notion alternatives

20 Notion Alternatives To Change Your Project Management Game

Notion is a versatile software program that is quickly gaining popularity due to its flexibility and ability to offer a combination of both project management and note-taking tools. While this all-in-one tool provides collaboration and team management solutions, other options are out on the market today that might be more suitable to your business needs.

Whether you are looking for tool specifically designed for taking notes, or if you need a more robust project management software, we’re diving into some of the top Notion alternatives below.

The Benefits of Notion for Project Management

Even though Notion is less than five years old, it is already a stand-out project management platform with a strong following and almost a five-star rating on Capterra. This project management tool has various stand-out features, endless customizations, and a community of die-hard users invested in the use and growth of Notion. Additional benefits of Notion include:

  • Combination of project management and note-taking
  • User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Project and task management is easy to adjust and link
  • Third-party integrations
  • Built-in templates
  • Live online training + Webinar

The Drawbacks of Notion for Project Management

Sometimes a program that is a jack of all trades can be a master of none. With Notion, some drawbacks pull the platform in multiple directions. Is it a note-taking platform? Is it a CRM? It has some clunkiness that can be difficult for businesses to wade through, and some companies find it challenging to keep everything organized and well-structured.

Some additional drawbacks of Notion include:

  • Lacks some of the more robust features offered by other dedicated project management tools
  • Can be challenging to keep track of projects and deadlines with the all-in-one design
  • It takes time to get used to the platform – orientation is a must
  • Onboarding and setting up dashboards and tasks are time-consuming

Top 20 Notion Alternatives in 2024

Now that we know the pros and cons of Notion, let’s explore some alternatives that may better suit your business. We have put together a comprehensive list of Notion alternatives — some that focus strictly on note-taking, and others that offer a more comprehensive project collaboration solution. Enjoy!

1. Hive

Hive task management software

If you are looking for an all-in-one solution that offers a combination of project management and notes, Hive is a great Notion alternative to consider. Hive is a snap to use and navigate, with an easy-to-use interface that makes it perfect for businesses of any size. At Hive, we believe nothing is more impressive than an excellently run meeting — and that includes taking great meeting notes too.

Not only does Hive offer project management tools, but Hive users have access to Hive Notes, which is a way to integrate meetings with real-time to-do lists and comments. Hive notes can connect to meetings through Google or Zoom, and it allows for real-time note-taking across the team during meetings.

Like Notion’s recent NotionAI launch, Hive also offers an AI-powered writing tool — HiveMind — that is integrated right into the Notes app. HiveMind can create any type of content you’re looking for in seconds, including blog posts, press releases, product descriptions and website copy. In addition to content creation, HiveMind is also integrated with the project management platform to intelligently create next steps for any task you’re working on or reply to emails with just one click.

Hive features:

  • Shareable notes for external participants
  • Supports real-time collaboration
  • Ease of use — even the less tech-savvy users can learn how to use this software
  • Wide range of templates to help teams use the software
  • Custom forms that anyone can collaborate on
  • Has specific meeting notes functionality

Hive Solo is free forever for individuals and teams of 2 and includes project management and note-taking features. Hive Teams plans offer more robust project management capabilities and starts at $12 per month, with customized enterprise plans for large organizations.

Want to try Hive for yourself? Get started for free today and join thousands of fast-moving teams who are already loving Hive.

2. ClickUp

ClickUp Notepad screen

If you are looking for a project management tool that provides a little bit of everything, ClickUp is an excellent option to consider. A favorite note-taking and project management tool combined, ClickUp has jumped in popularity as a go-to all-in-one tool today.

ClickUp allows users to store and edit documents in real-time, keep track of tasks and projects via a color-coded system, and has a native notepad feature. The notepad feature trumps Notion’s notepad, which can add checklists, simple code snippets and offers notepad printing functionality.

ClickUp features:

  • Offers both free and paid plans
  • Its note-taking functionality allows users to print notes
  • Customizable interface – perfect for businesses of any size
  • Drag and drop functionality with an intuitive and straightforward interface
  • Native time-tracking and powerful integrations
  • It comes with an excellent free-forever option, but the paid version for teams starts at $12/month per user.

