Last Updated On January 10
Notion Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth the Price?
Discover if Notion is the ultimate tool for your workflow in 2024. Dive into its pros, cons, pricing, and see if it’s worth your investment for personal or team use.
If you've been around the productivity block, you’ve likely heard whispers about Notion – a tool that’s somehow both a workspace and a second brain.
In 2024, Notion is still making waves, particularly for folks juggling complex projects, knowledge management needs, and collaborative tasks. But is it really the end-all, be-all solution for organizing your life or business?
Let’s dive into Notion and see if it’s worth the hype (and the money, of course).
What is Notion?
Notion is, in a nutshell, a customizable productivity platform that lets you create databases, notes, to-do lists, calendars, and more, all under one virtual roof.
It’s not like the usual task managers that feel, well, a dime a dozen.
This tool brings in elements of knowledge management that feel especially useful for ITIL and ITSM frameworks.
Knowledge managers, in particular, find Notion handy for documenting processes, storing information, and keeping everything within arm’s reach.
And while that all sounds pretty grand, the beauty (and the trick) of Notion is that it’s as powerful or as simple as you make it.
You can use it for everything from planning dinner menus to running project sprints, but how deep you want to go is entirely up to you.
Ease of Use
4.5
Customer Service
4.6
Features
4.6
Value for Money
4.8
Notion’s Overview
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Who Is Notion Best For?
One might argue that Notion is best suited for knowledge managers, remote teams, freelancers, or really anyone who wears a few too many hats. It’s especially appealing to those familiar with the tasks of knowledge management, where organizing, sharing, and maintaining knowledge can be, well, a lot.
With features like linked databases and templates, Notion can streamline tasks for ITSM and ITIL knowledge management, offering a single system where everything is neatly tied together.
On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers structure over flexibility (and maybe a bit less tinkering), Notion might feel overwhelming.
It’s powerful, yes, but with great power comes… you know the rest.
Notion's PROS and CONS
Notion is one of those tools that molds itself to your style – whether you’re handling personal projects or managing work tasks, it’s a digital workspace that lets you arrange things just how you like. You get this sense of freedom to shape your workflows, combining your notes, tasks, and even your big ideas in one place.
But, before diving right in, it’s smart to look at both the perks and the potential pitfalls.
PROS
A Free Plan That’s More Than Generous - Notion’s free plan is a standout. It’s perfect for getting a taste of what the platform can do without spending a dime. You can test out most features, set up your workspace, and see if it clicks with you. It’s like taking the car for a spin before deciding if you want to buy.
Affordable for What You Get - Compared to similar tools, Notion’s pricing is solid. The paid plans are affordable, especially considering the powerful features and flexibility. If you’re after a tool that can handle everything from your personal tasks to team projects, it’s a deal that packs a lot of punch.
Easy Onboarding with Plenty of Resources - Learning a new tool can be a chore, but Notion makes it easier with tutorials and resources galore. From setting up your first page to diving into advanced setups, they’ve got you covered with step-by-step guidance that takes the edge off the learning curve.
All-in-One Place for Everything - Notion combines notes, tasks, wikis, and databases in one spot, so you don’t have to jump between apps. Instead of juggling a separate to-do list, note-taking app, and calendar, you can keep it all within Notion’s sleek space.
Customization Heaven - Notion is incredibly customizable. You can build pages and databases however you need, whether you’re tracking projects, managing a journal, or laying out plans for the next big idea. It’s like a digital toolkit that adapts to whatever you throw at it.
Smooth Collaboration - Working with a team? Notion makes it seamless. Everyone can access, edit, and comment in real time. Collaboration feels natural, whether you’re brainstorming ideas or working through detailed project plans.
Accessible on Any Device - Notion is cloud-based, which means your data syncs across devices. Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or laptop, everything’s always up to date, so you can jump back into your work wherever you are.
Ready-Made Templates to Get You Started - If you’re not sure where to begin, Notion has plenty of templates for everything from personal productivity to business projects. They’re a quick way to get rolling and make the most out of Notion’s features.
CONS
It’s Powerful… But That Comes with a Learning Curve - Notion’s flexibility is fantastic, but it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re used to simpler tools. You might find yourself spending time setting things up instead of actually getting things done at first.
