OneNote vs Notion

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Our analysts compared OneNote vs Notion based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Collaboration Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Microsoft OneNote is a versatile software designed for comprehensive note-taking and task management. It allows users to create, organize, and share notes across various devices seamlessly. The platform is particularly well-suited for students, educators, and professionals in industries such as education, business, and research, where detailed note-taking and collaboration are essential. OneNote's unique benefits include its ability to integrate with other Microsoft Office applications, support for multimedia content, and robust organizational tools like notebooks, sections, and pages.

Popular features include handwriting recognition, audio recording, and real-time collaboration, making it a powerful tool for capturing and sharing information. Users often appreciate its intuitive interface and the flexibility it offers in structuring notes. Compared to similar products, OneNote stands out for its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and its extensive feature set. Pricing details can vary, so it's advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs.

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Notion is a versatile software designed to enhance productivity by integrating task management, note-taking, and collaboration tools into a single platform. It is particularly well-suited for professionals, teams, and organizations across various industries such as tech, education, and creative fields, due to its flexibility and comprehensive feature set. Users benefit from its ability to create custom workflows, databases, and project boards, which can be tailored to specific needs. Unique features like real-time collaboration, rich media embedding, and a robust template library set it apart from similar products. Notion's pricing varies based on the plan selected, with options for individuals, teams, and enterprises, typically billed monthly or annually. For precise pricing details, users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, Notion's adaptability and powerful features make it a compelling choice for those seeking to streamline their productivity and collaboration efforts.

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$6.99 Monthly
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$10/Seat, Monthly, Freemium
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Product Assistance