If you think ClickUp sounds appealing, there are many more tools with similar capabilities. Check out the these top ClickUp alternatives to learn more.

3. Evernote

Evernote Note Taking Apps

If you are looking for a note-taking software program that is simple to use and offers a variety of features, Evernote is an excellent option to consider. This software was created in 2007 and has over 150 million users. It is still one of the best note-taking apps on the market, and for a good reason.

Evernote can help organize your thoughts, projects, and ideas to help search all notes and scanned documents. A note stored in Evernote can be anything from a scanned document to a pdf or a voice text. In addition, the software can store, manage and collaborate multiple notes and documents across its team of users.

Evernote features:

  • Easy to use with an intuitive interface, even for those less tech-savvy users
  • Available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
  • Supports both speech-to-text and keyboard written notes
  • Offline note-taking availability
  • Integrates with other management tools
  • Pricing starts at $14.99/month for a team plan

If Evernote sounds like an interesting option for you, continue your research with this list of top Evernote alternatives.

4. Notejoy

Notejoy screen

If you are looking for a note-taking software program with collaboration features, Notejoy is an excellent option to consider. This software is primarily focused on note-taking, and while it isn’t the best for managing projects, it is highly flexible and easy-to-use for notes and collaboration. Notes can be created, shared, and modified between all employees, making team collaboration a snap. Easy to write and accessible from anywhere with a list of integrations, Notejoy makes writing notes, well, a joy.

Notejoy features:

  • You can access the program from anywhere
  • Offers real-time collaboration
  • Offers nested tags and notebooks
  • Checklists for to-do items
  • Robust security and end-to-end encryption
  • It comes with an excellent free option, but the paid version for teams starts at $12/month per user.

5. Google Keep

google keep

If you are always on the go and have been using Notion to take notes, Google Keep is a practical Notion alternative for you. The software allows you to speak a voice memo and have it automatically transcribed. Google Keep makes it easy to snap a photo of a flyer, receipt or document and easily organize it and find it later in search. You can also share your notes with colleagues, friends and family. One of the downsides of the software is that it has no dedicated Windows, Linux, or Mac desktop app. 

Google Keep features: 

  • Supports handwriting notes
  • Location and time-based reminders for notes
  • Supports drag and drop organizational functions
  • Add notes, lists and photos to Google Keep
  • Supports recorded voice memo and transcribe it 
  • Color and add labels to code notes to quickly organize and get on with your life. 

6. Workflowy

Another alternative to Notion is Workflowy. The software is lightning fast, just open the app and start typing. Drag-and-drop files in-line, no need to switch apps. Workflowy offers a powerful search with options to add tags that facilitates filtering information. 

The solution also allows you to transform lists into super-powered kanban boards. One of the best advantages of Workflowy over Notion is that people you share a file with don’t need an account to view or edit. Plus the tool offers several options to share items quickly and securely. The Basic plan is free and gives access to all features. Pro plan starts at $4.99/month and offers unlimited file uploads, auto-back to Dropbox, and premium support.

Workflowy features:

  • Add unlimited files and images in-line
  • Infinitely nesting structure for ultimate organization
  • Kanban boards 
  • Live copy
  • Expand + Collapse feature with keyboard shortcuts
  • No-login Editing

7. Slite

Slite

Slite is an intuitive solution for remote teams looking for Notion alternatives. The tool is easy to set up and use and offers built-in integrations that facilitate workflow and collaboration. The platform allows you to use sketches, video and hundreds of embed options which helps your team communicate without distractions and make effective decisions. Slite also works as a powerful wiki, allowing you to add all documents, guidelines and discussions at one place.

If you decide to switch from Notion to Slite, they have a team to assist with the move and make the transition smooth for your team. Slite offers free and paid plans. The standard paid plan starts at $6.67 per member/per month.

