A Better Notion Alternative for Managing Client Work
Notion requires workarounds for real project management. SmartTask gives you built-in projects, time tracking, billing, portfolios, and team collaboration without complexity.
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Why modern teams look for a Notion alternative
🧱 Missing Core Project Management Features
It could be better by being more intuitive, easier to use, and adding more robust project management features.
⏳ Setup is Time-Consuming and Distracting
I spend more time trying to figure out how to build those things than I do on the things I'm building them for.
🧃 Lacks Built-in Communication Tools
Not having direct messages may be negative with Notion. Folks have to use Slack or another 3rd party system until this feature would exist.
🌀 Hard to Manage Complex Projects
Difficult to manage complex projects and keep visibility across multiple project streams resulting in chaos
🚫 Steep Learning Curve Causes Fear of Error
Many people on our team are scared to use Notion for fear that something they do will break our system. It is not a visually simple tool either”
📦 Templates Break or Become Obsolete
I feel that dealing with a new project on Notion can be quite complex and challenging. It can be overwhelming to navigate through the platform's features. Moreover, I have observed that the templates I buy can become outdated when the software receives updates.
Why Choose SmartTask?
SmartTask offers ease of use with powerful features specifically built for client work. Faster time to value
Complete Client-Centric Suite
Missing Core PM Features
Notion lacks built-in milestones, billable tracking, and full project visibility.
Complete Client-Centric Suite
Milestones, billable tasks, timelines, contacts, CRM — all built in.
Fast Out-of-the-Box Setup
Time-Consuming Setup
Setting up workspaces, templates, and dashboards takes hours.
Fast Out-of-the-Box Setup
No-code templates, smart defaults, and instant project launch.
Intuitive & Structured
Steep Learning Curve
Team members hesitate to use it for fear of breaking setups.
Intuitive & Structured
Simple, guided workflows reduce error and confusion.
All-in-One Communication
No Native Communication
Requires Slack or another tool for team chats.
All-in-One Communication
Built-in chats, threads, and global channels.
Clear Multi-Project Views
Poor Multi-Project Visibility
Chaos across project streams; portfolio views missing.
Clear Multi-Project Views
Built-in portfolio, workload, and team dashboards.
Unlimited Free Guests
Charges for Guests
Collaboration with clients = extra cost.
Unlimited Free Guests
Clients, freelancers, vendors — all welcome, no extra charges.
FEATURE BY FEATURE
Compare Notion and SmartTask
Features |  Notion | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Work Management and Essentials | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Views | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Workflows | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Time and Billing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Reporting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Don’t just take our word for it | | |
|---|---|---|
Platform | Notion | SmartTask |
Capterra | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 |
G2 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
TrustRadius | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Make managing projects a breeze with SmartTask
Streamline processes with the best client delivery solution - SmartTask!
Try it Live - It's FREEPricing
Notion -
No Work Performance Insights
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Paid Guests
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No Portfolio View
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No Time tracking (based on Formula column)
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No Billable Hours (requires priced automations)
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No job-roles and budgeting
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Unlimited guests
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Unlimited storage
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Global chat channels
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Portfolio View
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Universal Reporting
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Time Tracking
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Project budgeting and job-roles
Only one of these options was custom-built for client work
Notion, on the other hand, was originally built as a personal productivity and documentation tool — which means anything beyond basic notes and tasks often requires workarounds, add-ons, or third-party tools.
Wait, can I really manage ALL my client work in SmartTask?
That’s exactly what SmartTask was designed for. From project management and time tracking to billing, and budget forecasting—it’s all seamlessly integrated. Need to handle complex scheduling and resource allocation? We’ve got you covered. And of course, you can add an unlimited number of clients with full visibility into their projects.
I like the fact that SmartTask is intuitive and offers various views and reporting functionality. I tried Trello before and felt too limited. SmartTask has changed that!
Does SmartTask offer a plan tailored for marketing and creative teams?
Yes! Unlike other tools that offer generic plans, SmartTask is built with client service and creative teams in mind. Our features are designed to support fast-paced collaboration, and campaign tracking—without the complexity or hidden pricing.
SmartTask is by far the best project management system I’ve used. It brings my entire team together, ensuring everyone stays in the loop. The connectivity is a game-changer.
I’m interested, but have more questions