Offline Access Isn’t Notion’s Strong Suit - While Notion has offline access, it’s not as reliable as some other apps. If you’re without an internet connection, a few features might not work as smoothly, and updates won’t sync until you’re back online.
Too Much Freedom Can Get Messy - The ability to build anything you want is great, but it’s easy to overdo it. Notion can get complex if you’re not careful, with pages and databases that become hard to manage if you go overboard.
Lag on Larger Workspaces - Some users have noticed that with large databases or complex setups, Notion can slow down. If you’re relying on it for big projects, that little lag can be a bit frustrating.
In the end, the only real way to know if Notion’s the right fit is to try it out yourself. With their free plan, you can jump in, play around, and see how it suits your business or personal projects.
You’ll get a firsthand look at its customization, features, and flexibility without the pressure of committing to a paid plan. By exploring it on your own, you’ll start to see where it could slot into your daily operations and get a feel for whether it’s worth the investment.
The free plan lets you make an informed decision, ensuring that when (or if) you do decide to go for the paid subscription, you’re confident it’s the tool to support your growth and success.
Notion's User Testimonials
User testimonials offer a glimpse into how Notion fits into real users’ lives, showing us what really works, what stands out, and where the platform might have room for improvement.
Let’s dig into a few firsthand experiences to get a better feel for Notion’s impact.
“My overall experience with Notion has been excellent. It has significantly improved my productivity and organization, offering a versatile workspace that adapts to my needs. The collaborative features have also enhanced teamwork and project management within my team.”
This testimonial shines a light on how Notion transforms both personal productivity and team collaboration. The platform’s flexibility and adaptability really stand out, giving this user a workspace that feels tailor-made for their needs. Notion creates a shared space where everyone can stay on the same page, smoothing out communication and making task tracking a breeze.
“Notion’s flexibility and comprehensive feature set are what I like most. It seamlessly integrates task management, project tracking, and collaboration tools in a single platform, making it incredibly efficient for both personal and professional use.”
Here, the user highlights Notion’s standout feature: versatility. By combining a full suite of tools into one place, Notion saves users from hopping between multiple apps to get things done. It’s all there, which makes life easier, especially for those wanting an all-in-one solution to keep their personal and work tasks organized and efficient.
“The learning curve for new users can be steep. While the platform is powerful, it can take some time to get accustomed to all its features and functionalities.”
Notion’s rich feature set comes with a bit of a learning curve, and this user calls it out. It’s not the most intuitive tool to pick up right away, especially if you’re used to simpler apps. But once you push through that initial adjustment, most find that it’s worth the time investment, as Notion becomes a powerful tool that pays off in the long run.
“My overall experience with Notion is great. I'm using it every day for two years, and it is the main platform for my project management. It allows me to set up new projects efficiently. It doesn't lag or stop in the middle. Before Notion, I was using other platforms, but they weren’t what I was looking for. I'm a website designer, and over the years, I’ve managed and completed over 350 website design projects.”
This testimonial shows the value of Notion as a long-term project management tool. For a user who’s managed hundreds of website design projects, Notion’s smooth and efficient performance has clearly been a game-changer.
It’s a huge plus for anyone juggling lots of tasks or handling large projects, with Notion’s reliability making a meaningful impact on their workflow.
“For cons, I would say that Notion can sometimes be overwhelming for many users. It can be confusing for new users as there are so many tools and options to use. I myself got confused in my initial days of using Notion. I generally forget how to start a new line or break lines after every link I add. Some people who like flashy colors or graphics may find it boring.”
This user provides a relatable view on the initial struggles with Notion’s wide range of tools. For new users, it can feel like a lot to take in at first. Plus, while Notion’s clean and minimalist design has its fans, others might find it a bit lacking in color or vibrancy.
It’s worth noting that, although Notion has tons of tools, it might not be love at first sight for everyone—especially for those seeking a more straightforward or visually exciting interface.
“Notion is EXTREMELY slow if you are using it to store a lot of data like 2000+ pages. The support, it is very very very VERY difficult to get someone AND it is EXTREMELY difficult to report a bug. Each time we report a bug or something like this, the support is like a robot, they ask ALWAYS the same questions like ‘What is your device please?’ even if I mention it before, and I say it is the same issue on every device.”
