the space for a solid note-taking experience.
  • Easy-to-use UI with powerful search features.
  • Cross-platform capability for a continuous workflow.

Cons:

  • The free plan now has significant restrictions.
  • May lack the advanced capabilities offered by Notion in task/project management.

Features:

  • Tagging and notebook categorization structure.
  • Great web clipper tool for content collection.
  • Rich-text editor for clean formatting.

User Reviews:
Evernote users are split; longtime users value familiarity and simplicity, whereas others feel it’s fallen behind in innovation.

Verdict:
A tried-and-true note-taking option, but if you’re looking for Notion’s project-style flexibility, Evernote may underperform.

7. OneNote

Homepage Link: https://www.onenote.com/

Pros:

  • A free and powerful tool, especially for Microsoft ecosystem users.
  • Allows handwritten notes and artistic elements.
  • Works wonderfully offline and online.

Cons:

  • Organizational structure (section groups, notebooks) can get confusing.
  • Minimal integrations compared to Notion.

Features:

  • Hierarchical note organization (Notebooks → Pages → Sub-pages).
  • Allows embedding audio, video, and drawings.
  • Syncs beautifully across multiple devices.

User Reviews:
Highly appreciated by individuals who like to stay in the Microsoft ecosystem, but detested by those who prefer polished UIs like Notion’s.

Verdict:
Best for students and personal notebooks. While it’s flexible, it lacks some of the modern collaborative punch you’d expect in a Notion alt.

8. Roam Research

Homepage Link: https://roamresearch.com/

Pros:

  • Amazing backlinking capabilities for related notes.
  • Long-form writing and personal knowledge-building are strengths.
  • Excellent for heavy thinkers, writers, and researchers.

Cons:

  • Less focus on project and task management tools.
  • Steeper monthly pricing than some alternatives.

Features:

  • Daily notes for journaling or ongoing thinking.
  • Outliner functionality.
  • Graph views to visualize connections between data.

User Reviews:
Those deeply into creating knowledge hubs love Roam. Others argue the pricing and limited collaborative options make it niche.

Verdict:
Clearly built for thinkers and researchers who lean toward personal use rather than team collaboration.

9. Quip

Homepage Link: https://quip.com/

Pros:

  • Good for teams already in Salesforce.
  • Combines chat, docs, and spreadsheets in shared workspaces.
  • Built-in collaboration features for real-time edits and comments.

Cons:

  • Primarily designed around Salesforce integration – might feel restrictive outside of it.
  • Doesn’t match Notion’s organizational finesse.

Features:

  • Collaborative document editing.
  • Embedded spreadsheets and task lists.
  • Integrated communication (comments/chats/etc.).

User Reviews:
Reviewers highlight that it works wonderfully in the Salesforce ecosystem, but is not as intuitive or standalone-worthy compared to competitors.

Verdict:
A niche Notion alternative, great if your team is already onboard with Salesforce workflows but less so for individual use.

10. Joplin

Homepage Link: https://joplinapp.org/

Pros:

  • Free and open-source with privacy in mind.
  • Stores your notes offline or synchronized with a service like Dropbox.
  • Markdown support with encryption.

Cons:

  • Lacks integration options or advanced Notion-style databases.
  • UI feels functional but minimal compared to modern apps.

Features:

  • Uses notebooks and tags for organization.
  • Mobile, desktop, and web apps available for syncing.
  • Customizable with command-line access and plugins.

User Reviews:
Users who value data sovereignty and simplicity love Joplin. However, they mention it doesn’t compete well in dynamic collaboration situations.

Verdict:
A no-frills alternative for note management that’s secure, free, and minimalist. It’s a praiseworthy option for individual users concerned about data control.

All of these options cater to different needs. Whether you want seamless collaboration, task management, or an offline-first solution, testing a few of these will help you find the best Notion alternative tailored to your workflow.