Microsoft Launches Loop, Goes Head-to-Head Against Notion
November 12, 2024 / by Karess Rubrico / 3 mins read
Working from home has transformed how we do our work, with online collaboration tools being more utilized in greater ways. Project management and personal productivity have taken a big leap, especially with tools like Todoist, XTiles, Notion, and Loop, Microsoft’s proprietary collaboration solution. Their newest release is said to be a direct competitor to Notion.
How do these productivity tools fare against each other, and which is the right one for you and your team? Let’s explore them together!
Microsoft Loop 101
From Microsoft Official Website
Loop was launched in late 2023 to create collaborative workspaces, especially for employees who were already on Microsoft 365. One of its biggest strengths is seamless integration with other apps in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. This is achieved through Loop’s Components function, which lets users embed different types of media on Microsoft apps such as OneNote, Teams, and Outlook.
From Microsoft Official Website
Loop also lets users stay on top of deliverables through the Planner component. This specific feature allows you to manage your tasks within the same Loop workspace—eliminating the need to switch tabs or open a separate app. You can also add Trello and Jira boards on the same workspace, making Loop function like a command center of sorts for all your projects.
Notion, In Comparison
Notion stands out for its multifunctionality—it serves as one big platform for task management, notes, and Wikis. Its range of content types and third-party integrations make it a highly flexible and usable tool for different teams.
The database feature is one of Notion’s core strengths. It allows you to link, organize, and search through information seamlessly and efficiently. Databases can also serve as the brains of your project’s operation, powering your project boards, task lists, and more.
While Notion is said to have a steep learning curve for beginners, there is a wide library of templates and guides to keep things simpler.
Best Use Cases for Loop and Notion
While Notion and Loop have similar interfaces at first glance, they have marked differences in their best use cases.
Loop may be ideal for you or your team if your organization already uses Microsoft 365 apps. That said, there won’t be much of a transition or learning curve thanks to its consistent and familiar interface. You may also appreciate Loop for its enterprise-grade security features, keeping your data more secure.
On the other hand, Notion might be your best bet if you’re more inclined to customize your project boards and task lists to fit your needs. It’s largely more flexible for a range of different use cases, such as content creation and management and project management. You can even utilize Notion for your personal and passion projects!
Ultimately, choosing between Notion and Loop depends on your specific use case and what works best for you or your teammates. And getting your tasks done when working from home won’t be possible without having advanced and reliable devices like laptops and PCs. Shop at the Next Upgrade Shop and get these essential gadgets and more, always at the lowest price with nationwide delivery. Click here to sign up and get shopping!
AUTHOR
Karess Rubrico
Former Senior Content Writer
Karess was a former Senior Content Writer for Next Upgrade and lead writer for the Productivity and Wellness sections. She is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of digital marketing experience. Outside of work, Karess takes care of 15+ houseplants (and counting), conducts random gastronomical experiments in her kitchen, and binge-watches whatever catches her fancy.
