There's a lot of noise around what productivity program is the best choice between Notion, Evernote, Roam, Obsidian, RemNote, etc. This debate is a bit misguided in my opinion because the features in each program can cater to certain users over others. For example, Notion's native web clipper is a weakness for the note-taker, but its database structure is extremely useful for the team manager or wiki builder.
I want to break down every pro and con from Notion and Evernote with the note-taker in mind and get right into what both programs have to offer. With that being said, it is obvious that I'm a Notion-lover, but I will approach this comparison justly.
Better Offline Notes
Tables/databases - awesome. Mentions (easier than in Evernote) Constantly updating/bringing new features. Where I still like Evernote more is here: Better integration with other apps and services (e.g. Scanner Pro App Workflows) Instant search. PDF annotation without leaving Evernote. Notion's modular and customizable project management approach aims to redefine the productivity space. Many folks use Notion to organize their work schedule, life goals, manage projects, and more.
The ability to work offline is more reliable in Evernote. Notion is yet to roll out a legitimate offline experience. This can be frustrating for those who want to quickly sync between devices regardless of wifi connection.
However, one must purchase the premium version for this offline access ($7.99)
Better Web Clipper ⭐
Ability to clip full webpages, simplified web pages, bookmarks, and screenshots. This is an extremely useful clipper that makes any productivity program pale in comparison.
There's also settings for web clipper shortcuts.
Also a really cool feature with Evernote's web clipper is the ability to see 'related notes' after saving a clip.
More Text Formatting
Notion's text customization is more minimal than Evernote. Change color of text, ability to align text, and most importantly, remove formatting.
Better Advanced Search
Inside the search field a user can narrow documents more precisely. The following are some handy search features:
todo:true → to find all documents with checked boxes
source:mail.smtp → to find all documents added through email
There is also a save search feature that allows to user to save frequent searches.
Universal tagging located on the sidebar
Better Free Version And Bulk Export
There is no block limitation and most features are available. 5 guests allowed and bulk export are also two free features that are very generous (not including PDFs).
I particularly like the idea of bulk exporting markdown files from a database.
I can recall trying to download .txt files from each row in my spreadsheet and jumping over backwards to make it happen via VBA scripting. This is a bit odd, but I use Notion to export excel files in this manner now. (excel > notion > .md files)
Better Tables ⭐️
Notion provides filters, sorting, automation and different ways to visualize tables. These databases can connect, sync and read each other.
For those looking to create productivity systems that involve a lot of dates and automation, Notion's database structure is great for project ideation and task management in addition to note-taking.
Far easier to share documents with non-Notion users. Every user plan is able to share documents to the web as a direct link, or a template for others to use. There is also the ability to control comments.
Notion Evernote Comparison Guide
As well, you can control the 'type' of access permissions members in your workspace and guests have in a particular page.
Better Customization Features
The sandbox nature of Notion opens up a wide range of operations that can reside in one Notion workspace. For example, all task management, notes, project ideation, brainstorming, habits, appointments, etc. can be connected.
The ability to create unique systems that cater to my specific projects is really important to me. For research, working inside searchable tables with multiple quick-to-access views is preferable to a loose note-taking structure like Roam.
Evernote has a classic 'notebook' structure that can get a bit overwhelming after some time.
Better Template Creation
Create templates inside databases to streamline tedious/repetitive tasks. You are able to create templates in Evernote, however these templates aren't nearly as robust as Notion's. For example, a Notion user can nest templates and make database connections via templates to really integrate templates into a custom workspace.
This follows the 'better customization' point.
An added tid-bit: both programs offer 50+ default templates to choose from.
Quick add inline pages to database templates.
Database formulas and calculations
Toggles and sleek UI
| Developer(s) | Notion Labs Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 2016 |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | |
| Platform | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS and Android |
| Type | Note-taking, Wiki |
| Website | https://www.notion.so/ |
Notion is an application that provides components such as notes, databases, kanban boards, wikis, calendars and reminders. Users can connect these components to create their own systems for knowledge management, note taking, data management, project management, among others. These components and systems can be used individually, or in collaboration with others.
History[edit]
Notion Labs Inc, a startup based in San Francisco, was founded in 2013. The founders declined to meet venture capitalists or discuss acquiring a higher valuation.[1]
The app launched in March 2016 for web browsers and OS X, May 2017 for Microsoft Windows, and June 2017 for iOS.
In March 2018, Notion 2.0 was released. It received praise on Product Hunt as #1 Product of the Month,[2] and was featured in an article[3] in WSJ. The company had fewer than 10 employees at this point.[4]
In June 2018, an official Android app was released.[5]
In September 2019, the company announced it had reached 1 million users.[6] In April 2020 it raised a round at a $2 billion valuation with 4 million users.[7]
Software[edit]
Notion is a collaboration platform with modified markdown support that integrates kanban boards, tasks, wikis, and databases. The company claims it is an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, knowledge and data management, and project and task management.[8] It is described as a file management tool offering a unified workspace, allowing users to comment on ongoing projects, participate in discussions, and receive feedback. In addition to cross-platform apps, it can be accessed via most web browsers. It includes a tool for 'clipping' content from webpages.[9] It helps users schedule tasks, manage files, save documents, set reminders, keep agendas, organize their work. Users can also embed online content in their Notion pages using Embed.ly.
Pricing[edit]
Notion has a four-tiered subscription model: free, personal, team, and enterprise. It offers an account credit system where users can earn credit via referrals. Users are not charged if they have a remaining balance in their accounts.[citation needed] An academic email address allows a free personal plan. As of May 2020, the company upgraded the Personal Plan to allow an unlimited number of blocks, a change from the previous cap in the Personal Plan. This allows all new users the benefit of having unlimited storage.[10]
Outages[edit]
On January 4, 2021, Notion experienced a down period preventing users from accessing their files. It was reportedly caused by difficulties with Amazon Web Services.
On February 12, 2021, Notion experienced an outage that lasted several hours, preventing users from accessing their files.[11] It was reportedly caused by phishing complaints which prompted a temporary hold on Notion's domain.[12]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Bastone, Nick. 'This enterprise software startup has VCs literally knocking on its doors to invest, but for now, it's not interested'. Business Insider. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
- ^'Notion 2.0 - The all-in-one workspace - notes, tasks, wikis, & databases'. Product Hunt. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
- ^'The Only App You Need for Work-Life Productivity'. The Wall Street Journal. 21 March 2018.
- ^Shah, Hiten (2019-05-28). 'How Ivan Zhao's Notion Is Going After Atlassian and Why It Just Might Win'. FYI. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
- ^'Notion brings its powerful note-taking app to Android'. The Verge. 7 June 2018.
- ^Newton, Casey (2019-09-17). 'Notion's powerful note-taking app is now free for students and teachers'. The Verge. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
- ^'Buzzy Work App Notion Hits $2 Billion Valuation In New Raise'. Forbes. 1 April 2020.
- ^'Notion goes where Evernote dares not: what you need to know'. Android Community. 8 June 2018.
- ^'Notion Web Clipper: What You Need to Know in 2021'. Notion Wizard. 2021-01-16. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
- ^'Notion Plans and Pricing'. 19 June 2019.
- ^'Online workspace startup Notion hit by outage, citing DNS issues'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
- ^'Notion's hours-long outage was caused by phishing complaints'. TechCrunch. Retrieved 2021-02-15.
Notion Evernote Integration
External links[edit]
Notion Evernote Comparison Chart