Zero-knowledge
We cannot read workspace content
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Quick verdict.
Choose Worklist if you need true end-to-end encryption where even the company can't access your workspace content. It may help with technical safeguards for regulated work, but PHI requires a written compliance agreement or BAA. Choose Notion if you prioritize rich features like databases, wikis, and extensive integrations - and you're comfortable with conventional SaaS access controls.
Feature comparison.
| Feature | Worklist | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||
| Zero-Knowledge Architecture | ||
| Self-Hosted Deployment Option | ||
| Provider Can Access Workspace Content | ||
| AI Features Can Process Workspace Content | ||
| GDPR Support | ||
| SOC 2 Certified | ||
| Open Source Crypto | ||
| Data Export | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Kanban Boards | ||
| Rich Text Editing | ||
| Database Features | ||
| Starting price | $8.50/seat/mo | $10/seat/mo (billed annually) |
AI processing means workspace content may be processed when AI features are enabled or used; it does not mean customer data is used for model training.
Want the private option?
Try Worklist in the hosted cloud, or talk to us about the licensed self-hosted Docker image for your own hardware.
Who should choose which?
Choose Worklist if...
- You handle sensitive client or internal project data
- You need strong encryption for regulated workflows
- You do not want server-side AI processing workspace content
- You prefer focused task management over a broad work OS
- You want the provider unable to read encrypted content
- You want a licensed self-hosted Docker option on your own hardware
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.
Worklist: zero-knowledge.
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, and the client unlocks encryption keys with an OPAQUE export key plus HKDF. Optional one-time backup keys are user-held; we do not have keys that can decrypt your workspace.
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, this is conventional SaaS encryption rather than zero-knowledge encryption, so Notion's service can process content for features like search, AI, and support.
Result: Provider-side compromise or authorized access paths could expose plaintext content. Notion can respond to lawful data requests with content it is technically able to access.
Frequently asked questions.
Is Notion end-to-end encrypted?
No. Notion publishes encryption at rest and in transit, but not Worklist-style client-side end-to-end encryption. That means the service can process workspace content in plaintext for product features and authorized support workflows.
Can Notion employees see my data?
Notion publishes access controls and policies limiting employee access, but its architecture still permits authorized server-side access to workspace content. With Worklist's zero-knowledge architecture, even our engineers cannot access encrypted workspace content because we do not have the keys.
Does Notion use my data for AI training?
Notion publishes commitments that customer content is not used to train AI models. Its AI features can still process workspace content when enabled or used. Worklist cannot process encrypted workspace content with server-side AI because we cannot decrypt it.
Can I use Notion or Worklist for HIPAA-regulated PHI?
Do not treat either product as HIPAA-ready by default. Worklist's zero-knowledge design may help with technical safeguards, but PHI requires a written compliance agreement or BAA with Worklist. Notion offers a BAA path on qualifying Enterprise plans when customers use the required security features.
Which has more workspace features?
Notion has broader wiki, database, and documentation features. Worklist is narrower: encrypted task management, kanban boards, checklists, and collaboration for teams that prioritize content privacy.
References.
- 01 Notion Security & Privacy - Official security documentation
- 02 Worklist security architecture - Zero-knowledge encryption details
- 03 RFC 8439: ChaCha20-Poly1305 - Encryption standard used by Worklist
Ready for true privacy?
Try Worklist free for 14 days, or ask about the licensed self-hosted Docker distribution for your own hardware.
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