Microsoft first revealed Microsoft Loop, its Notion alternative (comparison) back in 2021. Last year, Microsoft announced that Loop has reached the private preview phase. Today, Microsoft announced the public preview of Loop app featuring workspaces, pages, and components that sync across Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Loop is a new app that combines a powerful and flexible canvas with portable components that stay in sync and move freely across Microsoft 365 apps.

Loop components are already supported across Microsoft 365 apps including Teams, Outlook and more. Loop component types include task list, bulleted list, checklist, numbered list, paragraph list, and table. They are live and can be copied and pasted across Microsoft 365— staying in sync in all the places they exist.

Microsoft loop

Loop Pages are a flexible canvas where you can type and insert content:
  • Type / to explore content types you can insert.
  • Type @ to mention people or link a file.
  • Type : to open the emoji picker.
  • Select any text & right-click to format it.
  • Hold the ⋮⋮ icon to the left of text to drag and drop content.
  • Use the chat bubble icon to the left of text to add a comment or reaction.
Loop Workspaces are for grouping everything important to a project:
  • You can use the sidebar to navigate between Workspaces
  • Click the Loop logo to see all your workspaces.
  • Create a workspace for each of your projects.
  • Click the round, purple + button in the sidebar to add a page or link.

Microsoft Loop is the next-generation co-creation app that connects teams and tasks across your tools and devices. It’s a new way of working — so you and your team can think, plan, and create together from anywhere!

You can access Microsoft Loop on preview on the web here. To download the mobile app, visit the Loop mobile app for Android and Loop iOS app. For now, the mobile app is available for work accounts alone.

Microsoft Loop vs Notion: Feature Comparison

Feature/AspectMicrosoft LoopNotion
PricingFree (preview)Free, advanced features starting from $8/user/month
Rating on CapterraNo reviews yet4.7/5
User BaseNew, poised to become a formidable Notion competitorOver 20 million users, set a new standard for productivity software
Workspace ConceptUnified, flexible workspace for team knowledge, document collaboration, etc.Unified, flexible workspace for team knowledge, document collaboration, etc.
InterfaceSimilar to Notion, with a familiar sidebar and content componentsOriginal, with a sidebar for toggling between nested pages
Software IntegrationSeamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, Outlook, and OneNoteLimited integration compared to Loop
Document HandlingIntegrates traditional Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documentsAims to eliminate standalone docs and spreadsheets
Real-Time CollaborationStrong focus, with presence indicators and text caretsNot as powerful as Loop in real-time collaboration
Content ComponentsAdvanced and interactive “components”Live embeds, less interactive than Loop’s components
CustomizabilityLess flexible and customizableMore freedom and flexibility
Embedding Limitations
  • Zoho: a component that allows users to access and manage their Zoho CRM data and tasks from Loop pages or other apps.
  • Spotify: a component that allows users to play and control music from Spotify on Loop pages or other apps.
  • YouTube: a component that allows users to watch and share YouTube videos on Loop pages or other apps.
  • Giphy: a component that allows users to search and send GIFs from Giphy on Loop pages or other apps.
  • Weather Channel: a component that allows users to check and display the weather information from the Weather Channel on Loop pages or other apps
  • Trello
  • JiRA
No such limitations
Built-in FeaturesNo built-in Kanban boards or databases, relies on embedding from other productsOffers built-in Kanban boards and databases
AI-Powered ToolsMicrosoft Loop uses OpenAI’s ChatGPT models to power its Copilot feature. Copilot is an AI assistant that helps users with various tasks, such as writing, coding, searching, or creating content. Copilot can generate content based on user inputs and existing data, and provide contextual suggestions to inspire users and enhance their creativityMore advanced
Best Suited ForProfessional, collaborative use in large companies already using MicrosoftPersonal productivity and smaller teams requiring more customization

 

The choice between Microsoft Loop and Notion will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and existing software ecosystem. Microsoft Loop is a strong contender for those already invested in Microsoft’s suite of products, while currently Notion offers more flexibility and is better suited for personal productivity.