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Live Online
Videos
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Videos
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Email
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Seamless Organization: OneNote allows users to create notebooks, sections, and pages, making it easy to categorize and locate notes efficiently.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can edit the same notebook simultaneously, facilitating teamwork and reducing the need for back-and-forth emails.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: OneNote is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web, ensuring your notes are accessible from any device.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem: OneNote integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications like Outlook and Teams, streamlining workflow and enhancing productivity.
  • Rich Media Support: Users can embed images, audio recordings, videos, and even handwritten notes, making it a versatile tool for capturing diverse types of information.
  • Advanced Search Functionality: OneNote's powerful search feature allows users to find text within images, handwritten notes, and audio recordings, saving time and effort.
  • Tagging and To-Do Lists: Users can tag notes with custom labels and create to-do lists, helping to prioritize tasks and manage projects effectively.
  • Offline Access: Notes can be accessed and edited offline, ensuring productivity even without an internet connection.
  • Security and Privacy: OneNote offers password protection for individual sections, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
  • Freeform Canvas: The flexible page layout allows users to place text, images, and other elements anywhere on the page, fostering creativity and personalized note-taking.
  • Handwriting Recognition: OneNote can convert handwritten notes into typed text, making it easier to digitize and organize handwritten information.
  • Version History: Users can view and restore previous versions of their notes, providing a safety net against accidental deletions or changes.
  • Customizable Templates: OneNote offers a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as meeting minutes or project plans, helping users get started quickly.
  • Audio and Video Recording: Users can record meetings or lectures directly within OneNote, capturing important details that might be missed in written notes.
  • Ink-to-Text Conversion: The software can convert digital ink into text, making it easier to edit and format handwritten notes.
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  • Centralized Workspace: Consolidate notes, tasks, databases, and calendars in one place, reducing the need to switch between multiple apps.
  • Customizable Templates: Utilize and create templates tailored to specific workflows, enhancing efficiency and consistency across projects.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with team members through shared documents and live editing, fostering better communication and teamwork.
  • Task Management: Organize and prioritize tasks with to-do lists, kanban boards, and timelines, ensuring deadlines are met and projects stay on track.
  • Integration Capabilities: Connect with other tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, streamlining workflows and improving productivity.
  • Rich Media Support: Embed videos, images, and files directly into notes and documents, creating a more engaging and informative workspace.
  • Version History: Track changes and revert to previous versions of documents, providing a safety net for collaborative editing and content management.
  • Cross-Platform Accessibility: Access your workspace from any device, whether it's a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, ensuring you stay productive on the go.
  • Advanced Search Functionality: Quickly locate information with powerful search capabilities, saving time and reducing frustration.
  • Data Security: Benefit from robust security measures, including encryption and permission settings, to protect sensitive information.
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  • Notebook Organization: OneNote allows users to create multiple notebooks, each containing sections and pages, making it easy to organize notes by topic or project.
  • Handwriting Recognition: The software can convert handwritten notes into typed text, which is particularly useful for users who prefer writing by hand.
  • Multimedia Integration: Users can embed images, audio recordings, and videos directly into their notes, enhancing the richness of the content.
  • Tagging System: OneNote offers a variety of tags such as "To-Do," "Important," and "Question," which help in categorizing and prioritizing information.
  • Collaboration Tools: Multiple users can edit the same notebook simultaneously, making it ideal for team projects and collaborative work.
  • Cross-Platform Availability: OneNote is available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and through a web browser, ensuring accessibility from virtually any device.
  • Search Functionality: The robust search feature allows users to quickly find specific text, tags, or even words within images and handwritten notes.
  • Integration with Microsoft Office: OneNote seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook, facilitating a cohesive workflow.
  • Templates: The software provides a variety of templates for different types of notes, such as meeting minutes, project plans, and to-do lists, to streamline note-taking.
  • Ink-to-Text Conversion: Users can draw or write with a stylus, and OneNote will convert these ink strokes into digital text or shapes.
  • Audio and Video Recording: OneNote allows users to record audio and video directly within a note, which is useful for capturing lectures or meetings.
  • Page Versions: The software keeps a history of page versions, allowing users to revert to previous versions if needed.
  • Customizable Tags: In addition to built-in tags, users can create custom tags to suit their specific needs.
  • Offline Access: Notes can be accessed and edited offline, with changes syncing automatically once an internet connection is re-established.
  • Math Equation Support: OneNote can solve math equations and even graph them, making it a valuable tool for students and professionals in technical fields.
  • Task Integration: Users can create tasks in OneNote that sync with Microsoft Outlook, ensuring that important to-dos are not overlooked.
  • PDF Annotation: OneNote allows users to import PDFs and annotate them directly within the application.
  • Clipper Tool: The OneNote Web Clipper extension enables users to save web pages, articles, and images directly to their notebooks.
  • Sticky Notes Integration: OneNote integrates with Sticky Notes, allowing users to jot down quick notes that sync across devices.
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  • Customizable Templates: Create and use templates for various needs such as project management, note-taking, and personal planning.
  • Database Functionality: Organize information in tables, boards, lists, and calendars, allowing for versatile data management.
  • Rich Media Embedding: Embed videos, audio files, PDFs, and other media directly into your pages for a more interactive experience.
  • Markdown Support: Utilize Markdown syntax for quick and easy formatting of text, enhancing readability and structure.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share pages with team members, assign tasks, and leave comments to facilitate seamless collaboration.
  • Web Clipper: Save web pages and articles directly to Notion with the browser extension, making research and information gathering more efficient.
  • Kanban Boards: Visualize tasks and projects using Kanban boards, which help in tracking progress and managing workflows.
  • Nested Pages: Create pages within pages to build a hierarchical structure, making it easier to organize and navigate complex information.
  • Global Search: Quickly find any content within your workspace using the powerful search functionality.
  • API Integration: Connect Notion with other tools and services through its API, enabling automation and enhanced functionality.
  • Version History: Track changes and revert to previous versions of a page, ensuring data integrity and accountability.
  • Task Management: Set due dates, reminders, and priorities for tasks to keep projects on track and meet deadlines.
  • Customizable Views: Switch between different views such as list, gallery, and calendar to suit your workflow and preferences.
  • Mobile App: Access and edit your Notion workspace on the go with the fully-featured mobile application.
  • Integration with Slack: Receive notifications and updates in Slack, keeping your team informed and connected.
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Product Ranking

#35

among all
Collaboration Software

#58

among all
Collaboration Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2709 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 9014 reviews
91%
of users recommend this product

