AS Notes vs Notion: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between AS Notes and Notion comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Notion wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan. Pick AS Notes if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
AS Notes
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
Best for you if:
- • You want keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching
- • You want uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability
Notion
All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards
Best for you if:
- • You want replaces multiple tools (docs, wikis, project management, databases) in one platform
- • You want highly flexible block-based system lets teams build custom workflows without code
| At a Glance | AS Notes | Notion |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | 3.5/5Trustpilot 2.5 · TrustRadius 4.4 · PeerSpot 4.1 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Notion AI is no longer available as a standalone add-on, it is bundled into Business and Enterprise only. |
Choose AS Notes or Notion?
Choose AS Notes if
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
- You want keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching
- You want uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability
Choose Notion if
All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards
- You want replaces multiple tools (docs, wikis, project management, databases) in one platform
- You want highly flexible block-based system lets teams build custom workflows without code
| Feature | AS Notes | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★3.5/5 407 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingIDE & Code Editors | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
AS Notes
Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.
The pricing for AS Notes is exceptionally generous, offering a powerful Free tier and a Pro Editor lifetime license for a one-time payment of $18.
Strengths
- +Keeps notes directly within the VS Code editor, reducing context switching.
- +Uses standard Markdown files, preventing vendor lock-in and ensuring portability.
- +Supports powerful linking of ideas with wikilinks and backlinks.
- +Includes task management and daily journal features for integrated workflow.
- +One-time purchase for Pro Editor features, no subscription required.
Weaknesses
- -Primarily focused on VS Code and compatible editors, limiting use for those outside this ecosystem.
- -Advanced features like Kanban and static site publishing are only available in the paid Pro Editor version.
Key features
Notion
All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards
Notion is the Swiss army knife of productivity, docs, wikis, databases, project management, and now AI in one tool.
Watch out
Notion AI is no longer available as a standalone add-on, it is bundled into Business and Enterprise only.
Strengths
- +Replaces multiple tools (docs, wikis, project management, databases) in one platform
- +Highly flexible block-based system lets teams build custom workflows without code
- +Deep AI integration, agents, search, meeting notes, and writing assistance
- +Generous free tier with unlimited pages and blocks for individual users
- +Massive template gallery and active community of 1.4M+ members
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve, flexibility can overwhelm new users and slow initial adoption
- -Performance degrades on large workspaces with thousands of nested pages
- -Offline mode limited to recently viewed and favorited pages only
- -AI features require separate paid add-on or higher-tier plan
- -No native Gantt charts or advanced resource management for complex project portfolios
Key features
Pricing: AS Notes vs Notion
| Plan | AS Notes | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 forever Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $18 one-time Pro Editor | $10 Plus |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $18 Business |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on AS Notes pricing and Notion pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: AS Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Notion is rated 3.5/5. AS Notes has no ratings yet.
Go with: Notion
Value user reviews?
AS Notes: no ratings yet. Notion: 407 reviews (3.5/5).
Go with: Notion
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Notion is rated 3.5/5; AS Notes has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Notion
- Higher rating: 5.0/5 vs 0.0
- More user reviews (1)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
AS Notes
- Choose if you want powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks
The Bottom Line
Notion wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan.
What Users Say
Notion Reviews
Database notes is super and ease my task to understand the workflow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS Notes or Notion better?
Notion is rated 5.0/5 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are AS Notes and Notion used for?
AS Notes: Powerful note-taking for developers, integrated directly into VS Code with markdown and wikilinks.. Notion: All-in-one workspace combining docs, wikis, databases, and project boards.
What does AS Notes cost vs Notion?
AS Notes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Notion is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.