Zo vs Notion
Notion is one of the most popular productivity tools in the world. It combines notes, databases, wikis, and project management in a flexible, block-based interface. Millions of people use it daily.
But there's a catch: your data lives in Notion's proprietary format, on Notion's servers, accessible only through Notion's apps.
The Proprietary Format Problem
Notion stores everything in its own internal format. When you want to get your data out, you have several options:
Markdown export: Works for simple pages, but complex structures don't translate well
HTML export: Better for preserving layout, but not easily editable
CSV export: Only for databases, loses relationships and rollups
PDF export: Full workspace PDF is limited to Business/Enterprise plans
Users regularly report issues with exports:
Complex page structures don't transfer correctly
Large exports freeze or fail
Filtered views and hidden columns may not export properly
Subpage PDF export requires Enterprise accounts
This creates data lock-in. Your knowledge base looks great in Notion, but moving it somewhere else requires significant manual effort.
What Notion Does Well
To be fair, Notion excels at:
Databases with views: Tables, boards, calendars, galleries, timelines
Team collaboration: Real-time editing, comments, permissions
Templates: Pre-built structures for almost any use case
Polish: The interface is beautiful and intuitive
Integrations: Connects with many other tools
For teams that need structured collaboration, Notion is excellent.
How Zo Is Different
Zo stores everything as files in standard formats. Markdown, SQLite, JSON – formats that any tool can read, that will still work in 20 years.
Data format
Notion: Proprietary
Zo: Standard files (markdown, JSON, SQLite)
Storage location
Notion: Notion's servers
Zo: Your personal server
Export
Notion: Limited, often lossy
Zo: Already files – just download or sync locally
AI
Notion: Notion AI (paid add-on)
Zo: Multiple models included
Automation
Notion: Limited to integrations
Zo: Full server capabilities, agents, code execution
With Zo, you're not exporting from a database – you're just accessing your files.
Using Notion with Zo
Here's the thing: you don't have to choose. Zo's AI can work with your Notion workspace.
You can:
Connect Notion to Zo via API integration
Query your Notion data through Zo's AI
Import Notion pages into Zo as markdown files
Sync changes between platforms
Build automations that span both tools
Keep using Notion for team collaboration. Use Zo for personal knowledge, automation, and AI assistance. Let them work together.
Pricing
Notion:
Free: Limited blocks and features
Plus: $10/month
Business: $18/month
Notion AI: +$10/month add-on
Zo:
Plans start at $18/month
AI included (multiple models)
100GB storage included
Full server capabilities
Get Started
Ready to own your data while keeping Notion for collaboration? Try Zo Computer – your files, your server, your AI.