For users with larger databases, Notion has its challenges. Managing big data loads can slow things down, and this user’s frustration with customer support adds to the downside. The process of reporting bugs is described as repetitive and slow, which can be especially irritating for those using Notion to manage complex projects.
“Notion has a lovely layout with the left sidebar containing all the different pages, projects, tasks, etc. A little silly, but I love that we can add banners and emojis to the title and make the 'virtual workplace' our own. It's great to be able to integrate other apps into Notion. We added our GDrive, Slack, and Figma into the space, and it functioned well. There are also ways to share specific pages with guests, and it’s possible to have private pages, separate from the team.”
This user loves Notion’s customization options, from personal touches like banners and emojis to integration with Google Drive, Slack, and Figma. These features let them truly make the workspace feel “theirs,” and the flexibility to share specific pages while keeping others private adds an extra layer of control.
For even more insights on Notion, Capterra is a go-to spot. It’s filled with feedback from users sharing their hands-on experiences with Notion and similar software.
If you’re curious, it’s definitely worth a browse to see what others are saying.
Notion's Pricing
Notion’s pricing is refreshingly flexible, making it a fit for just about anyone—from solo users to teams and full-fledged businesses. With a mix of free and paid options, there’s room to choose the plan that suits your needs without stretching your budget.
One of the best parts? You can start with the free plan to get a real feel for what Notion has to offer before deciding if you need those extra features that come with an upgrade. It’s great knowing that as your needs grow, Notion can grow with you—whether you’re tackling personal projects or leading a larger team.
Here’s a quick look at Notion’s plan lineup:
| Plan | Starting Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Collaborative workspace, Integrate with Slack, GitHub & more, Basic page analytics, 7 day page history, Invite 10 guests |
| Plus | $10 per user/ billed monthly | Everything in Free, and Unlimited blocks for teams, Unlimited file uploads, 30 day page history, Invite 100 guests |
| Business | $18 per user/ billed monthly | Everything in Plus, and SAML SSO, Private teamspaces, Bulk PDF export, Advanced page analytics, 90 day page history, Invite 250 guest |
| Enterprice | Custom Price | Everything in Business, and User provisioning (SCIM), Advanced security & controls, Audit log, Customer success manager, Workspace analytics, Unlimited page history, Security & Compliance integrations, Invite 250 guests |
Notion Monthly Pricing
Notion’s pricing structure also includes discounts for annual subscriptions, which is a nice perk if you’re in it for the long haul.
The free plan, though, is a major highlight. It lets individuals and teams explore the platform in depth without any financial commitment upfront. This approach means you can take the time to understand Notion’s capabilities and see if it genuinely meets your needs before making an investment.
Quick Verdict – Is Notion Worth the Money?
So, is it worth your hard-earned cash? In my view, if you’re seeking a flexible, feature-rich tool and don’t mind the initial learning curve, Notion’s value is undeniable.
It’s hard to find something that does so much under one hood, and for knowledge managers or IT professionals, it’s a handy tool for documentation, process management, and even collaboration.
For some, though, the “all-in-one” promise might feel like overkill.
Notion's Key Features
Here’s a breakdown of some of Notion’s standout features, designed to help you get the most out of this flexible workspace.
From organizing tasks to team collaboration and secure data handling, Notion offers robust tools to meet various needs.
Notion's workspace
Notion’s workspace is like a blank canvas that you can shape to fit your personal or professional needs. It’s a fully customizable environment where you can create pages, organize projects, and store everything in one place. You start with a blank workspace that can be structured to suit you—whether you want a straightforward to-do list or a complex project management system.
The workspace is organized into pages and subpages, creating a hierarchy that can be as simple or as layered as you like. You can arrange sections for personal tasks, team projects, databases, calendars, and more.
Notion also allows you to embed files, images, videos, and even external links to create a truly interactive experience.
Notion’s workspace adapts to your workflow instead of forcing you into a pre-set structure. It’s perfect for users who want full control over their organization system and appreciate having a single hub for everything, from small tasks to large-scale project planning.
Whether you’re working solo or with a team, the workspace makes it easy to keep track of all moving parts in one place.
