Coda and Notion are similar: all-in-one platforms where you combine documents, databases, and collaboration tools. But where Coda gives you an app builder, Notion primarily offers a flexible workspace. Which one is suitable for whom?
Coda in brief
Coda combines documents with spreadsheets and adds interactive elements: buttons that perform actions, automations that control workflows, and Packs that integrate external tools like Slack and Jira directly into your documents. The platform targets teams that want to build internal tools without writing code. The formula engine is powerful, but does require a steep learning curve. The unique pricing model only charges for ‘makers’ – people who view or edit pay nothing.
Notion in brief
Notion is a flexible workspace where you combine notes, tasks, wikis, and databases in one clear platform. The block system makes it easy to build pages, while relational databases provide structure. The interface is visually appealing and relatively intuitive. Recently, Notion added native forms, charts, and a Sites feature that lets you publish pages as a website. The mobile app works well, and the community offers thousands of templates for every imaginable use.
Coda vs Notion: the differences
The biggest difference lies in the philosophy. Coda wants you to build tools. You create documents that function as mini-applications: a CRM with buttons that automatically send emails, an inventory management system that pulls data from other systems via Packs, a project tracker with advanced formulas that perform calculations. That power comes with complexity. The learning curve is steep, especially for non-technical users. Notion, on the other hand, keeps it simpler. You build pages with blocks, create databases with views, and connect them with relations. It feels more like a flexible note-taking app than an app builder.
You see that philosophy reflected in the formulas. Coda’s formula language resembles programming language: powerful, logically structured, and suitable for complex calculations. Notion’s formulas are more limited. They work fine for basic calculations, but as soon as you need advanced logic, you run into limitations. Power users often choose Coda for that very reason.
The mobile experience also differs enormously. Notion’s mobile app is fast and intuitive – you can take notes on the go, update databases, and search pages without frustration. Coda on mobile feels slow and clunky. For teams that work a lot in the field or need to collaborate on the go, that’s an important difference.
Then there’s the pricing model. Coda only charges for ‘Doc Makers’ – people who create and edit documents. Editors and viewers are free, unlimited. For large teams that mostly view or make light adjustments, that saves enormously on costs. Notion charges per user, regardless of whether you only view or actively edit. Recently, Notion raised prices: the Plus plan went from $ 8 to $ 10 per month (annually). For small teams or solo users, Notion’s free plan is more generous: no limit on blocks for individuals, while Coda limits documents to 50 objects and 1000 rows.
Working offline is another pain point. Notion doesn’t have a full offline mode – you can view cached content, but can’t reliably edit without internet. Coda has this problem too, but you expect it less there because the platform focuses on integrations and real-time data.
Recent updates show the different directions. Coda launched Coda Brain for AI-powered enterprise search and Sync Pages for two-way synchronization between documents. Notion added Charts to visualize databases, Forms for native forms, and Sites to publish pages with custom domains. Notion is moving toward a broader platform, Coda focuses on deeper integration and automation.
Pricing compared
Both platforms offer a free plan. Notion’s free version is more generous for individuals: no limit on blocks, but limited file size (5MB) and short page history (7 days). Coda’s free plan limits documents to 50 objects and 1000 rows, but offers unlimited editors and viewers.
The paid plans both start at € 10 per month (annual subscription). Coda’s Pro plan costs € 10, the Team plan € 30. Notion’s Plus plan costs € 10, the Business plan € 20. Note: Coda only charges for Doc Makers, Notion per user. A team of 10 people where 2 people create documents and 8 only view, pays € 20 per month at Coda (2 makers). At Notion you pay for all 10 users: € 100 per month on the Plus plan.
For monthly subscriptions, prices are higher. Coda Pro becomes € 12, Team € 36. Notion Plus becomes € 12, Business € 24. So the price difference grows as your team gets bigger and more people only need to view.
Conclusion
Notion wins for most users. The interface is faster to learn, the mobile app works better, and for small teams or solo users the free plan is more generous. The recently added features like Charts, Forms and Sites make the platform more complete without drowning you in complexity.
Coda is the better choice for power users and large teams. If you want to automate complex workflows, need advanced formulas, or want to integrate deeply with external tools via Packs, Coda offers capabilities that Notion doesn’t have. The pricing model saves a lot with teams where many people only need to view. But prepare yourself for a steep learning curve and a disappointing mobile experience.
Do you work solo or with a small team, do you mainly want to take notes and maintain databases, and is a good mobile app important? Choose Notion. Are you building internal tools, do you have large teams with many viewers, and are you not afraid of complexity? Choose Coda.
