Very few apps are as versatile and productive as “Notion”. Whether you want to simplify note-taking, take control of all of your tasks, or handle databases efficiently, this all-in-one workspace can live up to the demand with aplomb. That all being said, the platform does have some downsides like sluggishness and unreliable offline functionality. Not to mention, the limited storage (up to 1000 block storage) that makes the freemium version very basic even for personal use – let alone professional requirement. As for the premium variant, it starts at $4/month and shoots up to $20/month which may not fit into everyone’s budget. That’s why some of you would like to explore the best Notion alternatives of 2020 to fill up the void.
Having found myself pretty much on the same path (as you) some time back, I thought it would be nice to round up some of the best apps like Notion. And guess what? Here I’m all set to round up both paid and free alternatives to Notion. Keeping in mind different needs like note-taking and collaboration, I have picked up apps meticulously. And, I must say that there are quite a few apps that can outshine Notion on many fronts. So, let’s check out what the following apps have in store for you, shall we?
1. Coda
When “Notion” seemed a tad less efficient to take control of my tons of docs, I looked for a faster and more versatile alternative. And, that’s how I came across “Coda” that provides highly proficient word-processing, spreadsheet, and database functions. Much to my surprise, the software lived up to my billing in most aspects with fairly good results. Based on my personal experience, I consider it one of the best alternatives to Notion.
Cons:
- Involves a good amount of learning curve
- Expensive
Platform Availability: Android, iOS, and web
Should your priority lies with excellent collaboration, look no further than “Quip”. I have been using it to work seamlessly with my team at Beebom for long. Hence, I can vouch for the top-notch experience that it delivers. What stands it out from many apps available in the market is the unique integration of chats, docs, slides, and spreadsheets.
Cons:
Platform Availability: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and web
Pricing: Free, premium version comes at $10/month/user (billed annually)
Looking for the best free alternative to Notion? If the straightforward answer is yes, “Joplin” could be a smart option. Granted, the open-source note-taking and task management app isn’t as feature-packed and versatile as its famed rival. However, it comes with pretty good tools that can go a long way in enhancing your note-taking and task management. And that too, without costing you a penny.
As far as synchronization is concerned, it works with multiple services such as NextCloud, Dropbox, WebDAV, and OneDrive so that all of your data remains secure and quickly accessible across the devices. In terms of protection of your files, the app offers end-to-end encryption so that your data has the much-needed safeguard. Like to use plugins? Joplin also supports a lot of plugins so that your penchant for trying out all-new things remains forever upbeat. As far as free Notion alternatives go, Joplin is the best one on the market right now.
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
Visit: Website
Though Microsoft’s OneNote doesn’t seem to be a perfect substitute for Notion, it comes with more than handy features to help you take notes efficiently and also collaborate with your teams seamlessly. You can use this app to capture ideas in a variety of formats and keep them ideally organized. Times when you may want to quickly access some of the frequently used notes, the pinning feature would come into the play really well.
On the collaboration front, OneNote is on par with Notion as it allows you to collaborate and work together conveniently in a shared notepad. To ensure nothing is left behind, you can also create to-do lists to carry out your tasks proficiently. As all of your notes are synced to the cloud (via OneDrive), they are easily accessible across the devices.
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web
Pricing: Free
Tettra is a powerful internal knowledge management system that can replace Notion for any team — small or large. It brings support for smart workflows that allows you to quickly answer questions of new team members. This feature makes the onboarding process super-easy. The app also supports third-party app integrations. Whether you are using a cloud storage service like Dropbox or host your code in services like GitHub, you can aggregate all your team’s existing information in a single place. It also links with communication tools including G Suite, Slack, and more. This means you don’t have to switch your communication tools when you sign up for the service.
