If you are reading this, you’ve experienced the frustration with Evernote
It was once the gold standard for note-taking apps. It set the bar high with its ability to capture and organize ideas, documents, and tasks in one place.
But over time, cracks have begun to show.
Users increasingly report frustrations with performance issues, restrictive free plans, and a steep price tag for premium features. Add to that an overwhelming interface, limited collaboration options, and subpar customer support, and it’s no surprise many are looking for alternatives.
For example:
– Sluggish Performance: Large note collections can slow the app to a crawl, leaving users waiting for syncs or searches.
– Aggressive Monetization: The free plan’s limits on notes and device syncs often feel more like a trial than a usable option.
– Cost vs. Value: Evernote’s pricing doesn’t always stack up against competitors offering more innovative features.
These pain points have opened the door for a new generation of apps that cater to diverse needs – offering simplicity, robust features, or even AI solutions.
In this post, we’ll explore 16 Evernote alternatives that rise to the challenge, each with unique strengths to fit different workflows.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or just someone trying to stay organized, there’s likely an option that works better for you.
Let’s dive in!
What to look for in an Evernote Alternative?
When choosing an Evernote Alternative, it’s important to find one that feels right for you and supports your productivity goals. Here are some key features to consider:
- Ease of Use
- A clean, intuitive interface that simplifies organizing, searching, and accessing notes.
- A quick learning curve, so you can start being productive immediately.
- Ease of Use
- Performance and Reliability
- Fast loading times and smooth performance, even with a large library of notes.
- Reliable syncing across devices without delays or conflicts.
- Performance and Reliability
- Device Compatibility
- Support for all your devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Device Compatibility
- Robust Organization Features
- Flexible systems like tags, folders, or both to keep your notes organized.
- Advanced search capabilities, including OCR for scanned documents and images.
- Robust Organization Features
- Integrations
- Compatibility with other tools you use, like task managers, calendars, or cloud storage.
- Integrations
- AI Assistance
- The future is coming. Note apps should evolve. For example, you should be able to ask the app in natural language and find any information you want. Look for apps that help you work faster, easier
- AI Assistance
The best Evernote alternative is one that fits into your existing workflow and makes you feel more organized and productive.
The 15 Best Evernote Alternatives
1. Saner.AI
Saner.AI offers a fresh alternative to Evernote, blending simplicity with powerful AI features. It excels at organizing your thoughts, tasks, and ideas in a way that feels intuitive and adaptable.
Unlike Evernote, which can feel bloated with features you might not use, Saner.AI focuses on helping you prioritize and find what truly matters. Its AI capabilities provide smarter search and contextual suggestions, making it easier to stay productive
From the very beginning, we envisioned it as a tool inspired by the concept of Jarvis. What started as an AI note app has gradually evolved to include features like task management, email, and voice assistance.
Pros
- A Clipper Chrome Extension: Help you note faster on the web
- A Central Place: Your tasks, information, and related knowledge are all in one place – allowing for easy search and efficient execution without context switching. (Emails, Slack, Notion, notes in Saner.AI, etc.)
- AI Organization: AI auto-tags your notes, and sorts and prioritizes tasks based on your preferences and habits.
- AI Knowledge Assistant, Skai: Skai helps you recall and synthesize your notes. Just ask and get clear, direct answers from your notes
- AI Task Assistant: It helps you break down tasks, suggest solutions & remind you to do the work
- Intuitive Interface: Easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
- Real-time knowledge: include an assistant that can fetch information online to answer your questions
- Proactive Suggestion: AI will suggest relevant notes to what you are working on and even solutions for your tasks
Cons
- Requires internet access for full functionality
- In early phase
Pricing
- Free
- Starter: Monthly at $8/month, Annually at $6/month (with early user discount)
- Standard: Monthly at $16/month, Annually at $12/month (with early user discount)
Who is it suitable for?
Saner.AI is particularly well-suited for:
- Intensive knowledge workers who need to manage large amounts of information efficiently from multiple sources, such as entrepreneurs, researchers, managers, and content creators
- Individuals with ADHD or those who struggle with information organization and time management
- Anyone looking to streamline their workflow without spending too much time learning a new tool.
How to start using it?
- Visit the Saner.AI website and sign up for an account
- Explore the app’s features, starting with basic note-taking and task creation.
- Try out the integrated internet search functionality to streamline your workflow.
2. OneNote
Microsoft’s OneNote is a digital note-taking app that lets you jot down your ideas, clip parts of web pages, and sync your notes across all your devices. It’s like having a super notebook on your computer or phone that can also handle photos and drawings.
Pros
- Free version includes all features
- Great for organizing your notes just the way you like.
- You can place text, drawings, and files anywhere you want on the page.
- The web clipper is really handy for saving info from the internet.
- If you’re not using Windows, you can’t save your notes on your own computer; they have to be stored online.
- The text recognition (OCR) isn’t the best, which can be a hassle if you scan a lot of documents.
