Javier Lacort
Senior WriterI write long-form content at Xataka about the intersection between technology, business and society. I also host the daily Spanish podcast Loop infinito (Infinite Loop), where we analyze Apple news and put it into perspective.
Notion introduced its calendar app, Notion Calendar, in early 2024. I was very interested in it. However, I couldn’t use it because its integration feature was initially limited to Google Calendar. In the end, most of my events are scheduled on iCloud calendars.
Recently, Notion finally announced the integration with iCloud. As a longtime Notion user, I decided to explore this new feature and see if it was worth switching from Apple’s native app.
It’s Not About the Features, but Rather the Unification
My first impression was surprisingly positive. The app is fast–very fast. On my nearly four-year-old M1 Pro MacBook Pro, I was impressed by its speed and fluidity when navigating between days, weeks, and months. This stands in stark contrast to Apple’s Calendar. While not slow, it lacks the same sense of lightness and agility.
The monthly view of the interface is aesthetically pleasing.
The Notion Calendar interface has a minimalist design that never feels empty. It uses Notion’s iconic soft gray and white tones while also having its own personality. It’s visually much more appealing than other apps like Google Calendar, which tends to prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
For those of us who are looking to optimize every second spent in front of the screen, Notion Calendar’s keyboard shortcuts are a delight:
- Press “S” to share your availability
- Press “C” to create an event
- Press “T” to go to the current day
- Press “W” for the weekly view
- Press “M” for the monthly view
This design is clearly tailored for users who prefer to keep their hands on the keyboard.
One standout feature for me is the availability management. Previously, when someone wanted to meet with me, I had to manually send them my available time slots or use tools like Calendly. With Notion Calendar, I can select available time blocks, generate a link on the spot, and share it easily. This is one of those small daily hassles that has vanished.
In the availability feature, the white gaps (as opposed to gray ones) represent your available slots. Sharing the link on the right can provide others with access to your available times for scheduling a meeting.
Time zone management is also useful. For those working with people across different parts of the world or organizing trips, the ability to see a calendar with multiple time zones at once is essential. Notion handles this much more intuitively than Apple’s app.
However, where Notion Calendar truly shines is in its integration with Notion. This integration unifies information and time management. While it stands as a good independent calendar for those who don’t use Notion, integration is the key to its appeal.
The Strategy Behind the Calendar
Notion Calendar isn’t just a new calendar app. It’s part of a larger strategy where Notion is building an entire productivity ecosystem. Initially, Notion served as a primary app for notes and databases. Now, the ecosystem continues to expand with the introduction of the calendar and the recent addition of Notion Mail.
Notion has transitioned from being just a product to becoming the central hub of a growing ecosystem.
Cramming everything into a single app could overwhelm users. Instead, Notion is creating standalone yet fully interconnected apps. This approach allows these apps to compete in several categories without compromising user experience.
The real magic occurs when you link Notion databases with date fields. Suddenly, all of those items appear directly in my calendar alongside my regular events. For example, I have a database in Notion with all my podcast scripts, each with its own publication date. I can now see those dates directly on my calendar, seamlessly integrated with my personal meetings and events.
This unified view isn’t only practical. It represents a paradigm shift. It enables you to see events and tasks in a temporal context that previously required multiple tools. Additionally, you can attach Notion pages directly to calendar events. For a meeting, I can link the agenda, past notes, and related documents, all without leaving Notion.
Toward a More Mature Experience
The iOS version of Notion Calendar is also well-crafted. Unlike many apps that merely adapt their desktop versions for mobile, Notion Calendar for iOS (and Android) is tailored specifically for mobile use. You can choose to view one, two, or three days at a time when you open the app, offering flexibility that many native calendars lack.
There’s clearly more at play here than simply launching a calendar. Notion’s intention to merge information management with time management is evident.
When I first heard about Notion Calendar’s release, I felt a mix of interest and skepticism. Do users really need another calendar app? The answer lies in Notion’s goals. It’s not just building a calendar. It’s creating a bridge between information management and time management.
It’s as if Notion is saying, “You use our platform to organize all your information. Why not manage your time as well?”. It makes sense. If you spend a significant part of your day in Notion, having your calendar integrated within the same platform enhances overall consistency.
Surprisingly, I believe the Notion Calendar is worth it even for someone who doesn’t use Notion. Even without leveraging the integrations, it’s a solid, well-designed calendar app that outperforms Apple’s and Google’s calendars in several ways.
In fact, it’s already replaced Apple’s Calendar for me. I find it fascinating to see how Notion is evolving from a note-taking tool into a comprehensive productivity ecosystem. Each component is designed to fit seamlessly with the others. I hope the company develops a task manager next.
This is one of those rare instances where a third-party app outshines the native app in almost every aspect. And, to top it off, it’s free. What else could you ask for?
Image | Xataka via Mockuuups Studio
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