Pros:
Cons:
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web
6. Slite
If Notion and Slack had a baby, it would feel like Slite. The app brings a confluence of both these tools. While its user interface is inspired by Slack, its features are more akin to Notion. Like Slack, all your documents are sorted in channels. You can set these channels as public or private and keep however many docs inside each channel as you want. Slite also offers a better note-taking experience than Notion. Notion has too many tools that the simple of the act creating notes and documents feels a bit overwhelming. Slite has no such problems. It’s editing tools also feel familiar to the same tools that we have grown up using which makes it easier to write in this app.
Cons:
- Not as powerful as Notion when it comes to creating databases
- Supports limited third-party apps
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
When it comes to versatility and productivity, Evernote can match Notion and even surpass it in some aspects. That’s the reason why it’s probably the most feature-rich alternative to the latter. For starters, the app can let you take notes in several formats including text, sketches, PDFs, photos, videos or even web clippings. So, it doesn’t matter what crosses your mind, you will get the tool to capture it even on the go.
Another department where Evernote leaves Notion behind in the race is the ability to scan docs and also organized them. For the folks who need a reliable document scanner to digitize paper docs, handwritten notes, drawings or even business, it can prove to be a game-changer. Since Evernote also supports OCR, it becomes one of the best documents handling app on the market. As far as collaboration is concerned, it’s always been one of the most reliable.
- Expensive paid plan
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web
I rate “DEVONthink 3” very highly. If you are looking for an app that can enable you to edit, organiz,e and annotate documents in a much better way than Notion, it has to be your top pick. What puts it ahead of the curve is a wide range of organizing tools that provide maximum flexibility. Besides, the app has a more elegant user-interface and also excels in customization. So, depending on what works best for your workflow, you can put everything in the perfect sync.
The app keeps your entire data at one place so that you can effortlessly keep a track of them. And with smart automation tools like smart rules and flexible reminders, it can speed up your document management. In terms of capturing notes, it can stand up to the task without any hiccups thanks to the easy-to-use tools.
- Expensive
- Restricted to Apple ecosystem
Platform Availability: macOS and iOS
Just in case “Notion” isn’t offering you a more flexible note-taking experience, “Zengobi Curio” could be the right answer to your needs. The best part about this software is neatly-designed organizing tools like index cards, mind maps, pinboards, lists, stacks, and albums which make for a great personalized experience.
You can use tags to organize your items and also find them with ease. Based on your requirements, you can also set priorities so that important tasks would be completed in time. Just like Notion, it also lets you present your data using graphs, diagrams, and well-thought-out prototyping.
Platform Availability: macOS
Pricing: 14-day free trial, starting price $59.99
The reason why I have picked out “Nuclino” as an alternative to Notion is that it works pretty well as a minimalist and collaborative wiki for an entire team. So, whether you want a simple tool to capture notes, manage tasks or deal with docs at your own pace, it can stand up to your requirements without any hiccups. I also love that in terms of looks, this is eerily similar to Notion so users will feel right at home here.
On the collaboration aspect, I have found it appreciable. It’s a shade better in terms of working with many apps and services like Slack, Google G-Suite, YouTube, Figma, and more. Just like Notion, it’s also available for free but if you want to enjoy all of its features you have to subscribe to the premium version which starts at $5/month.
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web
“Dynalist” has tried to be a one-stop platform for note-taking, project management, wiki, and outlining books. And, I must say that the software has succeeded in being a reasonably good multi-purpose app just like Notion. It’s also loaded with many features that allow users to create notes and manage projects with the needed flair.
- One-stop platform for note-taking, project management, wiki, and outline
- Easy-to-handle organizing tools
- Can sync the dates with Google Calendar.
Don’t get me wrong! “TiddlyWiki” is neither a perfect substitute for Notion nor has a range of top-notch features to win you over in just a glance. But if your priority is to find a pretty useful personal wiki or non-linear notebook for comfortably capturing thoughts or anything that strikes your mind, organizing your stuff and sharing, it could prove to be more than a handful. That’s for sure!
Platform Availability: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, web, and more
Pricing: Free