OneNote has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 2709 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

93%
of users recommend this product

Notion has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 9014 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.7 (5829)
4.6 (1793)
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4.7 (2368)
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4.6 (61)
4.4 (916)
4.3 (756)

Awards

OneNote stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Notion stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Flexible Organization: OneNote's structure mirrors a physical notebook, with notebooks containing sections and pages, allowing for granular organization of projects and ideas.
Seamless Syncing: OneNote effortlessly syncs across various devices, ensuring accessibility to your notes whether you are at your desk or on the go.
Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same OneNote document concurrently, fostering teamwork and streamlining workflows.
Multimedia Integration: Beyond text, OneNote allows the integration of images, audio recordings, and even handwritten notes, catering to diverse learning and working styles.
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Centralized Workspace: Consolidates various tools and information into a single platform, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for multiple applications.
Enhanced Collaboration: Enables real-time teamwork through shared workspaces, task assignments, and integrated communication features, fostering transparency and efficiency.
Customizable Organization: Offers flexible database creation and templates for managing projects, tracking progress, and organizing information in a way that aligns with specific needs and workflows.
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Installation and Syncing Hiccups: Some users have encountered occasional issues with OneNote's installation process and syncing functionality, leading to potential disruptions in workflow.
Polarizing UI Changes: Recent updates to the OneNote user interface have been met with mixed reviews, with some users finding the changes less intuitive than the previous design.
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Steep Learning Curve: New users often find it challenging to learn Notion's extensive features and customization options, requiring significant time investment to become proficient.
Cluttered Interface: Some users find Notion's interface overwhelming, especially with complex pages and nested documents, making navigation difficult.
Limited Offline Access: Notion's reliance on internet connectivity hinders users who require constant offline access, as offline capabilities are limited.
Performance Issues: Notion can become slow and sluggish when handling large datasets, impacting productivity for users dealing with substantial amounts of information.
Limited Mobile App Functionality: Notion's mobile app lacks the robustness of its desktop counterpart, with some features unavailable, limiting its usability for mobile-dependent users.
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Is Microsoft OneNote really worth taking note of, or is it just another note-taking app lost in the shuffle? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag, but one thing is clear: OneNote's generous free plan and robust features make it a strong contender in the note-taking arena. Users consistently praise its versatility in handling various media types, like seamlessly integrating graphs, pictures, and even audio recordings into notes. This flexibility sets it apart from more restrictive competitors like Evernote, which often lock such features behind paywalls. However, OneNote's interface is a common point of contention. Some users find it less intuitive than rivals like Evernote, particularly when navigating through extensive notes. This clunkiness can be a hurdle for those seeking a streamlined, minimalist experience. Another drawback is the limited local storage option available only on Windows, a potential dealbreaker for users prioritizing offline access on other operating systems. Despite these drawbacks, OneNote shines with its comprehensive organizational tools. Users appreciate the ability to structure notes into a hierarchy of pages, sections, and subsections, making it a breeze to manage even the most unwieldy amounts of information. This granular control, coupled with seamless cross-device syncing and tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, makes OneNote a compelling choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a powerful, free-to-use note-taking solution.

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Is Notion really worth a notion, or is it just another fleeting productivity fad? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag. While Notion is lauded for its comprehensive features, encompassing note-taking, project management, and knowledge management, its steep learning curve can be a dealbreaker for some. Users often compare it to a Swiss Army knife – versatile but cumbersome. For instance, while its customization options are praised, the interface can feel cluttered, especially on mobile devices. This complexity makes it more suitable for tech-savvy individuals or teams who can fully utilize its advanced features. Compared to specialized tools like Trello for visual task management or Asana for robust project management, Notion's all-in-one approach can be both a blessing and a curse. While it offers a centralized workspace, it may lack the depth of features that dedicated tools provide. This makes Notion ideal for content creators, solopreneurs, and those seeking a flexible workspace. However, users who prioritize simplicity and ease of use might find it overwhelming and may be better served by more streamlined alternatives.

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