Quick Verdict
Choose Worklist if you need true end-to-end encryption where even the company can't access your data. Ideal for legal teams, healthcare, finance, or any sensitive projects. Choose Notion if you prioritize rich features like databases, wikis, and extensive integrations—and don't handle highly sensitive information.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Worklist | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Company Can Access Data | ||
| AI Features Process Your Data | ||
| GDPR Compliant | ||
| SOC 2 Certified | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Rich Text Editing | ||
| Database Features | ||
| Starting Price | $12/seat/mo | $10/seat/mo |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Worklist If:
- You handle sensitive client data
- You need HIPAA-grade encryption
- Privacy is non-negotiable
- You don't want AI processing your data
- You're in legal, healthcare, or finance
Choose Notion If:
- You need rich wiki/documentation features
- You want database functionality
- Feature richness outweighs security
- You're comfortable with server-side data access
- You need extensive integrations
Security Architecture Comparison
Worklist: Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Worklist encrypts all data on your device using ChaCha20-Poly1305 before it reaches our servers. We use OPAQUE PAKE for authentication so we never see your password. The encryption keys are derived from your password using Argon2id—we don't have them.
Result: Even if our database is breached, attackers get encrypted blobs. Even if served a warrant, we can only provide encrypted data we cannot decrypt.
Notion: Encryption at Rest
Notion encrypts data at rest on their servers and in transit using TLS. However, their servers hold the decryption keys. This means Notion can decrypt and access your content for features like search, AI, and support.
Result: A database breach could expose decryption keys and data. Notion can comply with data requests by providing decrypted content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Notion end-to-end encrypted?
No. Notion uses encryption at rest and in transit, but not end-to-end encryption. This means Notion's servers can access and decrypt your data. Notion employees could theoretically read your content, and the data could be exposed in a breach.
Can Notion employees see my data?
Yes, technically. While Notion has internal policies limiting access, their architecture allows server-side decryption. With Worklist's zero-knowledge architecture, even our engineers cannot access your data—we don't have the keys.
Does Notion use my data for AI training?
Notion has AI features that process your content on their servers. While they state data isn't used for external AI training, your content is processed by AI systems. Worklist cannot process your content for AI because we can't decrypt it.
Which is better for HIPAA compliance?
Worklist is better suited for HIPAA because our zero-knowledge encryption exceeds technical safeguard requirements. Notion offers a BAA for enterprise plans but their servers can access PHI. True zero-knowledge is the higher security standard.
References
- Notion Security & Privacy — Official security documentation
- Worklist Security Architecture — Zero-knowledge encryption details
- RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 — Encryption standard used by Worklist
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