- It doesn’t let you add location tags to your notes.
Pricing
- Free version
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: $6 (Pricing Model: Per User, Payment Frequency: Per Month)
- Microsoft 365 Apps for business $8.25 (Pricing Model: Per User, Payment Frequency: Per Month)
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard $12.5 (Pricing Model: Per User, Payment Frequency: Per Month)
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium $22 (Pricing Model: Per User, Payment Frequency: Per Month)
Who is it suitable for:
Microsoft OneNote is ideal for students, professionals, and teams who need a free, versatile note-taking tool that integrates well with the Microsoft ecosystem
3. Apple Notes
Apple Notes is a straightforward and efficient note-taking app that comes pre-installed on all Apple devices. It’s designed to be easy to use and integrates seamlessly with other Apple products.
Pros
- User-friendly interface that’s simple to navigate.
- Works great with Apple Pencil, making it perfect for handwritten notes or drawings.
- Supports rich-text formatting so you can style your notes just the way you like.
- Offers strong security features to keep your notes private and safe.
- Lacks pre-installed templates to jumpstart your note-taking.
- Doesn’t allow you to download additional templates.
- Basic collaboration features which might not be sufficient for advanced team projects.
- Not available on Android devices, so sharing notes with non-Apple users can be tricky.
Pricing
- Free on Apple devices
Who is it suitable for:
Apple Notes is ideal for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem who value simplicity and seamless syncing across devices
4. Google Keep
Google Keep is a handy note-taking app that’s perfect for jotting down your thoughts, making lists, and organizing your ideas. It’s also great for setting reminders to keep you on track.
Pros
- Optical character recognition: Turn any photo into text so that you can instantly take notes based on your images
- Available on iOS, Android, and web: Use this web application anywhere and on any device
Cons
- Lack of formatting options: Keep does not offer formatting options like italics, bold, and underlining
Pricing
- It is free and does not have a premium version
Who is it suitable for:
Google Keep is ideal for users seeking a simple, lightweight note-taking app for quick reminders, to-do lists, and ideas. It’s best suited for casual users who value integration with Google Workspace
5. Notion
Notion offers a level of customization and flexibility that lets you create a truly personalized workspace. Whether it’s managing projects, jotting down thoughts, or organizing resources, Notion gives you the freedom to structure everything in a way that makes sense for you
Pros
- Unlimited notes: Write as much as you want without any limits
- Centralized organization: Consolidates all your necessities into one platform. Whether it’s notes, budgets, tasks, or recipes, you can create a customizable knowledge management tool that aligns with your thinking process
- Platform and device availability: Notion is available on iOS and Android for mobile, on Mac and Windows for desktop, and offers the Notion Web Clipper compatible with Chrome, Safari, and Firefox web browsers
Cons
- Mobile version is not that invested and user-friendly
Pricing
- Free
- Plus: $8-$10 per user
- Business: $15-$18 per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- Notion AI: it is available on all paid plans for $8 per month
Who is it suitable for:
Notion is ideal for individuals and teams who need an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, task management, and collaboration
6. Obsidian
Obsidian is a powerful, flexible alternative to Evernote, ideal for users who want more control over their notes and data. Unlike Evernote, Obsidian stores your notes as plain text Markdown files on your local drive, giving you full ownership and avoiding reliance on proprietary formats or cloud services. Its backlinking feature creates a “second brain,” allowing seamless connections between notes, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.
However, Obsidian’s learning curve is steeper, and it lacks some of Evernote’s built-in conveniences, like automatic web clipping or a dedicated mobile experience for quick capturing. While Obsidian’s flexibility is a strength, it requires more setup and customization, making it better suited for those who value adaptability over out-of-the-box simplicity.
Pros
- Links and Graphs: Obsidian’s USP is its links and graphs effect. They help you track how your notes connect
- Collaboration: Share your work with others without giving out your private data
- Customization: Customize your work to your taste. With options to change your look, color, theme, etc, you should enjoy the creativity this app offers
Cons
- Extra pricing: You need to pay extra to use some simple and expected features, such as synching across devices
Pricing
- Free
- Commercial use: $50 per user per year
Who is it suitable for:
Knowledge workers, researchers, students, and writers who need to manage complex information and create connections between ideas.
7. Joplin
Joplin is a powerful, open-source alternative to Evernote, offering a robust platform for note-taking, organizing, and syncing across devices. Its biggest strengths lie in privacy and customization: your notes stay under your control with end-to-end encryption, and the app is highly adaptable to your needs. Unlike Evernote, it’s free to use, with no forced subscriptions, and you can even self-host for ultimate data control.
However, Joplin does come with a learning curve, especially for users unfamiliar with Markdown or open-source tools. Its interface may feel less polished, and it lacks some advanced features, like seamless web clipping or rich integration options, that Evernote excels at.
