13 alternatives to Notion: our complete guide to choosing your productivity tool!
Notion is powerful, but not always ideal. Too complex, sometimes slow with large volumes of data, limited in terms of automation and security... not to mention its cost, which quickly escalates with each team. If you've ever wasted time looking for a feature or waiting for a page to load, you know what we're talking about.
Good news: in 2025, there's no shortage of alternatives to Notion. Tools that are more intuitive, faster, better integrated... and sometimes far more cost-effective. This guide will help you find the tool that will (really) simplify your life. 👏
What is Notion and why consider an alternative?
Notion is an all-in-one productivity tool. It lets you take notes, manage databases, organize projects and collaborate in teams. Its main advantage? A high degree of flexibility, enabling it to adapt to a wide range of uses, from a simple notepad to a full-fledged information management system.
Notion's key features
- Kanban boards to organize tasks
- Dynamic, customizable databases
- Wikis to centralize information
- Modular text blocks to structure ideas
Thanks to this modular approach, Notion is a veritable Swiss army knife. But that doesn't mean it's right for everyone...
Why look for an alternative to Notion?
Notion is a powerful tool, but it's not without its limitations. Its flexibility, which appeals to so many users, can also become an obstacle. Complex interface, slowdowns on large volumes of data, limited automation, lack of imposed structure... These constraints drive many companies and freelancers to look for an alternative better suited to their needs.
A daunting learning curve
Notion gives you total freedom to structure your workspace, but this flexibility comes at a price: no imposed structure, a confusing interface for novices, and a learning curve that can seem endless.
The most common challenges :
- Managing and linking advanced databases
- Building interactive dashboards
- Understanding the relationships between different content blocks
- Finding an effective method of organization without a predefined template
Without a clear guide, many users find themselves stuck in front of a blank page. Where tools like Trello or Asana offer preconceived frameworks, Notion requires users to configure everything themselves. The result: a longer adaptation period and sometimes sub-optimal use.
Limited performance on large volumes of data
If you're using Notion for advanced project management or large databases, you may already have experienced slowdowns. As the number of stored elements increases, loading times become longer, especially in collaborative use.
This lack of responsiveness can impact :
- managing complex projects with numerous interconnected tasks
- real-time data processing
- Team collaboration on large data bases
In some cases, this slowness becomes an obstacle to productivity, forcing us to look for a more efficient solution.
A pricing model that's not always competitive
Notion offers a free version, but it remains limited. As soon as needs increase - particularly in teams - costs quickly soar. For companies needing unlimited users or advanced features, other tools may offer better value for money.
Inadequate functionality
Despite its versatility, Notion does not meet every need. In particular, some users regret :
- a lack of advanced automation to streamline workflows
- Limited confidentiality management, with perfectible access control options
- The absence of certain functionalities dedicated to project management, such as detailed task tracking or advanced dependencies.
Let's take the example of a digital marketing agency. It uses Notion to organize its campaigns, but as soon as the team grows, performance drops, automation is lacking, and access management becomes a headache. The result? Migration to a better-optimized alternative.
Not enough workflow customization
Although Notion allows a certain degree of customization, the creation of specific workflows can remain limited. Sometimes, a tool like Trello, with its Kanban approach, is more intuitive. Similarly, Asana offers enhanced project management with advanced features that Notion lacks.
Comparison table: see 13 alternatives to Notion at a glance
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 Airtable |  Anytype |  AppFlowy |  Asana |  ClickUp |  Coda |  Evernote |  Google Keep |  Microsoft Loop |  Nuclino |  Obsidian |  Trello |  Workflowy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Airtable | Learn more about Anytype | Learn more about AppFlowy | Learn more about Asana | Learn more about ClickUp | Learn more about Coda | Learn more about Evernote | Learn more about Google Keep | Learn more about Microsoft Loop | Learn more about Nuclino | Learn more about Obsidian | Learn more about Trello | Learn more about Workflowy |
The 13 best alternatives to Notion
Airtable: a database as intuitive as a spreadsheet
Airtable combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a relational database. Unlike Notion, which offers more static data management, Airtable lets you structure, sort and automate information in a fluid way. Its accessible interface makes it an excellent choice for organizing complex projects without coding.
📌 Key features
- Dynamic databases: organize your information in the form of enriched tables with filters and relationships.
