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 rises quickly 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.
The good news is that in 2025, there's no shortage of alternatives to Notion. Tools that are more intuitive, faster, better integrated... and sometimes much 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, organise projects and collaborate as a team. Its main advantage? Its great flexibility, which means it can be adapted to a variety of uses, from a simple notepad to a fully-fledged information management system.
Notion's key features
- Kanban boards for organising tasks
- Dynamic, customisable databases
- Wikis for centralising information
- Modular text blocks to structure your ideas
Thanks to this modular approach, Notion is a real 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 is not without its limitations. Its flexibility, which appeals to so many users, can also become an obstacle. A 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 organisation 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 you to configure everything yourself. The result: a longer adaptation period and sometimes sub-optimal use.
Limited performance on large volumes of data
If you use Notion for advanced project management or large databases, you may already have noticed slowdowns. When the number of elements stored increases, loading times get longer, especially in collaborative use.
This lack of responsiveness can have an impact on
- Managing complex projects with numerous interconnected tasks
- Using data in real time
- Team collaboration on large data bases
In some cases, this slowness can become a barrier to productivity, forcing you 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 that need unlimited users or advanced features, other tools may offer better value for money.
Insufficient functionality at times
Despite its versatility, Notion does not meet all needs. In particular, some users complain of
- A lack of advanced automation to streamline workflows
- Limited confidentiality management, with access control options that could be improved upon
- The absence of certain functions 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 organise its campaigns, but as soon as the team grows, performance drops, automation is lacking, and access management becomes a headache. The result? A migration to a better-optimised alternative.
Not enough customisation of workflows
Although Notion allows a certain amount of customisation, the creation of specific workflows can remain limited. Sometimes, a tool like Trello, with its Kanban approach, is more intuitive. Similarly, Asana offers improved 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 |
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| 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 organising complex projects without coding.
📌 Key features
- Dynamic databases: organise your information in the form of enriched tables with filters and relationships.
- Built-in automations: trigger actions based on defined criteria (example: automatic emailing when a task is completed).
- Customisable views: display your data as a kanban, calendar, grid or gallery to suit your needs.
- Advanced integrations: connect Airtable to Slack, Zapier, Google Drive or even Jira to centralise your workflows.
👥 Who's it for?
- SMEs and large companies managing large volumes of data.
- Marketing and product teams organising campaigns, content or roadmaps.
- Contact database, inventory or project managers looking for a tool that's 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 a large number of users or advanced automation needs.
Airtable
Anytype: a private, decentralised alternative
Anytype is a serious competitor to Notion, with a unique positioning: decentralised storage and total respect for privacy. Unlike traditional cloud tools, Anytype works offline, with encrypted synchronisation between devices, ensuring that your data remains solely in your hands.
📌 Key features
- Local storage and encrypted synchronisation: 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 your notes and projects.
- Advanced object management: allows you to link different entities (people, projects, tasks) dynamically.
👥 Who is it for?
- Professionals and businesses 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 customisable, 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.
- Interface similar to Notion: text blocks, tables, databases, it's all there!
- Open-source, customisable code: you can add your own features.
- Offline mode: access your documents without an Internet connection.
👥 Who's it for?
- Developers and companies looking for a self-hosted, customisable tool.
- Users concerned about confidentiality and looking for an alternative to Notion without imposed cloud storage.
- Tech professionals who want an extensible, modifiable tool with no proprietary restrictions.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
AppFlowy is still in the development phase and does not yet offer all the advanced features of Notion, particularly in terms of integration and automation.
AppFlowy
Asana: robust, structured project management
Asana is an alternative to Notion for teams that need advanced, well-structured project management. Unlike Notion, which often requires you to configure everything yourself, Asana offers a more organised 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 automation.
- Dashboards and reporting: performance analysis, workload and target tracking.
- Collaborative tools: comments on tasks, real-time notifications and integrations with Slack, Google Drive and other software.
👥 Who is 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 monitoring.
⚠️ 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-customisable project management
ClickUp is positioned as an alternative to Notion for advanced project management. More than just a note-taking tool, it centralises tasks, documents, objectives and automations in a modular interface. Its main advantage? Extensive customisation, 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 automation: assign tasks, send reminders and streamline your processes without manual intervention.
