Notion vs ClickUp: The Ultimate All-in-One Workspace Comparison
Notion is a blank canvas that became a database. ClickUp is a project manager that added docs. Both promise to be your team's single source of truth. Which one delivers?
Quick Overview
Notion started as a note-taking app that evolved into a powerful database tool. ClickUp started as project management software that expanded into docs, whiteboards, and more. This heritage shapes their core strengths.
At a Glance
- Notion: Best for knowledge management, wikis, documentation, and flexible databases. Exceptional for content-heavy teams.
- ClickUp: Best for task management, project tracking, and teams needing structured workflows. Better for action-oriented work.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Notion | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Wiki/Knowledge Base | Task Management |
| Learning Curve | High | Medium |
| Mobile App | Fast & Clean | Feature Heavy |
| Docs | Best in class | Good enough |
| Task Management | Basic databases | Full-featured |
| Free Plan | Generous | Very Generous |
| AI Features | $10/user extra | Included |
Pricing Breakdown
Notion pricing:
- Free: Unlimited pages, share with up to 10 guests
- Plus: $10/user/month (unlimited guests, 30-day history)
- Business: $18/user/month (SAML SSO, private spaces)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- AI Add-on: $10/user/month (on any plan)
ClickUp pricing:
- Free Forever: Unlimited members, 100MB storage
- Unlimited: $7/user/month (unlimited storage, integrations)
- Business: $12/user/month (goals, time tracking, automation)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- ClickUp AI: Included in paid plans
ClickUp is more affordable and includes AI in paid plans. Notion's AI is an additional cost.
Documentation & Knowledge Management
Notion is the clear winner here. Its block-based editor is beautiful and powerful. You can create:
- Nested pages with infinite depth
- Linked databases that connect information
- Custom templates for any use case
- Beautiful documentation with embeds, callouts, and toggles
ClickUp Docs are good but feel like an add-on rather than a core feature. They work, but they're not why you'd choose ClickUp.
Task & Project Management
ClickUp wins decisively here. It offers:
- Multiple views: List, Board, Calendar, Gantt, Timeline, Map
- Customizable statuses, priorities, and custom fields
- Time tracking built-in
- Goals and OKRs tracking
- Sprint management for agile teams
- Powerful automations
Notion can do task management through databases, but it feels like a workaround. You're essentially building your own project management system from scratch.
Who Should Choose Notion?
- Content teams, writers, and documentation-heavy orgs
- Teams building internal wikis and knowledge bases
- Startups wanting a beautiful, flexible workspace
- Personal users organizing life and side projects
- Teams that value aesthetics and simplicity
Who Should Choose ClickUp?
- Project managers and operations teams
- Agile development teams running sprints
- Teams needing time tracking and goals
- Organizations wanting one tool to replace many
- Budget-conscious teams (ClickUp is cheaper)
The Verdict
Notion is for teams where knowledge and documentation are the product. Writers, educators, and content teams will love it. Its flexibility is unmatched—you can build anything.
ClickUp is for teams where tasks and projects drive the work. Operations, engineering, and agencies will appreciate its structured approach to work management.
Pro Tip: Many teams use both—Notion for documentation and wikis, ClickUp for task management. The integration between them works well enough for this hybrid approach.