Baserow vs Notion: Database-First vs All-in-One Workspace

Compare Baserow and Notion for database management and collaboration. Baserow offers open-source, spreadsheet-style databases with API access, while Notion provides an all-in-one workspace with databases, docs, and wikis.

Updated 2026-09 · 2026

Baserow

Open-source no-code database platform

Freeunlimited users (self-hosted)

Strengths

+Fully open-source with self-hosting option
+Unlimited rows on free plan (cloud version)
+Real-time collaboration on databases

Weaknesses

-Limited document editing capabilities
-Fewer pre-built templates than competitors
-No native mobile apps yet

Best for

Teams needing a dedicated database tool with API access, or organizations wanting self-hosted alternatives to Airtable

Notion

All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and databases

Freeindividual use

Strengths

+Combines databases, docs, wikis, and project management
+Extensive template library and community
+Powerful block-based editor

Weaknesses

-Can feel slow with large databases
-Steeper learning curve for advanced features
-Limited API capabilities on free plan

Best for

Teams wanting an all-in-one workspace that combines documentation, wikis, and lightweight databases in one tool

Feature Comparison

Feature	Baserow	Notion
Free Plan	Unlimited rows, 5GB storage, 3 users (cloud)	Unlimited blocks for personal use
Database Views	Grid, Gallery, Form, Kanban	Table, Board, Timeline, Calendar, Gallery, List
Self-Hosting	Yes, fully open-source	No
API Access	Full REST API on all plans	Limited on free, full on paid plans
Document Editing	Basic text fields only	Full rich-text editor with blocks
Mobile Apps	Web-responsive only	Native iOS and Android apps
Real-time Collaboration	Yes, on databases	Yes, on all content types
Templates	Limited built-in templates	Extensive template gallery
Integrations	Webhooks, Zapier, Make	Extensive third-party integrations
Offline Access	No	Yes, on mobile apps
File Storage	5GB on free cloud plan	5MB file upload limit on free
Pricing (Paid)	$5/user/month (Premium)	$10/user/month (Plus)

The Verdict

Choose Baserow if you need a dedicated database tool with API access, self-hosting options, or want to avoid vendor lock-in with open-source software. Choose Notion if you want an all-in-one workspace that combines documentation, wikis, and databases with better mobile support and a richer editing experience. For pure database work, Baserow is more focused; for general team collaboration, Notion is more versatile.

How to switch from Baserow to Notion

1Export each Baserow table individually using the table's 'Export' menu, choosing CSV (or JSON if you need field-type metadata preserved) — there's no single export for an entire workspace.
2In Notion, create a new database for each exported table and use 'Import' > CSV to bring the rows in, checking that column types (numbers, dates, select fields) mapped correctly.
3Manually rebuild any linked/relation fields between tables, since CSV import flattens Baserow's row links into plain text that Notion won't automatically connect.
4Recreate your views — Kanban boards, forms, and galleries — in Notion's database view options, as these aren't included in the CSV export.
5Rebuild any Zapier, Make, or webhook automations to target Notion's API instead of Baserow's, and test them with sample data before relying on them.
6Share the new Notion workspace with your team, run both systems in parallel for a short verification period, then archive or export a final backup of the Baserow workspace before shutting it down.

Baserow vs Notion: common questions

How do I export my data from Baserow to Notion?+

Open each table in Baserow, click the table dropdown, and use the 'Export' option to download a CSV file (JSON export is also available for structured data with field types). You'll need to repeat this per table since Baserow doesn't offer a one-click full-workspace export to Notion's format.

What features do I lose moving from Baserow to Notion?+

You lose Baserow's full REST API access on the free tier, self-hosting control, and native linked-row relationships that CSV export doesn't preserve. You'll need to manually rebuild table relations, formulas, and Kanban/form views inside Notion after import.

Is Notion's free plan enough for a small team database?+

Notion's free plan is built for individual use and limits file uploads to 5MB per file, which is restrictive for teams sharing attachments. For a small team with multiple collaborators and larger files, you'll likely need the Plus plan at $10/user/month billed annually.

Will my Baserow integrations still work after switching to Notion?+

No, Zapier/Make workflows built against Baserow's API endpoints need to be rebuilt pointing to Notion's API, and webhook triggers must be reconfigured since the two platforms use different data structures. Notion's API also has stricter rate limits than Baserow's, which can affect high-frequency automations.

Does switching from Baserow to Notion cost more over time?+

Yes, for equivalent paid tiers Notion Plus runs $10/user/month versus Baserow Premium at $5/user/month, roughly double the per-seat cost. If you were self-hosting Baserow for free, switching to Notion introduces a recurring per-user cost with no self-hosted option to avoid it.