- Optimised collaboration: leave comments, mention colleagues and modify documents in real time.
- Dashboards and reporting: track project performance using customised indicators and graphs.
👥 Who is it for?
- Project leaders and managers who need a global view of task progress.
- Startups and SMEs looking for an alternative to Notion that is more focused on operational management.
- Marketing, tech and HR teams wanting to organise their work while centralising 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 means it takes some getting used to, especially for those used 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 automation. Designed for teams who want to go beyond simple databases, it can be used to create bespoke workspaces that can evolve 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 centralise your tasks.
- Real-time collaboration: work simultaneously with your team, leaving comments or assigning actions directly in documents.
👥 Who is it for?
- Startups and SMEs looking for a flexible tool to organise projects and databases.
- Product and marketing teams looking to centralise campaign and roadmap management.
- Companies looking for automation to reduce repetitive tasks and increase 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 used to more structured tools such as Trello or Asana.
Coda
Evernote: powerful, organised note-taking
Evernote is an alternative to Notion that stands out for its ability to organise large volumes of information efficiently. Unlike Notion, which relies on flexibility, Evernote structures notes with notebooks, labels and an advanced search engine, making it easier to manage content over the long term.
📌 Key features
- Hierarchical organisation: 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 synchronisation: access your notes on desktop, mobile and tablet.
👥 Who is it for?
- Professionals and researchers needing an advanced filing system.
- Journalists and writers wanting to store and organise their research.
- Students using Evernote to take and structure their course notes.
⚠️ A limitation to be aware of
Evernote offers a free version, but it 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: quick, 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.
- Coloured and pinned notes: organise your ideas quickly with colour codes.
- Speech recognition and OCR: convert audio notes into text and extract text from images.
- Native Google integration: automatically sync with Google Drive, Gmail and Google Docs.
👥 Who is it for?
- Google Workspace users who want a fast solution that's 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 it lacks advanced organisation (no notebooks, no complex labels), which can be restrictive for those who need more in-depth management of their notes.
Google Keep
Microsoft Loop: seamless collaboration in the Microsoft ecosystem
Microsoft Loop is an alternative to Notion that shines through its perfect integration with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Designed for real-time collaboration, it enables teams to work fluidly on dynamic documents, directly linked to tools such as Teams, Outlook or OneDrive.
📌 Key features
- Native integration with Microsoft 365: all data remains synchronised 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 businesses with strict cyber security requirements.
👥 Who is it for?
- Businesses and large organisations already equipped with Microsoft 365.
- Project teams and IT departments working on collaborative documents.
- Managers and HR looking for a structured space to organise meetings and team monitoring.
⚠️ 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 is likely to 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 authoring 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.
- Organisation into graphs and folders: enables intuitive navigation between documents.
- Optimised performance: no latency, even with large numbers of documents and users.
👥 Who is it for?
- Startups and SMEs who want a clear and accessible knowledge base.
- Technical and support teams wanting to document internal processes.
- Companies looking for a lighter alternative to Confluence or Notion.
⚠️ One limitation to be aware of
Nuclino is ultra-fast and intuitive, but it lacks certain advanced features, such as databases or the automation found in Notion or Coda.
Nuclino
Obsidian: ultra-flexible, secure note-taking
Obsidian is a tool designed for people who want to take notes in a different way. Unlike Notion, which works in the cloud, Obsidian stores all your data locally, guaranteeing total confidentiality. Its system of links between notes allows you to organise information in a non-linear way, ideal for professionals juggling lots of ideas.
📌 Key features
- Local storage and confidentiality: all your notes remain on your device, with no dependency on an external server.
- Links between notes and visual graphs: create connections between your ideas and view them as a network.
- Extensive customisation: add plugins, change the look and feel and adapt the interface to suit your needs.
- Offline mode: access your notes at any time, even without an Internet connection.
👥 Who is it for?
- Researchers and writers who want to organise their ideas without losing track.
- Consultants and freelancers concerned about protecting their notes and client data.
