Notion AI is a Glorified Search Bar, But It's Still the Best for One Reason
A deep dive into Notion AI.
Let's cut the crap: Notion AI isn't some magical intelligence—it's a search bar on steroids, and half the time it feels like it's running on a potato. If you're expecting ChatGPT-level creativity, you're going to be disappointed. But here's the hard truth: it's still a killer for one specific type of person, and everyone else is wasting their money.
The Meat: Where Notion AI Actually Matters
First, the integration. Notion AI lives inside your notes. You don't have to copy-paste between tabs like some caveman. I was drafting a client proposal last week, and with one click, it summarized my messy research into bullet points. Saved me 30 minutes of tedious editing. That's the real value—context without the friction.
Second, the pricing trap. Notion AI costs $10/month on top of your existing plan. That's a rip-off if you only use it once a week. Compare that to ChatGPT Plus at $20/month for a far more powerful model. But here's the annoying detail: Notion's AI button is laggy as hell. I've clicked it, waited 3 seconds, clicked again thinking it didn't register, and then gotten two duplicate responses. It's a small thing, but it makes the tool feel cheap and unpolished.
Third, the limitations. Notion AI has a token limit—it can't handle massive documents without choking. I tried to analyze a 50-page project brief, and it just timed out. Meanwhile, tools like Claude or Gemini Advanced can chew through that without breaking a sweat. Notion AI is built for quick tasks, not heavy lifting.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Notion AI exclusively for in-line edits and summaries. Never rely on it for complex research or long-form content. For that, copy your text into a dedicated AI tool—it's faster and more accurate.
The Data: Raw Comparison
| Feature | Notion AI | ChatGPT Plus | Claude (Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $10/month (add-on) | $20/month | $20/month |
| Best For | In-notion editing & summaries | General creativity & coding | Long documents & analysis |
| Integration | Seamless in Notion | External app/API | External app/API |
| Token Limit | ~4K tokens (limited) | ~128K tokens | ~200K tokens |
| Speed | Slow with laggy UI | Fast | Moderate |
The Verdict
Buy Notion AI if you live inside Notion for work and need quick edits without leaving the app. It's a beast for productivity nerds who hate context-switching. Otherwise, avoid it—it's overpriced trash for casual users. Use ChatGPT Plus for general tasks or Claude for heavy documents, and save your cash.
