Why this comparison matters now

As we move into 2026, both tools have grown significantly. Confluence has introduced Databases, Whiteboards, and Rovo (Atlassian Intelligence) to its different plans. Notion has gone beyond just docs and databases, adding AI Agents, Enterprise Search, Meeting Notes, Sites, Forms, Calendar, and Mail—integrating more work into a single platform to streamline your tools.

Big Picture: Platform Scope

• Notion is a comprehensive work operating system offering docs/wiki, databases, projects, AI, Sites, Forms, Calendar, and Mail, along with an expanding integration catalogue—often replacing several standalone tools.

• Confluence excels as a wiki with Whiteboards, Databases, Automation, and deep integration with Atlassian products. It's a great fit for Jira users but usually requires additional tools for advanced project management, forms, websites, or emails.

Bottom Line: For those looking to consolidate vendors and use one interface for content, data, and communication, Notion offers a broader platform.

AI: Assistants, Search, and “Work Execution” Capabilities

• Notion AI: Features a Agent for complex tasks, Enterprise Search across connected apps, Research Mode, and Meeting Notes—all within the same pages and databases. Enterprise edition supports zero-data-retention with LLM providers.

• Confluence AI (Rovo/Atlassian Intelligence): Offers AI drafting, Rovo Search/Chat/Agents, with credits and feature access depending on the plan.

Advantage: Notion for its comprehensive features and workspace-native execution; Confluence is appealing for those invested in Atlassian ecosystems.

Databases, Projects, and Views

• Notion databases include mature relational modeling (relations, rollups, formulas), multiple views (timeline/board/table/calendar/gallery), granular DB permissions (Business+), verified pages, automations, and Sites backed by live databases.

• Confluence Databases are suitable for structured lists and basic workflows, complemented by Whiteboards; however, their modeling capability and reuse are still catching up to Notion's maturity.

Advantage: Notion for complex process modeling without exiting the document.

Knowledge, Publishing, and Communication

• Notion integrates wiki + Sites + Forms + Calendar + Mail with custom domains and extensive publishing options—streamlining the “knowledge to distribution” process.

• Confluence supports public links and intranet setups; full-scale external site development is not its primary focus.

Advantage: Notion for client-facing knowledge and simple site publication.

Security, Governance, and Data Residency

• Notion: SAML SSO (Business+), SCIM & advanced controls (Enterprise), with EU data residency upon request; Enterprise ensures zero data retention with LLM providers.

• Confluence (Atlassian Cloud): Offers mature enterprise features and data residency options including Canada, advanced admin tools, and Atlassian Guard for Enterprise plans.

Conclusion: Both meet enterprise standards. If you need Canada residency options out-of-the-box, Confluence is preferable; Notion's EU option is becoming more appealing.

Pricing & Value (Illustrative for 2026 Planning)

• Notion (site-listed European pricing as of Dec 2025): Plus €9.50, Business €19.50 /member/month; Enterprise custom. Guests are free; Sites, Forms, and databases included; AI features are actively being rolled out.

• Confluence (site-listed USD pricing as of Dec 2025): Standard $5.42, Premium $10.44 /user/month (annual; varies by seat band); features scale for whiteboards, automation, and Rovo credits.

Total Cost of Ownership: Notion often substitutes multiple tools (wiki, project views, forms, simple websites, some email/calendar workflows), reducing vendor dependence and context switches.

Migration: Transitioning from Confluence to Notion

1. Audit & Mapping – Inventory spaces/pages/permissions and map them to Notion's information architecture (databases, templates, teamspaces).

2. Export & Import – Export Confluence spaces (HTML) and import them via Notion’s Confluence importer; ensure formatting and redirects are correct.

3. Refactor into Databases – Convert static pages into structured databases (projects, SOPs, knowledge), add properties/views/permissions, and set up automations.

4. Governance & AI Enablement – Implement SSO/SCIM, verify authoritative pages, connect integrations, and educate teams on Notion AI (meeting notes + research mode).

Conduct a pilot with a dynamic team (engineering or client services) before a full rollout for quick results.

Comparison Table (2026)

Recommendation

If you aim for one platform to write, publish, organize data, manage projects, automate, and utilize AI in context—with fewer vendors—choose Notion. If your organization heavily relies on Atlassian and requires instant Canada data residency, Confluence remains a solid choice—but Notion’s EU residency offering and broader functionality often provide better ROI.

Next Step: Schedule a 30-minute migration planning call with Generation Digital. We will audit your Confluence setup, develop a comparable Notion structure, and provide a detailed migration strategy that includes content, permissions, and training.

FAQ

Is Notion really “more than a wiki”?
Yes. By 2026, Notion encompasses docs, databases, Sites, Forms, Calendar, Mail, and native AI—replacing various singular tools.

Does Confluence offer AI now?
Yes—Rovo/Atlassian Intelligence provides search, chat, agents, and drafting, with credits and features dependent on the plan.

Can we maintain our Confluence structure?
We export Spaces and import them into Notion, subsequently restructuring into databases/templates so teams receive added structure without losing historical data.

What about data residency?
Confluence supports multiple regions (including Canada). Notion offers EU data residency on request for qualifying workspaces.