- Built-in automations: trigger actions according to defined criteria (example: automatic emailing when a task is completed).
- Customizable views: display your data as a kanban, calendar, grid or gallery according to your needs.
- Advanced integrations: connect Airtable to Slack, Zapier, Google Drive or even Jira to centralize your workflows.
👥 Who's it for?
- SMEs and large corporations managing large volumes of data.
- Marketing and product teams organizing campaigns, content or roadmaps.
- Contact database, inventory or project managers looking for a tool more powerful than Excel but simpler than a CRM.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Airtable is very powerful, but its pricing model can quickly become costly for companies with many users or advanced automation needs.
Airtable
Anytype: a private, decentralized alternative
Anytype is a serious competitor to Notion, with a unique positioning: decentralized storage and total respect for privacy. Unlike traditional cloud tools, Anytype works offline, with encrypted synchronization between devices, ensuring that your data remains solely in your hands.
📌 Key features
- Local storage and encrypted synchronization: your data is not stored on third-party servers.
- Modular interface: similar to Notion, with pages, databases and relationships between elements.
- Total offline working: no need to log in to access notes and projects.
- Advanced object management: allows you to link different entities (people, projects, tasks) dynamically.
👥 Who's it for?
- Professionals and companies concerned about the confidentiality of their data.
- Users looking for a more private alternative to Notion, without dependence on cloud servers.
- Freelancers and creatives who want a customizable, secure and scalable workspace.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
Anytype is still in active development, which means that some features are limited or in beta phase.
Anytype
AppFlowy: an open-source alternative to Notion
AppFlowy is a 100% open-source alternative to Notion, giving users total control over their data. Unlike Notion, which is proprietary and cloud-based, AppFlowy can be hosted locally or on a private server, guaranteeing better data protection and greater flexibility.
📌 Key features
- Local hosting or private cloud: your data is not dependent on an external platform.
- Notion-like interface: text blocks, tables, databases, it's all there!
- Open-source and customizable code: you can add your own functionalities.
- Offline mode: access your documents without an Internet connection.
👥 Who's it for?
- Developers and companies looking for a self-hosted, customizable tool.
- Privacy-conscious users looking for an alternative to Notion without imposed cloud storage.
- Tech professionals who want an extensible, modifiable tool with no proprietary restrictions.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
AppFlowy is still in the development phase and does not yet offer all Notion's advanced features, particularly in terms of integrations and automations.
AppFlowy
Asana: robust, structured project management
Asana is an alternative to Notion for teams requiring advanced, well-structured project management. Unlike Notion, which often requires you to configure everything yourself, Asana offers a more organized framework with clear workflows, precise deadlines and detailed task tracking.
📌 Key features
- Multiple views: kanban, list, calendar or timeline to suit management preferences.
- Advanced task management: assignment, dependency tracking, reminders and automations.
- Dashboards and reporting: performance analysis, workload and goal tracking.
- Collaborative tools: comments on tasks, real-time notifications and integrations with Slack, Google Drive and other software.
👥 Who's it for?
- Companies and large teams with complex projects to manage.
- Project leaders and managers looking for a clear overview of their tasks and those of their teams.
- Marketing, product and development teams working on multi-stage projects requiring rigorous follow-up.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Asana offers many advanced features, but its interface can seem dense for new users. For lighter, more intuitive management, alternatives such as Trello or Nuclino may be better suited.
Asana
ClickUp: ultra-customizable project management
ClickUp is an alternative to Notion for advanced project management. More than just a note-taking tool, it centralizes tasks, documents, objectives and automations in a modular interface. Its main advantage? Extensive customization, enabling the tool to be adapted to the needs of each team.
📌 Key features
- Multiple management views: Kanban, Gantt, lists, calendar... choose the view that matches your workflow.
- Advanced automations: assign tasks, send reminders and streamline your processes without manual intervention.
- Optimized collaboration: leave comments, mention colleagues and modify documents in real time.
- Dashboards and reporting: track project performance with customized indicators and graphs.
👥 Who's it for?
- Project leaders and managers who need a global view of task progress.
- Startups and SMEs looking for a more operationally focused alternative to Notion.
- Marketing, tech and HR teams looking to organize their work while centralizing documentation.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
ClickUp is very powerful, but this richness can make the tool complex to learn. The sheer number of functions can take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to more minimalist tools.
