kitio.aiNotion vs Barside
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Barside is completely free, while Notion is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Docs and wikis
- Databases
- Notion Agent
- AI meeting notes
- Enterprise search
- Linked notes and note map
- AI assistant and agents
- AI search with sources
- Call transcription
- Screen recording and clips
- Reading inbox
| Feature | Notion | Barside |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Connected workspace for docs, wikis and projects with built-in AI | Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $12/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Notion Labs | Barside |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Barside is completely free, while Notion is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
4 plans
Free
Free
- For individuals
- File uploads up to 5MB
- Trial of Notion AI
Plus
$12/mo
- Per member
- File uploads up to 5GB
- Basic connections
Business
$24/mo
- Per member
- Notion Agent
- AI meeting notes
Enterprise
Custom
- SCIM user provisioning
- Zero data retention with LLMs
- Advanced connections
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
Notion
- Very flexible building blocks
- Large template gallery
- AI works across your workspace
- Full AI needs the Business plan
- Large workspaces can feel slow
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 Notion if you want:
- Very flexible building blocks
- Large template gallery
- AI works across your workspace
Watch out: full ai needs the business plan.
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.
Notion vs Barside FAQ
What is the difference between Notion and Barside?
Notion: Connected workspace for docs, wikis and projects with built-in AI. Barside: Free local-first desktop app for notes, tasks, meetings and AI agents. Both are productivity tools.
Is Notion or Barside cheaper?
Barside is completely free, while Notion is freemium.
Do Notion and Barside have free plans?
Notion: Yes. Barside: Yes, fully free.
Who makes Notion?
Notion is made by Notion Labs, based in United States.
Who makes Barside?
Barside is made by Barside.
Which should I choose, Notion or Barside?
Choose Notion if you value very flexible building blocks and large template gallery. Choose Barside if you value free with many tools in one app and data stays on your computer.