Notion's workspace
Notion's Pages & Content Blocks
Pages in Notion serve as containers for your content. Each page can house multiple “content blocks”—the building units of Notion’s pages, allowing you to add text, images, checklists, tables, and more.
Each block can be dragged, dropped, and rearranged to create a customized layout.
When you create a page, you add content blocks that suit the type of information you want to organize. Need a checklist? Add a to-do block. Tracking data? Add a table or database. Writing notes?
The text block is ready for you. Each block is movable, and Notion’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to reorder and restructure content on the fly.
This feature is particularly useful for people who need flexibility in how they display information. You can turn a simple page into a detailed document, a task tracker, or a multimedia board, making it ideal for note-taking, planning, or even brainstorming.
And because pages and blocks are so flexible, it’s easy to update and reorganize them as your projects or needs change.
Notion's Pages & Content Blocks
Notion's Databases
Databases in Notion elevate the platform from a simple note-taking tool to a powerful information manager. Notion’s databases can handle various types of data—like tasks, documents, projects, and more—and they offer different views such as tables, Kanban boards, calendars, and lists.
You can create a database on any page and set it up with custom properties like tags, due dates, file attachments, and collaborators. Databases are essentially advanced tables with filtering, sorting, and searching capabilities.
Plus, Notion’s “linked databases” feature allows you to display the same database in multiple locations with different filters or views—perfect for organizing complex projects.
Databases are fantastic for tracking and managing projects, creating task lists, or keeping an inventory. Notion’s database flexibility means you can view your data in the format that makes the most sense—use a calendar view for deadlines, a Kanban board for workflow, or a table view for data entry.
For project managers or knowledge managers, databases offer the tools to keep track of detailed information, streamline processes, and reduce the need for multiple separate apps.
Notion's Databases
Notion's Collaboration & publishing
One of Notion’s greatest strengths is its collaboration capabilities. Team members can share pages, comment on tasks, tag each other, and edit content in real-time. Notion also allows you to publish pages online, making it easy to share updates, project info, or documentation with anyone, even outside of your team.
You can invite team members to specific pages or the entire workspace, where they’ll have access to view, edit, and comment on content. Comments and mentions allow for easy communication, while access permissions let you control who can view or edit each page.
The publishing feature lets you make specific pages publicly accessible—ideal for blogs, documentation, or company updates.
Notion’s collaboration features help reduce the need for back-and-forth emails and simplify project communication. Everyone stays on the same page (literally) with real-time updates and shared visibility.
This feature is particularly helpful for remote teams or freelancers who collaborate on projects with clients, as it ensures that everyone has easy access to the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, published pages allow you to share content with a broader audience, such as sharing project updates with stakeholders or creating a knowledge base for customers.
Notion's Collaboration & publishing
Notion's Data & Integrations
Notion’s integrations let you extend its capabilities by connecting it with other popular tools. From Google Drive and Slack to Figma and GitHub, Notion can serve as a centralized workspace that pulls data from your go-to apps.
Integrations in Notion often involve embedding third-party tools within pages or connecting databases to automate workflows. You can embed files, link accounts, or even use Notion’s API to sync data across platforms.
The platform is compatible with tools like Zapier, which can automate repetitive tasks, such as adding new tasks from a form into a Notion database.
Integrations help streamline your workflow by keeping everything connected in one place. Instead of switching between different apps, you can access all your tools within Notion’s pages, saving you time and reducing friction in your workflow.
For businesses, this means improved productivity, as employees can focus on tasks without needing to jump between tools. If you’re managing a complex workflow or a team with different roles, integrations make it easier to keep everyone connected.
Notion's Data & Integrations
Notion's Security & Privacy
With so much data being stored in Notion, security and privacy are essential. Notion offers several layers of security to ensure that your information is protected. It uses industry-standard encryption for data storage and transfer, and access controls allow you to decide who can view or edit specific content.
Notion provides encryption for data both at rest and in transit, meaning your data is protected while stored and when being accessed. Access control features let you decide who can see or modify content within your workspace.
Notion also offers features like two-factor authentication (2FA) to provide an additional layer of security for your account.
Knowing your data is secure is crucial, especially for teams handling sensitive information. Notion’s security protocols make it a safe place to store everything from project plans to private documents.