ClickUp
Coda: a document that becomes an application
Coda is much more than a simple note-taking or task management tool. It stands out for its ability to transform a document into a truly dynamic application, thanks to a system of interactive blocks and advanced automations. Designed for teams who want to go beyond simple databases, it enables the creation of tailor-made workspaces, capable of evolving as needs change.
📌 Key features
- Interactive blocks: add buttons, tables, graphs and formulas to structure your data.
- Advanced automations: define rules to automate actions and streamline workflows.
- Powerful integrations: connect Coda to tools like Slack, Google Calendar or Zapier to centralize your tasks.
- Real-time collaboration: work simultaneously with your team, leaving comments or assigning actions directly in documents.
👥 Who's it for?
- Startups and SMEs looking for a flexible tool to organize projects and databases.
- Product and marketing teams wishing to centralize campaign and roadmap management.
- Companies looking for automation to reduce repetitive tasks and gain efficiency.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
While Coda's flexibility is an asset, it can also be a hindrance for new users. Its interface and block system take some getting used to, especially for those accustomed to more structured tools such as Trello or Asana.
Coda
Evernote: powerful, organized note-taking
Evernote is an alternative to Notion that stands out for its ability to organize large volumes of information efficiently. Unlike Notion, which relies on flexibility, Evernote structures notes with notebooks, tags and an advanced search engine, facilitating long-term content management.
📌 Key features
- Hierarchical organization: classify your notes by notebooks, labels and intelligent filters.
- Powerful search engine: find text even in scanned images and documents.
- Web Clipper: save web pages and articles with one click for future reference.
- Multi-device synchronization: access your notes on desktop, mobile and tablet.
👥 Who's it for?
- Professionals and researchers needing an advanced filing system.
- Journalists and writers wishing to store and organize their research.
- Students using Evernote to take and structure their course notes.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Evernote offers a free version, but is severely limited in terms of the number of connected devices and storage capacity. Its pay model can quickly become an obstacle for some users.
Evernote
Google Keep: fast, minimalist note-taking
Google Keep is a note-taking tool that focuses on simplicity and immediacy. Unlike Notion, which is more structured and modular, Google Keep works like a virtual post-it board, ideal for capturing ideas on the fly.
📌 Key features
- Simple, intuitive interface: immediate note-taking, with no configuration required.
- Colored and pinned notes: organize your ideas quickly with color codes.
- Voice recognition and OCR: convert audio notes into text and extract text from images.
- Native integration with Google: automatic synchronization with Google Drive, Gmail and Google Docs.
👥 Who's it for?
- Google Workspace users who want a fast solution connected to their tools.
- Entrepreneurs and creatives who jot down lots of ideas on a daily basis.
- People looking for an ultra-simple tool without complex features.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Google Keep is practical, but lacks advanced organization (no notebooks, no complex labels), which can be restrictive for those who need more in-depth note management.
Google Keep
Microsoft Loop: seamless collaboration in the Microsoft ecosystem
Microsoft Loop is an alternative to Notion that shines through its seamless integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Thought out for real-time collaboration, it enables teams to work fluidly on dynamic documents, directly linked to tools like Teams, Outlook or OneDrive.
📌 Key features
- Native integration with Microsoft 365: all data remains synchronized with Teams, Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Loop components: insert content blocks (tables, lists, notes) that can be modified in real time, wherever they are shared.
- Flexibility and modularity: create interactive workspaces tailored to the needs of each project.
- Security and compliance: complies with data protection standards, ideal for companies with stringent cybersecurity requirements.
👥 For whom?
- Companies and large organizations already equipped with Microsoft 365.
- Project teams and IT departments working on collaborative documents.
- Managers and HR looking for a structured space to organize meetings and team follow-up.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Microsoft Loop is powerful, but it depends entirely on Microsoft 365. If your company uses other tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Notion), adoption may be more complicated.
Microsoft Loop
Nuclino: fast, lightweight collaborative documentation
Nuclino is an alternative to Notion, designed for those looking for a simple, fast, no-frills documentation tool. Unlike Notion, which can become complex with its databases and automations, Nuclino relies on a fluid experience, focused on real-time editing and collaboration.
