Best Notion Alternatives in 2026
Notion (Free / $10/mo) not the right fit? Here are 12 alternatives we tested and compared — from free options to enterprise-grade tools.
Last updated: February 2026 · 12 alternatives reviewed
Notion
All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, project management, and wikis.
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline access — requires internet for most tasks
- Can feel slow with very large databases (1000+ rows)
📝 Why People Look for Notion Alternatives
Notion recently raised AI add-on pricing from $8 to $10/member/month, making the total cost for AI-powered teams significantly higher. However, Notion remains the only tool that truly unifies docs, databases, and project management in one workspace. For solo devs, the free tier is unbeatable — unlimited pages with no time limit.
If leaving Notion, export databases as CSV first (not Markdown — you lose relations). Allow 2–4 weeks for migration. The biggest hidden cost is rebuilding your linked database architecture in another tool.
Top 12 Alternatives to Notion
Linear
Streamlined issue tracking and project management built for modern software teams.
- Blazingly fast UI — feels instant even with thousands of issues
- Keyboard-first design loved by developers
- Free tier capped at 250 issues — fills up fast for active projects
- Limited document/wiki features — need Notion or similar alongside
Raycast
Blazingly fast macOS launcher that replaces Spotlight. Extensions, snippets, AI, and window management built in.
- Fastest launcher on macOS — instant results
- Massive extension store (GitHub, Jira, Notion, etc.)
- macOS only — no Windows or Linux
- AI features require Pro subscription
Obsidian
Local-first markdown knowledge base with bidirectional linking and powerful plugin system.
- Completely free for personal and commercial use
- Local-first — your data stays on your device
- No real-time collaboration (not a team tool)
- Sync requires Obsidian Sync ($4/mo) or third-party setup
ClickUp
Feature-rich project management platform designed to replace multiple tools.
- Most feature-rich PM tool — tasks, docs, whiteboards, goals in one app
- Free tier includes unlimited tasks AND unlimited members
- Can feel overwhelming — too many features for simple needs
- Performance can be sluggish with large workspaces
Todoist
The to-do list app for organizing work and life. Natural language input, projects, labels, and filters.
- Lightning fast natural language input
- Beautiful, minimalist design across all platforms
- Limited project views (no Kanban on free)
- Lacks time tracking and advanced features
Monday.com
Visual project management platform with customizable workflows and automations.
- Most visually intuitive PM tool — non-technical teams love it
- Powerful automations (if X happens, do Y) built-in
- Free tier limited to just 2 users (not scalable)
- Pricing starts at $12/user and requires minimum 3 seats
Asana
Work management platform designed for team coordination, task tracking, and workflow automation.
- Free tier supports up to 10 users — generous for small teams
- Clean, focused UI that's easy to learn
- No timeline/Gantt view on free tier
- Paid plans are expensive ($13.49/user/mo)
Airtable
Spreadsheet-meets-database platform for building custom apps. Powerful views, automations, and integrations.
- Incredibly flexible — build anything from CRM to inventory
- Beautiful grid, kanban, calendar, gallery views
- Free tier: only 1,000 records per base
- Per-user pricing gets very expensive for teams
Arc Browser
The browser that replaces tabs with Spaces, Easels, and a command bar. A total rethink of web browsing.
- Completely free — no paid tier
- Spaces organize work contexts beautifully
- iOS companion only — no Android or full Windows support
- Heavy RAM usage (Chromium-based)
Trello
Simple, visual Kanban board tool for organizing tasks and projects.
- Simplest PM tool — drag-and-drop cards, zero learning curve
- Free tier includes unlimited cards and members
- Not built for complex projects (no Gantt, no sprints)
- Free tier limited to 10 boards and 1 Power-Up per board
Coda
All-in-one doc that combines docs, spreadsheets, and apps. Build custom tools without code.
- Build powerful internal tools within docs
- Advanced formulas and automation engine
- Steeper learning curve than Notion
- Can feel overwhelming for simple use cases
Basecamp
All-in-one project management and team communication tool. Simple, opinionated, and distraction-free.
- Flat pricing — no per-user fees
- Built-in chat, docs, tasks, and file storage
- $299/mo is steep for small teams
- Limited customization and reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free alternative to Notion?
The best free alternatives to Notion include Linear, Raycast, Obsidian. Each offers a free plan with varying feature limits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Notion?
Yes. Notion starts at Free / $10/mo. Linear (Free / $8/mo) and Raycast (Free / $8/mo) offer lower pricing.
Why do people switch from Notion?
Common reasons include: Steep learning curve for advanced features, Limited offline access — requires internet for most tasks, Can feel slow with very large databases (1000+ rows). Each alternative addresses different pain points, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Can I migrate my data from Notion?
Most alternatives offer import tools or CSV migration paths. The complexity depends on your data volume and workflow complexity. We recommend running both tools in parallel for 1-2 weeks during transition.