Slite features: 

  • Collaborative cursors 
  • Drag and drop 
  • Markdown 
  • Inline comments
  • Task automation
  • Custom templates

8. nTask

nTasks dashboard

One of the best Notion alternatives that you can use right now is nTask. The application is an amazing task management and project management tool that allows you to make sure that your tasks and processes are tracked and managed perfectly without any issues. 

The application lets you create notes and other comments on the tasks and processes mentioned in the app interface. This feature is extremely useful for team collaboration as it lets all members working on a project keep track of any changes in the development process. Pricing starts at $3/user/month for the paid subscription with premium features.

nTask features

  • The application is accessible from anywhere around the world 
  • Task management and project management
  • Risk management to weed out all of the risks and scope creeps
  • Meeting management and collaboration tools to keep everyone connected
  • Kanban tools and Gantt charts to view the tasks and processes from a different point of view

9. Obsidian

obsidian dashboard

For the coders and developers out there, Obsidian is a plain text markdown editor with minimal formatting that lets user customize text styling, shortcuts and window arrangements. All files are stored locally and not on a cloud server and this equals fewer security risks since there is no third party holding onto your notes. Although it’s the responsibility of the user to keep files safe and secure (there are paid models that offer end-to-end encrypted backups available), this also means that Obsidian always works offline which can increase the speed of performance.

Organize ideas from the bottom up using links to connect disparate thoughts and ideas which are then visualized in a knowledge graph. You can use plugins and custom CSS to create a workspace that is efficient and really works for what you need. With that said, Obsidian is a tool aimed at users who want to use all these features and don’t mind the extra setup. No need for alarm if you don’t have this skill set and still want to try it out: there is a nice-sized community out there with loads of tips and tricks to make all this easier. 

Obsidian Features: 

  • Backlinks to create an interconnected network of notes
  • Strong community support
  • Desktop and mobile apps available
  • Free to use for individuals with paid upgrades and add-ons available

10. Basecamp

Basecamp Project Management Tools for Nonprofits

If your organization needs a project management software that’s useful for teams across different departments to collaborate, Basecamp can be a good option. While Notion is a resourceful tool for managing projects and teams, Basecamp is a simple-to-use, no-code platform, ideal for working on projects across multiple departments. The tool features templates, group chat, inbox notification, built-in time tracking, the ability to assign priority levels to tasks, and can also generate data reports.

You can get started with Basecamp’s free plan with limited features, and if you want to experience all that it has to offer, it will be $11/month/user. Plus there are discounts available for non-profits and educational organizations.

Basecamp features:

  • Hill Charts show managers which tasks are on track to spot problems before deadlines
  • Assign priority levels to tasks and generate data reports
  • Group chat and notifications
  • Built-in time tracking

If you are unsure if this is the best software for your team, check out our guide for Basecamp alternatives

11. Todoist

todoist task management tool

Another alternative to Notion for your project management software is Todoist. The platform lets you create and share to-do lists, create tasks with subtasks, set priorities, use labels, and add filters for easy searching. Your team will know exactly what needs to be done, by who and when it needs to be completed with the ability to assign delegation and set reminder notifications. 

Personalize your task view to fit your needs and use key productivity methods in your workflow such as Kanban boards. You can also integrate with several other tools, including Notion. Todoist mobile app keeps your team connected wherever they are, making it easy to collaborate remotely. There’s a free plan with limited features and paid plans start at $4/month/user.

Todoist features:

  • Quickly add tasks with sections, subtasks and priority levels
  • Set recurring due dates to speed up workflow
  • Keep a selection of favorite projects, labels and filters.

12. Supernotes

Supernotes app dashboard

Supernotes is a note-taking app that lets you capture ideas, create tasks, keep records, and more. It offers features such as notecards with rich content like equations, tables, images, checklists, and emojis. Supernotes focus more on note-taking while Notion offers a more extensive and versatile workspace. It has effortless organization and intuitive collaboration, but it lacks some features you find in Notion, such as templates, databases, Kanban boards, wikis, and calendars. 

