Simple Widgets vs Notion Widgets: Different Tools, Different Purposes

Different Tools for Different Needs

Simple Widgets and Notion widgets serve different purposes. This comparison helps you understand when to use each.

What They Are

Simple Widgets

A desktop application that turns any website into a widget that lives on your desktop. Widgets are always visible, regardless of what application you’re using.

Notion Widgets

Embedded content blocks within Notion pages. They display third-party content inside your Notion workspace using embeds or the /embed command.

Key Differences

Location

Simple Widgets appear on your desktop, visible while using any application.

Notion widgets appear inside Notion pages, visible only when that page is open.

Visibility

Simple Widgets are always visible - that’s their purpose. You see information at a glance without switching apps.

Notion widgets require you to have Notion open and navigate to the relevant page.

Flexibility

Simple Widgets works with any website. If it renders in a browser, it can be a widget.

Notion widgets support limited embed types. Many websites don’t embed properly in Notion.

When to Use Each

Use Simple Widgets When:

• You need information visible while working in other apps
• You want to monitor dashboards without keeping Notion open
• You’re tracking real-time data (stocks, status pages)
• You want a unified desktop view

Use Notion Widgets When:

• You’re building dashboards within Notion
• The information relates to your Notion content
• You want embeds alongside your notes
• You’re creating shared team pages

Using Them Together

Many users use both:

1. Notion for knowledge management and documentation
2. Simple Widgets to display Notion pages (or any content) on the desktop

You can even create a Simple Widget from a Notion page to keep your notes visible while working.