Notion alternative
Granite vs Notion: your knowledge, in files you own.
Notion is a flexible all-in-one workspace with databases and a bundled AI. Granite is a focused, private knowledge base: plain Markdown files, a key per workspace, enterprise controls on one Business plan, and your choice of AI through MCP.
The short answer
Choose Notion if you need databases, project boards, and an all-in-one workspace with a built-in AI. Choose Granite if you want a fast, private knowledge base and second brain in plain Markdown, with encryption keys per workspace, SSO, SCIM, and audit logs in one plan, and AI access that works with Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, or any MCP client you choose.
| Feature | Granite | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Storage format | Plain Markdown files | Proprietary blocks, exportable |
| Wikilinks, backlinks, graph | Yes | Backlinks, no graph |
| Live co-editing and comments | Yes | Yes |
| Databases, boards, and project views | No, notes-first | Yes |
| Bundled AI assistant | No: bring your own via MCP | Yes |
| MCP server for outside AI tools | Remote and local, offline too | Hosted |
| Encryption key per workspace, crypto-shredding | Yes | Enterprise key options vary |
| SSO and SCIM | Included in Business | Higher tiers |
| Audit log | Included in Business | Enterprise tier |
| Full offline editing | Yes | Limited |
| Free guests | Unlimited, view and comment | Limits by plan |
Based on public information about Notion as of October 2026. Notion is a trademark of its owner; Granite is not affiliated with it.
FAQ
Notion questions.
Is Granite a good Notion alternative?
Granite is a strong Notion alternative for teams whose main need is a wiki, handbook, or knowledge base: notes are plain Markdown, every workspace has its own encryption key, SSO, SCIM, and audit logs come with the Business plan, and any MCP-compatible AI tool can search it. If you rely on Notion databases and project boards, Granite does not replace those.
How do I move from Notion to Granite?
Export your Notion workspace or pages as Markdown and CSV, then import the export zip from the vault menu in Granite. Pages become Markdown notes in folders.
Why doesn't Granite include its own AI like Notion?
So your company decides which AI provider sees its knowledge. Granite never calls an AI model itself; you connect the AI tool your company has approved, and it receives only allowed, permission-filtered passages.
Give your company a memory it can trust
Free for one person. Business is free for 14 days, no card required.
- Encrypted with a key per vault
- Never used to train AI
- Export as Markdown anytime