Apple Notes is built for apple users and casual note takers, with a focus on rich-text and scanning. Notion targets startups and students and leads with databases and kanban.

Apple Notes uses custom enterprise pricing, while Notion starts at $10/mo — a tangible advantage for teams with a fixed budget.

Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.

Notion edges out on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.2). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.

Feature-wise, Notion offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Apple Notes takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.

Both tools are a solid fit for students — in those cases, the decision often comes down to workflow style and how your team prefers to organize work.

Bottom line: Notion has a slight overall edge — but if free with apple devices matters most to you, Apple Notes may still be the right call.