Tana vs Capacities: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Tana and Capacities 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Tana
Everything is a node
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10)
- • Tana is a knowledge management tool with structured data and AI
- • It combines notes, tasks, and databases in a flexible workspace
Capacities
Object-based note-taking
Best for you if:
- • Capacities is a note-taking app that organizes information as objects with types
- • It structures notes as books, people, projects, and custom object types
| At a Glance |  Capacities | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 83/100 | 81/100 |
| Feature | Tana | Capacities |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 83 | 81 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingDatabase Builders | Note-TakingMind Mapping |
Understanding the Differences
Both Tana and Capacities solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Tana positions itself as "everything is a node" while Capacitiesfocuses on "object-based note-taking". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Tana
Tana makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 83/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Capacities
Capacities is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Tana lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Tana
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Tana handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Tana
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Tana
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Tana, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Tana higher (83/100). But the community has upvoted Capacities more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Tana Does Better
- Higher overall score (83/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Capacities If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Tana (83/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Tana scores higher in our analysis, but Capacities might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tana or Capacities better?
Based on our analysis, Tana scores higher with 83/100. Tana isfreemium while Capacities is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Tana to Capacities easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Tana and Capacities offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Tana is freemium with a free tier.Capacities is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.