Supernotes Features:

  • Collaborate in real-time from all devices with desktop and mobile apps 
  • Notes are always encrypted keeping them private and secure
  • Dark mode for low-light note creation
  • Tags, color-coding and export to PDF
  • 40 cards for free and additional cards through referrals or subscriptions.

13. Reflect

Reflect

Reflect is an efficient note-taking alternative to Notion. The app mirrors the way your brain works by back-linking notes together, creating a complex, yet easy-to-grasp idea map. Reflect’s team prioritizes security and performance, all notes are encrypted, but still instantly sync across your devices (even if you’ve been working in offline mode). You can create your own CRM using Reflect tags features to keep track of people you meet and what was discussed. Reflect’s AI integration allows you to use GPT directly in your notes.

The app offers a $10 monthly plan which includes networked note-taking, offline sync, Chrome and Safari web clipper, end-to-end encryption, Kindle highlights sync and iOS app. Plus, you can do Reflect 14-day trial to test all features.

Reflect features: 

  • Idea mapping 
  • End-to-end encryption and synchronization across devices
  • AI integration — use GPT directly in your notes
  • Chrome and Safari web clipper
  • Kindle highlights and iOS app

14. Confluence

confluence notion alternative

Confluence is a powerful and flexible collaboration tool that can help teams stay organized, communicate more effectively, and streamline their workflows. The software provides a centralized location for team members to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and stay up-to-date on important information. Unlike Notion, Confluence is specifically designed for teams and businesses, with features like access control, version history, and integration with other tools like Jira and Slack.

With Confluence, teams can create and share a wide range of content, including documents, spreadsheets, diagrams, and more. This content can be organized into spaces, which act like folders or channels, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of each team or project. Confluence also includes a powerful search function, making it easy to find and retrieve information, even across multiple spaces. The tool is free for up to 10 users, with paid plan starting at $5.75 per user, per month.

Confluence features:

  • Customizable templates for creating pages and content
  • Version history and rollback functionality for pages and content
  • Powerful search capabilities to quickly find information
  • Collaborative editing and commenting features
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android devices

15. Trello

trello- notes-and-docs

With a visual and intuitive approach to task management, Trello is a great alternative to Notion for your project management needs. Unlike Notion, which offers a more flexible and versatile platform, Trello specializes in creating visual boards, lists, and cards to help users organize and prioritize tasks effectively. This visual approach makes it easy to get a quick overview of the project’s status and progress at a glance.

Another key advantage of Trello over Notion is its simplicity and ease of use. Trello’s user-friendly interface allows teams to quickly grasp the concept and start collaborating without a steep learning curve. The drag-and-drop functionality, combined with customizable boards and cards, makes it easy to create a system that fits your team’s specific needs. Additionally, Trello offers a wide range of integrations with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Jira, enhancing its versatility and compatibility with existing workflows.

Trello features:

  • Visual boards, lists, and cards for organizing tasks and projects.
  • Drag-and-drop functionality for easy task management.
  • Collaboration features to assign tasks, add comments, and attach files.
  • Due dates and reminders to stay on track with project deadlines.
  • Power-Ups and integrations with other tools for enhanced functionality.

Curious how Trello might compare to other tools? We put together a list of the best Trello alternatives available today.

16. Monday.com

monday.com - notion alternative

Monday.com is a highly customizable project management platform that, unlike Notion, is specifically designed for workflow organization and project planning. Its visual dashboards make it easy to comprehend your projects’ statuses and progress at a glance, and it allows you to use customizable templates that match your workflow. It also offers automations that take care of routine tasks, letting you focus on strategic matters. However, some users find Monday.com’s wide range of options overwhelming, especially in the initial setup phase.

Monday.com offers extensive integrations with popular tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Mailchimp, among others and arguably has more options for a wide range of professional needs compared to Notion. However, Notion still shines in its content creation and note-taking capabilities, which might be more suited to individual or creative tasks, while Monday.com excels in collaborative, structured project management environments.

