kitio.aiCraft vs Barside
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Barside is completely free, while Craft is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Nested pages
- AI writing assistant
- Daily notes and tasks
- Web publishing
- Offline apps
- Linked notes and note map
- AI assistant and agents
- AI search with sources
- Call transcription
- Screen recording and clips
- Reading inbox
| Feature | Craft | Barside |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Polished docs and notes app with an AI writing assistant | Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $10/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Craft Docs | Barside |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
Barside is completely free, while Craft is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Full access for occasional use
Plus
$10/mo
- For everyday use
- Group discounts available
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Craft
- Beautiful native apps
- Easy page sharing
- Works offline
- Fewer database features than Notion
- AI usage is capped
Barside
- Free with many tools in one app
- Data stays on your computer
- Agents need approval before acting
- Mac version is still in beta
- Desktop only, no web app shown
- Wide scope means a learning curve
Which one should you choose?
Choose Craft if you want:
- Beautiful native apps
- Easy page sharing
- Works offline
Watch out: fewer database features than notion.
Choose Barside if you want:
- Free with many tools in one app
- Data stays on your computer
- Agents need approval before acting
Watch out: mac version is still in beta.
Craft vs Barside FAQ
What is the difference between Craft and Barside?
Craft: Polished docs and notes app with an AI writing assistant. Barside: Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents. Both are productivity tools.
Is Craft or Barside cheaper?
Barside is completely free, while Craft is freemium.
Do Craft and Barside have free plans?
Craft: Yes. Barside: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Craft?
Craft is made by Craft Docs.
Who makes Barside?
Barside is made by Barside.
Which should I choose, Craft or Barside?
Choose Craft if you value beautiful native apps and easy page sharing. Choose Barside if you value free with many tools in one app and data stays on your computer.