- Tech professionals who appreciate Markdown tools and optimised workflows.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
Obsidian offers a great deal of freedom, but no imposed structure. If you like 'off-the-shelf' tools with built-in templates and automation, its approach may seem confusing at first.
Obsidian
Trello: simplified visual task management
Trello is one of the most accessible alternatives to Notion for organising tasks visually. Based on the Kanban system, it lets you manage projects and workflows using 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: organise your tasks into cards that you can move from one column to another.
- Integrated automations with Butler: automate recurring actions (moving cards, notifications, reminders).
- Smooth collaboration: add members, comment on cards and receive updates in real time.
- Integrations with other tools: connect Trello to Slack, Google Drive, Jira or even Salesforce.
👥 Who's it for?
- Freelancers and freelancers looking for a visual, flexible to-do list.
- Small teams and startups looking for project management without complexity.
- Marketing, development and HR teams organising campaigns, sprints or recruitment follow-ups.
⚠️ A limit to be aware of
While Trello is perfect for managing simple tasks, it has its limitations when it comes to complex projects. It doesn't offer advanced dependency management or resource tracking, unlike ClickUp or Asana.
Trello
Workflowy: minimalist and efficient organisation
Workflowy stands out for its extreme simplicity and its approach based on nested lists. Unlike Notion, which offers a complex modular interface, Workflowy uses a streamlined format, ideal for rapidly structuring ideas, tasks or projects. Its main advantage? Fluid, hierarchical navigation, perfect for those who like to organise 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 is it for?
- Writers and content creators who need a clear, structured plan.
- Tech professionals organising 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 automation found in Notion or ClickUp.
Workflowy
How do you choose the best alternative to Notion?
The market for productivity tools is a veritable labyrinth. Between ultra-customisable solutions, ultra-connected platforms and software designed for collaboration, making a choice can quickly become a headache.
So how can 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 quick, lightweight note-taking tool? Obsidian or Google Keep will be more suitable.
- Is real-time collaboration your priority? Microsoft Loop or Nuclino could 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 suits your needs without adding unnecessary complexity.
2️⃣ Check the key features
Each software package has its strengths and weaknesses. Some focus on simplicity, others on power, still others on integration.
Here are the key aspects to compare:
- Flexibility and customisation: Notion allows customised organisation, 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 centralised hub for all your applications? ClickUp excels at this.
- 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: While data protection is a key issue, Obsidian, with its offline mode, ensures total control over your information.
3️⃣ Analyse cost and profitability
Pricing models vary enormously. Some solutions are free for small teams, but become expensive as needs evolve.
Points to look out for:
- Free vs paid: Trello and Asana offer free versions, but with limited functionality. Others, such as 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 automation, advanced integration or customer support behind a paywall.
- Benefits and discounts: Think about annual discounts and offers for associations or start-ups. Microsoft Loop, for example, becomes particularly profitable if you already use Microsoft 365.
4️⃣ Assess performance and scalability
A productivity tool needs to be fluid and responsive, even when used intensively. However, 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 capacity: Some solutions are better at optimising 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 organisation.
Platforms such as 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 | Decentralised storage and total respect for privacy | Freelancers and companies concerned about confidentiality |
| AppFlowy | Open-source alternative with local hosting | Developers and businesses looking for a self-hosted alternative |
| Asana | Structured tool for advanced project management | Large teams needing structure and monitoring |
| ClickUp | Ultra-customisable project management | Start-ups and SMEs managing several projects simultaneously |
| Coda | Transforms a document into an application | Teams looking for a flexible, collaborative tool |
| Evernote | Organised note-taking and an advanced search engine | Professionals and researchers storing information |
| Google Keep | Instant and 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 their 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 | Organisation in the form of hierarchical lists | Task organisation 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 customisation.
- Security and confidentiality above all? Obsidian works offline and protects your data.
- Already in the Microsoft ecosystem? Loop integrates perfectly with 365 tools.
- Advanced project management? ClickUp and Asana offer robust functionality.
- An accessible, visual database? Airtable and Trello provide clarity and organisation.
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 adapts to the way you work. A well-chosen alternative will save you time, improve your productivity and simplify your workflows. 💪
Article translated from French