Notion vs Standard Notes
Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right productivity tool for your needs.
The Winner
Notion
Wins for overall value, user satisfaction, and Flexible docs and knowledge management.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria |  Notion |  Standard Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free tier | Free tier Best |
| User Rating | 4.3 | 4.6 Best |
| Review Count | 318,147 Best | 14 |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| Annual Discount | 20% Best | N/A |
| Best For | Flexible docs and knowledge management | Privacy-first encrypted note-taking |
Feature Breakdown
Feature Comparison
Notion Standard Notes Notion
- Unmatched flexibility
- Multi-model AI agents
- Tool consolidation
- Excellent template ecosystem
- Steep learning curve
- AI locked to higher tiers
- Mobile app limitations
Standard Notes
- Military-Grade Encryption
- Truly Free Tier
- Open-Source Transparency
- Complete Offline Access
- No Real-Time Collaboration
- Basic Interface Design
- Limited Free Features
Notion Overview
Notion is an all-in-one workspace combining notes, docs, wikis, and project management with powerful AI Agents. Best for teams wanting flexible documentation and knowledge management. The Business plan at $18/mo unlocks multi-model AI with autonomous capabilities. Expect a learning curve but excellent long-term value.
Best For:
- Flexible docs and knowledge management
- Organizations consolidating multiple tools into one workspace
- Content creators building custom workflows
- Startups and small teams seeking all-in-one solutions
- Students and educators (free Plus plan)
- Individual users and personal productivity
Standard Notes Overview
Standard Notes is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted notes app built for users who refuse to compromise on privacy. With zero-knowledge architecture and four independent security audits, it ensures only you can read your notes. The free tier includes unlimited devices and E2E encryption, while paid plans ($7.50-$10/mo) add markdown editing, 100GB storage, and team sharing.
Best For:
- Privacy-first encrypted note-taking
- Legal, healthcare, and finance sectors requiring GDPR compliance
- Journalists, activists, and researchers handling sensitive information
- Remote teams needing secure shared notes (Professional plan)
- Users who value open-source and audited security
- Cross-platform users needing offline access with encryption
Our Verdict
Notion is our top pick for most users, thanks to its overall value proposition. However, Standard Notes remains a solid choice if you need Privacy-first encrypted note-taking.
Try Notion Free