Google Sheets, Notion or an app: what to track habits and money in
Google Sheets offers powerful, customizable spreadsheets accessible from any device, but it can lack the curated experience of an app. Notion gives flexible databases with a minimalistic interface, yet it is still a workflow engine that can feel overwhelming. Dedicated apps provide turn‑key features but bind you to a single vendor and price range.
Price
| Platform | Cost | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Sheets | Free (Google Drive) | Zero subscription, no hidden fees | |
| Notion | Free tier; paid plans start at $4 /month | Basic database functionality is free; premium themes and sync add‑ons require payment | |
| Dedicated Apps | $3‑$8 /month | Most features locked behind a subscription or one‑time purchase |
Mobile entry
Google Sheets can be edited directly in the mobile app; tables are well‑formatted for touch. Notion’s mobile app offers a lightweight view but complex features (relations, inline buttons) are limited. Dedicated apps usually ship native iOS/Android apps with widgets and quick‑entry screens.
Offline support
Google Sheets keeps a local cache; changes sync when network returns. Notion syncs in background but requires internet to download updates. Most dedicated budgeting or habit apps run fully offline once installed, with richer data manipulation locked to the app.
Collaboration
Google Sheets shares links with edit/view/comment permissions; collaborators see real‑time changes. Notion has live updates too, but permission granularity can be confusing. Dedicated apps typically rely on cloud sync and provide team modes, but the experience is less instant than Sheets’ spreadsheet sharing.
Formula flexibility
Spreadsheets host native formulas; users can build custom calculations on the fly. Notion has a limited formula language, often requiring workarounds. Apps use built‑in logic that is hard‑to‑override.
Data ownership / export
All Google Sheets data is in your Drive. You can export as CSV, XLSX, or Google Sheets format. Notion data is downloadable as Markdown, .csv or via third‑party exports. Apps often bundle data with the vendor; export was sometimes blocked or limited.
Bottom line
- Use Google Sheets if you need full power, custom formulas, and a familiar interface across devices.
- Use Notion when you want a clean database that also functions as a workspace, but you’re okay with limited calculation logic.
- Use a dedicated app for quick entry and onboarding, but expect subscription fees and limited data control.
The budget tracker template on Gridly is the intersection of Google Sheets’ flexibility and upload‑friendly UX, so go for it if you want a no‑cost, fully‑transparent solution.