Choosing the right note-taking app can significantly impact your productivity. Today, we're comparing two popular options: Notion and Craft, breaking down their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Interface & Design
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Notion: Clean, minimalist interface with highly customizable blocks. The design focuses on functionality and flexibility, allowing users to create their perfect workspace. While it may take time to master, the learning curve is worth it for power users.
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Craft: Polished, native macOS feel with beautiful default styling. The interface is more intuitive and feels like a premium Apple app. Documents look gorgeous right out of the box, with less need for customization.
Core Features Comparison
| Feature | Notion | Craft |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline access | ∆ (Limited) | ✓ |
| Database functionality | ✓ | ✗ |
| Native macOS app | ✗ | ✓ |
| Web clipper | ✓ | ✓ |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom templates | ✓ | ∆ (Basic) |
| Block-based editing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Markdown support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Table views | ✓ | ✗ |
| Kanban boards | ✓ | ✗ |
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Notion
- Extensive database capabilities: Create complex databases with multiple views (table, kanban, calendar, etc.)
- Robust template system: Huge marketplace of community templates
- Strong collaboration features: Real-time editing, commenting, and sharing
- Cross-platform availability: Works on all major platforms
- Integration capabilities: Connects with thousands of apps through APIs
- Version history: Track changes and restore previous versions
- Formula support: Create dynamic content with powerful formulas
Craft
- Superior document editing: More fluid and responsive editing experience
- Better offline support: Full functionality without internet connection
- Native macOS integration: Seamless experience on Apple devices
- Quick page linking: Effortless backlinking and connection between notes
- Daily notes: Built-in daily notes feature
- Focus mode: Distraction-free writing experience
- Export options: Rich export capabilities including PDF, markdown, and more
Performance
- Notion: Can be slower to load, especially with large databases
- Craft: Faster performance due to native implementation
Storage & Sync
- Notion: Cloud-based with unlimited storage on paid plans
- Craft: Local-first with cloud sync, 1GB on free plan
Pricing Comparison
Notion
- Free plan: Unlimited personal pages
- Pro plan: $8/month
- Team plan: $15/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Craft
- Free trial: 14 days
- Pro plan: $10/month
- Team plan: $12/user/month
Use Case Recommendations
Choose Notion if you:
- Need powerful database functionality
- Work with large teams
- Want extensive template options
- Require cross-platform compatibility
- Need complex project management features
Go with Craft if you:
- Primarily use Apple devices
- Value speed and offline access
- Prefer a polished, native experience
- Focus on document creation and writing
- Want better privacy with local-first storage
Final Thoughts
While both apps excel in note-taking, they serve different needs. Notion is more of a workspace platform with extensive features, while Craft focuses on providing a premium note-taking experience, especially for Apple users. Consider your specific needs and workflow when making your choice.
Both apps will be listed on Apps.Deals with special discounts, whenever they have one, so keep an eye out!