📌 Key features
- Minimalist, uncluttered interface: quick to get to grips with, with no need for complex configuration.
- Real-time collaborative editing: changes are instantly visible to the whole team.
- Organization in graphs and folders: enables intuitive navigation between documents.
- Optimized performance: no latency, even with many documents and users.
👥 Who's it for?
- Startups and SMEs who want a clear, accessible knowledge base.
- Technical and support teams wishing to document internal processes.
- Companies looking for a lighter alternative to Confluence or Notion.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Nuclino is ultra-fast and intuitive, but lacks certain advanced functionalities, such as the databases and automations found in Notion or Coda.
Nuclino
Obsidian: ultra-flexible, secure note-taking
Obsidian is a tool designed for those who want to take notes in a different way. Unlike Notion, which operates in the cloud, Obsidian stores all your data locally, guaranteeing total confidentiality. Its system of links between notes allows you to organize information in a non-linear way, ideal for professionals juggling numerous ideas.
📌 Key features
- Local storage and confidentiality: all your notes remain on your device, without dependence on an external server.
- Links between notes and visual graphs: create connections between your ideas and visualize them as a network.
- Extensive customization: add plug-ins, change the look and feel and adapt the interface to your needs.
- Offline mode: access your notes at any time, even without an Internet connection.
👥 Who's it for?
- Researchers and writers who want to organize their ideas without losing track.
- Consultants and freelancers concerned about protecting their notes and client data.
- Tech professionals who appreciate Markdown tools and optimized workflows.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
Obsidian offers great freedom, but no imposed structure. If you like "out-of-the-box" tools with built-in templates and automation, its approach may seem confusing at first.
Obsidian
Trello: visual task management made easy
Trello is one of the most accessible alternatives to Notion for organizing tasks visually. Based on the Kanban system, it lets you manage projects and workflows through interactive tables, lists and cards. Its main advantage? Ultra-fast learning curve, ideal for teams looking for a simple, effective solution.
📌 Key features
- Intuitive Kanban boards: organize your tasks into cards that you can move from column to column.
- Integrated automations with Butler: automate recurring actions (card moves, notifications, reminders).
- Smooth collaboration: add members, comment on cards and receive real-time updates.
- Integrations with other tools: connect Trello to Slack, Google Drive, Jira or even Salesforce.
👥 Who's it for?
- Freelancers and freelancers looking for a flexible, visual to-do list.
- Small teams and startups looking for complexity-free project management .
- Marketing, development and HR teams organizing campaigns, sprints or recruitment follow-ups.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
While Trello is perfect for simple task management, it shows its limitations when it comes to complex projects. Unlike ClickUp or Asana, it doesn't offer advanced dependency management or resource tracking.
Trello
Workflowy: efficient, minimalist organization
Workflowy stands out for its extreme simplicity and nested-list approach. Unlike Notion, which offers a complex modular interface, Workflowy uses a streamlined format, ideal for quickly structuring ideas, tasks or projects. Its main advantage? Fluid, hierarchical navigation, perfect for those who like to organize their thoughts in outline form.
📌 Key features
- Hierarchical list system: create infinitely nested tasks and subtasks.
- Advanced search and filters: quickly find a specific note or project.
- Offline mode: access your lists wherever you are, even without a connection.
- Sharing and collaboration: work together by assigning items and leaving comments.
👥 Who's it for?
- Writers and content creators who need a clear, structured plan.
- Tech professionals organizing ideas in the form of tree structures.
- Freelancers and project managers looking for a minimalist tool to structure their tasks.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Workflowy is ultra-lightweight, but lacks advanced features such as databases or the automations found in Notion or ClickUp.
Workflowy
How to choose the best alternative to Notion?
The market for productivity tools is a veritable labyrinth. Between ultra-customizable solutions, ultra-connected platforms and software designed for collaboration, making a choice can quickly become a headache.
So how do you avoid getting lost and choose the tool that really meets your needs? You need to ask yourself the right questions and compare the essential criteria before taking the plunge.
1️⃣ Define your precise needs
Before even exploring the alternatives, clarify your expectations. Not all tools serve the same purpose.
- Are you primarily looking for a project manager? ClickUp or Asana will do the job.
- Do you need a light, fast note-taking tool? Obsidian or Google Keep will do the trick.
