I build systems on both platforms. Let's figure out what fits your needs.
Airtable vs Notion
Airtable is a database that looks like a spreadsheet. Notion is a docs tool with database features. They overlap, but they're not the same.
The Quick Answer
Choose Airtable if: You need a real database with relationships, want to build custom apps on top of your data, need robust automation, or you're replacing spreadsheets for structured data.
Choose Notion if: You need docs + databases together, want a wiki/knowledge base, prefer one tool for everything, or your data is less structured.
Key Differences
Database Capabilities
Airtable: True relational database. Linked records, rollups, lookups. Handles complex data relationships well.
Notion: Database features bolted onto docs. Good for simple use cases. Struggles with complex relationships.
Automation
Airtable: Built-in automations + excellent API. Can trigger workflows, send emails, integrate with anything.
Notion: Limited native automation. Better API now but still catching up.
Documentation
Airtable: Not designed for long-form docs. You'll need another tool for documentation.
Notion: Excellent for docs, wikis, meeting notes. This is its strength.
Integration Comparison
For automation purposes:
- API: Both good. Airtable's is more mature and better documented.
- Zapier/Make: Both well-supported. More Airtable triggers available.
- Webhooks: Airtable has native webhooks. Notion requires workarounds.
- Forms: Airtable forms are solid. Notion forms exist but are basic.
- Views: Airtable has more view types. Better for dashboards.
My Recommendation
Use both. Seriously. Notion for documentation, wikis, and planning. Airtable for structured data, CRM-like use cases, and anything you need to automate.
If I had to pick one: Airtable for operations, Notion for knowledge management.
Many of my clients use Airtable as a lightweight CRM or project tracker, with automations connecting it to their other tools. Notion handles their internal docs and meeting notes.