The access control options are particularly valuable for organizations, as they let you limit access based on roles or responsibilities, ensuring only the right people can view or edit sensitive information.
Notion's Security & Privacy
Each of these features contributes to Notion’s appeal as an all-in-one platform that can handle both personal and professional needs.
Whether you’re setting up a task manager, creating a shared team space, or managing data across various integrations, Notion offers tools that are flexible, powerful, and designed with user needs in mind.
Notion's Customer Support
While Notion’s support is generally responsive, it’s more self-service than some might prefer. There’s a strong community with endless tutorials and guides, and if you need help, there’s email support.
That said, the speed and hands-on assistance might feel a tad lacking for businesses needing immediate answers. On the whole, though, support is there – it’s just not always speedy.
Final Thoughts on Notion
Notion isn’t for everyone. It’s a jack-of-all-trades tool that requires some commitment and patience to master, but for those who do, it’s invaluable.
Its flexibility and collaborative features make it ideal for project managers, remote teams, knowledge managers in ITSM or ITIL, and anyone looking to keep their information, well, managed.
So, would I recommend Notion? Absolutely – but with the caveat that it’s not your “instant productivity fix.” It’s more like a complex piece of furniture you need to assemble (with a manual that’s a bit too long).
But once it’s set up? Notion feels like a virtual home for all the things that help you work smarter. And that, one might argue, is worth a bit of extra effort.
Notion's (FAQs)
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Notion is a versatile productivity tool that can be used for a wide range of purposes.
It serves as an all-in-one workspace, allowing users to create and organize notes, documents, databases, project boards, wikis, and more.
Notion can be used for personal organization, team collaboration, task management, knowledge management, and even as a lightweight project management tool.
Its flexibility allows users to customize and adapt it to their specific needs.
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Notion offers a FREE VERSION that provides a lot of features and functionality for personal use or small teams. You can create unlimited pages, collaborate with others, and sync across multiple devices without any cost.
However, Notion also offers paid subscriptions that unlock additional features such as increased file upload limits, advanced permissions and collaboration controls, and priority support.
-
Notion is a versatile productivity tool that can be used by individuals and teams in various industries. It is particularly beneficial for people who prefer a flexible and customizable workspace to manage their personal or professional tasks, projects, and knowledge.
Notion is well-suited for:
Project Managers
Notion provides a comprehensive platform to plan, track, and collaborate on projects.
With features like task management, Kanban boards, calendars, and integrations with other tools, it can help project managers stay organized and streamline their workflows.
Students and Educators
Notion offers an excellent environment for note-taking, studying, and organizing educational resources.
Its flexibility allows students to create custom databases, digital textbooks, flashcards, and collaborative study spaces.
Entrepreneurs and Startups
Notion's versatility makes it an excellent tool for entrepreneurs to manage various aspects of their businesses, such as project management, team collaboration, content creation, client information tracking, goal setting, and more.
Knowledge Workers:
Professionals in fields like marketing, content creation, research, or consulting can benefit from Notion's ability to organize information effectively.
It allows them to create efficient workflows for research notes, gather insights from articles, and organize client data.
Remote Teams
With its collaborative features like real-time editing and commenting abilities combined with its database functionality as an all-in-one tool, remote teams can use Notion as a central hub for communication, task management,
knowledge sharing and document collaboration.
However wide-ranging its applications may be, Notion may not fit everyone's workflow preferences, so it's important to evaluate whether it aligns with your specific needs before fully committing to it.
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Yes, Notion is available on various platforms, including web browsers, desktop applications for Windows and macOS, as well as mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices.
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Yes, one of the strengths of Notion is its ability to facilitate real-time collaboration. You can invite others to view or edit your pages, work together simultaneously, leave comments, and track changes made by team members.
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Notion takes data security seriously and provides industry-standard measures to protect your information.
They encrypt all data at rest and during transit, use secure connections (HTTPS), conduct regular backups, and employ best practices to ensure the privacy of your content.
However, it's always recommended to take the necessary precautions while sharing sensitive information online.
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Yes, Notion supports integration with several popular tools, such as Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, Zapier, and more, through their API and integrations gallery.
This allows you to streamline your workflow by connecting Notion with your preferred productivity applications.
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