The AI-native alternative to Notion
Strata combines Markdown import/export, always-on collaboration, and a native MCP server for teams whose AI agents read, edit, comment, and suggest changes alongside them.
At a glance
Why teams pick Strata
- AI agents are first-class collaborators. Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and any MCP client can search, edit, comment, and propose suggestions with the same permissions people have.
- Collaborative documents use Yjs state, with Markdown import/export and two-way CLI sync to local files.
- AI is included on every plan. Even the Free tier ships with AI credits, hybrid semantic search, and MCP access.
- Audit logs start on the Pro plan instead of waiting for an Enterprise contract.
Where Notion shines
- Relational databases with views: tables, boards, calendars, timelines, and charts.
- AI meeting notes and enterprise search across many connected SaaS tools.
- A mature template gallery and integration ecosystem.
- Enterprise data residency options in the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea, subject to eligibility and data coverage.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Strata | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Editing and collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration | YesAlways-on CRDT collaboration on every document | YesReal-time co-editing with presence |
| Markdown import and export | YesMarkdown interfaces over canonical Yjs state; rich content has conversion limits | YesPages export as Markdown; databases as CSV and callouts as HTML |
| Version history | YesGranular history: Free 7 days, Pro 30, Enterprise 90; an older recovery snapshot is retained | YesRetention is plan-gated: 7 days on Free, 30 on Plus, 90 on Business, unlimited on Enterprise |
| Comments and threads | YesShared by people and AI agents in one panel | Yes |
| Suggest and review changes | YesTracked suggestions from people or AI agents, with accept and reject | YesSuggest mode with accept and reject, limited to text and list blocks |
| Relational databases and views | No | YesTables, boards, calendars, timelines, and charts |
| AI and agents | ||
| Native MCP server | YesRead, edit, search, comment, suggest, and publish over MCP with OAuth 2.1 | YesHosted MCP with search, fetch, page creation and updates, and comments |
| Works with your AI of choice | YesClaude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and any MCP client connect with one URL | YesNotion AI is bundled; external agents connect through the hosted MCP server |
| AI included on every plan | YesAI credits on every plan, including Free | NoFull Notion AI requires the Business plan or above |
| Custom and scheduled agents | YesDocument-first agents with schedules on every plan | PartialBusiness and Enterprise only, with metered credits at $10 per 1,000 |
| Agents that comment and suggest | YesAgents use the same comments, suggestions, and presence as people | PartialMCP supports comments; tracked-suggestion tools are not listed |
| Hybrid semantic search | YesKeyword plus semantic retrieval on all plans | PartialAI-powered search arrives with the Business plan |
| Data ownership and portability | ||
| Live-synced local files | YesThe strata link CLI keeps a Space on disk as plain Markdown, synced two-way | No |
| Document export | YesMarkdown and PDF; Markdown does not preserve all rich formatting or collaboration history | YesMarkdown, CSV, HTML, and PDF; re-import does not recreate a workspace |
| Git-friendly documents | Yes | No |
| Offline access | PartialCached reading in the browser; full offline through live-synced local files | PartialDownloaded pages in desktop/mobile apps on all plans; paid plans also download recent and favorite pages automatically |
| Public publishing | YesPublish documents to public links with PDF download, clone, and remix | YesNotion Sites; custom domains are a paid add-on |
| Security and enterprise | ||
| Enterprise SSO | YesSAML and OIDC on Enterprise | YesSAML on Business and Enterprise; verified-domain enforcement on both |
| SCIM provisioning | YesEnterprise plan | YesEnterprise only |
| Audit logs | YesIncluded from the Pro plan, with export; SIEM streaming on Enterprise | YesEnterprise only |
| SOC 2 | YesSOC 2 Type 1 | YesSOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001 |
| Data residency choices | No | YesEligible Enterprise workspaces: US, EU, Japan, or South Korea; migration and coverage limits apply |
| Plans and pricing | ||
| Free plan | Yes5 members, AI credits, hybrid search, and MCP access | YesBlock limits for teams, 7-day history, and an AI trial only |
| AI without add-on fees | YesCredits are bundled into every plan | PartialBundled from Business; custom agents metered at $10 per 1,000 credits |
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Agents that edit and collaborate
Both products support agents over MCP. Notion documents search, fetch, page creation and updates, and comment tools. Strata adds document-specific workflows for tracked suggestions, presence, and publishing. Compare the tools your workflow needs; availability also depends on permissions and plan.
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Markdown in, Markdown out
Strata stores canonical Yjs state and derives Markdown for import/export and two-way CLI sync. Markdown is not a full-fidelity backup of rich formatting, comments, suggestions, or history. Notion exports pages as Markdown, databases as CSV, and callouts as HTML; re-uploading an export does not recreate a workspace. Review converted content in either product.
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Collaboration where AI is a peer
Both products support live editing, comments, and presence. Strata also lets AI agents propose tracked suggestions for people to accept or reject. Strata retains detailed history for 7 days on Free, 30 on Pro, and 90 on Enterprise, plus an older recovery snapshot. Notion retains history for 7 days on Free, 30 on Plus, 90 on Business, and indefinitely on Enterprise.
Enterprise controls without the wait
Strata includes audit logs with export starting on the Pro plan, and adds SAML and OIDC SSO, SCIM provisioning, SIEM streaming, and legal holds on Enterprise. Notion reserves audit logs, SCIM, HIPAA, and data residency for its Enterprise tier. If Notion's database views and meeting transcription are central to how you work, Notion remains a strong choice; if your priority is portable documents and AI-native collaboration with governance from the start, that is what Strata is built for.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Strata a good Notion alternative?
Strata is an alternative for teams that want Markdown import/export, real-time collaboration, and AI agents through MCP. Notion may fit better when relational databases and meeting transcription are central to the workflow.
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- Can I move my Notion content into Strata?
Yes. Export your Notion workspace as Markdown and upload the files to Strata, which imports Markdown and HTML natively along with DOCX, PDF, and PPTX conversion. Databases export from Notion as CSV, so table-heavy content needs restructuring.
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- Does Notion support MCP?
Yes. Notion's hosted MCP supports search, fetch, page creation and updates, and comments. Strata also exposes tracked suggestions, presence, and document publishing through MCP.
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- How does Strata pricing compare to Notion?
Both have free plans. Strata Pro is $12 per seat per month, or $10 with annual billing. Notion lists Plus at $10 and Business at $20 per member per month with annual billing. Full Notion AI starts on Business; custom agents use separately metered credits at $10 per 1,000. Prices are in USD.
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- Can AI agents edit documents in real time in Strata?
Yes. Every Strata document uses always-on CRDT collaboration, so edits from agents merge live with edits from people, and agents show up in presence just like human collaborators.
Also comparing options? Strata vs. Obsidian
Features and USD prices reflect the linked vendor documentation on the checked date. Plan, region, and plugin limitations are noted; verify current terms with each vendor. Notion is a trademark of Notion Labs, Inc. Strata is not affiliated with or endorsed by Notion Labs, Inc.