A few days ago, I saw someone in a group asking: What's the difference between Notion and CanJournals? Which should I choose?
The question seems simple, but it's actually quite complex. Both apps support block editing, but their positioning is completely different. Today, let's discuss this properly.
First, the Common Ground
Both are "block editors."
Text, lists, images, dividers—in both Notion and CanJournals, these are independent "blocks." You can freely adjust order, use slash commands to quickly insert, and drag to reorder.
This editing approach is really comfortable. Once you're used to it, it's hard to go back to traditional editors.
Both have template features. Notion has template databases, CanJournals has a template center. Both can quickly create pages through preset structures.
Then the Differences
The big difference is in temperament.
Notion is gray-white, cold, like an efficient office. Its design language is "tool," everything serving efficiency. Powerful, but aesthetics isn't what it pursues.
CanJournals is warm-toned, visually closer to traditional journals. Rounded corners, cute style decorations, hand-written feel fonts—its design language is "companionship," not just a tool.
To put it this way: Notion is like a consultant in a suit and tie, CanJournals is like a friend wearing handmade cloth shoes. The former is professional, the latter is warm.
Interface and Learning Curve
Notion's learning curve isn't steep, but it's definitely not low. Databases, views, associations, formulas—these concepts take time to digest. Many people register for Notion, spend a week researching, and end up only using it as a diary.
CanJournals is simpler. Download, pick a template, start writing directly. The template center content has already planned out areas for you, no need to design from scratch.
If you're only using Notion to keep diaries and make plans, it's actually using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. CanJournals can better meet these needs.
Mobile Experience
Notion's mobile is decent, but it always feels like using "the web version." Limited by phone screen, large tables and database views don't work well on mobile.
CanJournals' mobile is seriously adapted. Templates display much better on mobile than Notion, and the operation logic better fits mobile habits.
If you mainly record on your phone, this is important.
Price
Notion has a free version that's basically enough for personal users. The paid version adds some advanced features and larger file upload limits, but the price isn't expensive.
CanJournals is free with in-app purchases. Basic features are sufficient, the template center has free content, some premium templates require payment to unlock.
Which One to Choose?
This question actually depends on who you are.
Choose Notion if:
- You need to manage complex information systems
- You're doing project management or team collaboration
- You like studying tools and are willing to spend time building systems
- You're completely indifferent to "cute style"
Choose CanJournals if:
- You mainly want to record life and make journals
- You like warm visual styles
- You don't want to spend time studying tools, just want to quietly write
- You need good mobile experience
My True Feelings
I use both. Notion for project management and knowledge base, CanJournals for diaries and daily recording.
It's not an either-or relationship. They have different positioning and suitable scenarios.
But if you can only choose one, and your need is "write diary + make journal," I vote for CanJournals. What Notion can do, it can do. What Notion can't give you, it can.
Give it a try, you might find that warmth is more suitable for recording life than coldness.