- Is real-time collaboration your priority? Microsoft Loop or Nuclino may be good options.
- Do you handle large volumes of data and need structure? Airtable or Coda will offer more advanced flexibility.
The objective is simple: find the tool that fits your needs without adding unnecessary complexity.
2️⃣ Check key features
Every software package has its strengths and weaknesses. Some focus on simplicity, others on power, still others on integrations.
Here are the essential aspects to compare:
- Flexibility and customization: Notion allows you to customize your organization, but this can quickly become a headache. If you're looking for a more structured tool, Coda offers a more intuitive alternative.
- Integrations with other software: If your company is already rooted in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft Loop will integrate naturally. Need a central hub for all your apps? ClickUp excels in this area.
- Database management: If data structure is at the heart of your business, Airtable combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database.
- Collaboration and sharing: A tool like Nuclino facilitates collaborative documentation, while Trello shines in visual task management.
- Security and confidentiality: If data protection is a key issue, Obsidian, with its offline mode, ensures total control over your information.
3️⃣ Analyze cost and profitability
Pricing models vary enormously. Some solutions are free for small teams, but become expensive as needs evolve.
Points to watch:
- Free vs. paid: Trello and Asana offer free versions, but with limited functionality. Others, like Airtable, reserve their best options for premium offers.
- Cost per user or per team: Some tools charge per user, others per team package. Depending on your workforce, group pricing may be more advantageous.
- What's included: Is a premium subscription really necessary? Some software packages are attractively priced, but lock in automations, advanced integrations or customer support behind a paywall.
- Benefits and discounts: Think about annual discounts and offers for associations or startups. Microsoft Loop, for example, becomes particularly cost-effective if you're already using Microsoft 365.
4️⃣ Evaluate performance and scalability
A productivity tool needs to be fluid and responsive, even when used intensively. Yet Notion sometimes shows signs of weakness with large databases or multi-user collaboration.
Criteria to watch out for:
- Loading speed: A good tool must remain fast, even with thousands of entries and numerous integrations.
- Processing capabilities: Some solutions are better at optimizing background calculations and data management, thus avoiding slowdowns.
- Scalability: A start-up with three users today may have thirty tomorrow. It's crucial to choose a tool that can grow with your organization.
Platforms like Airtable or ClickUp are known to handle scalability better than Notion, offering more consistent performance over the long term.
Find the ideal alternative to Notion for your team
| Software name | Main strength | Most common use case |
| Airtable | Database as intuitive as a spreadsheet | Database management and project tracking |
| Anytype | Decentralized storage and total privacy | Freelancers and privacy-conscious companies |
| AppFlowy | Open-source alternative with local hosting | Developers and companies looking for a self-hosted alternative |
| Asana | Structured tool for advanced project management | Large teams needing structure and tracking |
| ClickUp | Ultra-customizable project management | Startups and SMEs managing multiple projects simultaneously |
| Coda | Transforms a document into an application | Teams looking for a flexible, collaborative tool |
| Evernote | Organized note-taking and advanced search engine | Professionals and researchers storing information |
| Google Keep | Instant, ultra-simple note-taking | Quick and easy note-taking for everyday use |
| Microsoft Loop | Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 | Companies using Microsoft 365 |
| Nuclino | Fast, lightweight collaborative documentation | Teams document knowledge and processes |
| Obsidian | Note-taking with local storage and connections between notes | Tech professionals and writers |
| Trello | Simple, visual task management | Freelancers and teams looking for a visual to-do list |
| Workflowy | Hierarchical list organization | Task organization and structured brainstorming |
With so many options on the market, choosing the right alternative can seem complex. But by focusing on your real needs, the decision becomes much simpler.
- Need flexibility and power? Coda offers advanced customization.
- Security and confidentiality above all? Obsidian works offline and protects your data.
- Already in the Microsoft ecosystem? Loop integrates seamlessly with 365 tools.
- Advanced project management? ClickUp and Asana offer robust functionality.
- An accessible, visual database? Airtable and Trello ensure clarity and organization.
Finally, keep an eye on your budget. Some tools offer free versions, others quickly become expensive as your needs grow.
In short, the right tool is the one that fits your way of working. A well-chosen alternative will save you time, improve your productivity and simplify your workflows. 💪
Article translated from French