Monday.com features:

  • Customizable templates
  • Visual dashboards
  • Automate repetitive tasks
  • Extensive integrations with many popular third-party apps and tools
  • Timeline and Gantt views
  • Collaborative workspaces and team communication within the platform

Check out some alternatives to Monday.com and compare them to find the best strategic planning platform for your organization.

17. Wrike

wrike - notion alternative

Wrike is an excellent alternative to Notion for project management with comprehensive features tailored for managing complex projects. Wrike has built-in time tracking, advanced reporting, and resource management features that make it more suitable for larger teams working with complex, multi-stage projects. When it comes to advanced project management features such as Gantt charts, time tracking, and in-depth progress reports, Notion falls short compared to Wrike. Wrike’s learning curve might be steeper than Notion due to its vast functionality, but this upskilling can be beneficial for teams looking for a more robust project management tool.

Wrike features:

  • Integrates with various applications like Google Drive, Slack, Salesforce, and Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Personalized dashboards for important tasks, updates, and project overviews
  • Built-in proofing and approval tools
  • Workflow automation to eliminate manual tasks
  • Security features including role-based access, two-factor authentication, and data encryption

To learn about other similar options, check out these leading Wrike alternatives on the market.

18. Bear

Bear Note Taking App

Bear is a minimalist note-taking app that makes a good alternative to Notion. While Bear is focused on Markdown, Notion offers more flexibility and customization. However, Bear lets you capture, write and organize your notes adding text, photos, tables and to-do lists. With Bear, you can filter and find your notes easily using tags for your annotations.

One thing to note about Bear: the platform is only available as a native app for iOS and macOS and offers way fewer integrations to third-party apps in comparison to Notion. You cannot access your notes from a web browser or if you are offline. Bear has a free plan with limited features. The paid plan starts at $2.99 per month. 

Bear features: 

  • Markdown is a feature that lets you use Markdown syntax to format your notes. 
  • Templates, tables and checklists
  • Use media attachments and create notes with all the information you need in one single place
  • Search and organize tags to easily find your notes 
  • You can sync your notes across all of your devices — as long as they are Apple devices.
  • Security with two-factor authentication and password protection. 

19. Craft

Craft is a smart AI powered note-taking app and a great alternative to Notion. Simply type in a short command and within seconds, the built-in tool will help you to write your notes. Comparably, Craft is considered faster than Notion and better optimized to be used offline. The navigability of Craft is also often praised for its simplicity and streamlined set-up. Is design and aesthetics important to you? If you a iOs user, Craft’s interface may be more appealing to you than Notion’s. Craft’s virtual assistance can also help you write a blog post, check your grammar and spelling, rewrite an entry in a different tone, translating into a different language and more. You can even get a quick summary of a long body of text, saving you time when it comes to reviewing documents. Craft is available for all Apple devices, Windows and on the web with a free starter plan. There’s an upgraded pro plan available for $5 per month, as well as business and enterprise level subscriptions for teams. 

Craft features: 

  • Note-taking and markdown and writing support 
  • Project management and collaboration
  • Block-based system for creating and organizing your notes
  • A vast gallery of templates: meeting notes, product documentation, and blog posts.

20. Anytype

Think of a mix of Notion and Obsidian, that’s the best way to describe Anytype. While the platform works as a task management solution, documentation space and a catalog of everything in your professional and personal orbit, the biggest highlight of this tool is privacy. Anytype can be used offline and all your data stays encrypted in your device — so only you will have access to it. To collaborate with others, you can share your data with them using encrypted links or invite them directly to your Anytype workspace. Anytype is free of charge, if you self-host your data. If you use their backup services, you can use Anytype up to 1GB of storage for free or contact them for their paid plan.

Anytype features:

  • Content Creation
  • Customizable Templates
  • Database Creation
  • Drag & Drop
  • Notes Management
  • Presentation Tools
  • Prioritization
  • Productivity Tools

Do you have other note-taking apps that you think should be on this list? Comment below and share your favorite Notion alternatives with us!