Pros
- Multimedia notes
- Save web pages as notes
- Customize the app with plugins, custom themes and multiple text editors
- Access your notes from your computer, phone or tablet
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS apps
- End-To-End Encryption (E2EE) to secure your notes
Cons
- Lacks some advanced features (handwriting recognition, mobile scanning, OCR, sketching)
Pricing
- Basic: Basic 2.40€ /month (28.69€/year)
- Pro: 4.79€ /month (57.48€ /year
- Teams: 6.69€ /month (80.28€ /year )
Who is it suitable for:
Joplin is best suited for: Privacy-conscious users who want their notes fully encrypted and under their control. People who need to organize research, writing, and complex projects with rich formatting and attachments
8. UpNote
UpNote is a versatile note-taking app that works across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Pros
- Cross-platform compatibility: Whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer, UpNote keeps your notes synced and accessible.
- Offline access: You can keep working on your notes even when you’re not connected to the internet, which is perfect for travel or spotty Wi-Fi areas.
- Rich text editing: UpNote allows you to jazz up your notes with different formats. You can add images, create lists, and even organize your thoughts into tables.
- Tagging and organizing: Finding specific notes is a breeze. Just tag and categorize your entries, and you’ll be able to locate them without any hassle.
- Limited collaboration features: It doesn’t support real-time collaboration, which may not be ideal for team projects but could be fine if you usually work alone.
- Limited integrations: UpNote offers few third-party integrations, which could be a drawback if your workflow relies on connecting multiple apps.
- Smaller user base: Being less known, UpNote has a smaller community, which might mean fewer resources for help and tips.
Pricing
- You can use UpNote for free however you can only create up to 50 notes.
- Upgrading to premium for $0.99 per month you unlock all features available including unlimited notes and notebooks.
9. Bear
Bear is a note-taking software designed to help businesses and individuals efficiently organize and secure their notes. It allows users to add sketches and export notes in various formats, making it a versatile tool for capturing ideas and information.
Pros
- Simple Organization: Bear uses hashtags to organize notes, making it easy to categorize and find your content. Sub-categories are just as straightforward to manage.
- Floating Notes: A standout feature is the ability to keep a specific note visible on top of other windows on your screen, which is incredibly useful for referencing while working on other tasks.
- User-Friendly Interface: Bear offers a clean, attractive interface that’s both fast and easy to navigate, packed with rich text editing features.
- Limited Integrations: One of the main drawbacks is Bear’s lack of integration with other tools and apps, which can be a limitation if your workflow relies on extensive app connectivity.
- Restrictive Organization: While the hashtag system is simple, Bear does not support nested folders or detailed outlines, which can be restrictive if you need more complex organizational structures.
- Frustration with Adaptation: The organizational limitations have been significant enough for some users, including myself, to consider switching to other platforms like Craft or Apple Notes that might offer more flexibility in note organization.
Pricing
- Free version
- Bear PRO: A 7 day free trial, then $2.99/month ($29.99/year)
10. Simplenote
Simplenote is a straightforward, user-friendly note-taking app that helps you jot down your thoughts and ideas quickly. It syncs your notes across all your devices, ensuring you have access to them wherever you go.
Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, or just a web browser, Simplenote has you covered.
Pros
- Completely Free: There’s no cost to use Simplenote, making it accessible to everyone.
- Cross-Platform Availability: You can use Simplenote on virtually any device.
- Supports Collaboration: You can share your notes with others and even make them public if you choose.
- Simple Organization: Tags help you keep your notes organized without complicating things.
- No Multimedia: You can’t add images or other attachments to your notes.
- Limited Organization Tools: Tags are the only way to organize your notes, which might not be enough for everyone.
- Basic Functionality: It lacks some of the advanced features that other note apps offer.
- Privacy Concerns: The privacy policy isn’t as robust as some users might prefer.
Pricing
- Simplenote is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs or premium versions, making it a budget-friendly option for everyone.
11. Reflect
Reflect offers a solution for effective note-taking. It features instantaneous note synchronization with backlinked notes, forming a network of ideas.
Pros
- Networked notes: Form a graph of ideas using backlinked notes, creating a comprehensive intellectual network
- Integrations: Manage and summarize meeting discussions while importing events from Google Calendar and Outlook integrations
- Reflect AI: Leverage AI assistance powered by GPT-4 and Whisper from OpenAI to enhance writing, organize thoughts, and act as your intellectual partner
Cons
- AI is not customized and based on GPT4 for to answer questions about notes
Pricing
- Premium: $10 per month
12. Goodnotes
Goodnotes can be a strong Evernote alternative for those who value simplicity, handwritten notes, and a focus on creative organization. Its intuitive design, seamless handwriting recognition, and flexibility for annotating PDFs make it ideal for students, creatives, and professionals who enjoy a more tactile approach to note-taking. Additionally, its one-time purchase model can be more cost-effective compared to Evernote’s subscription plans.
However, GoodNotes lacks some of Evernote’s advanced features, like robust cross-platform syncing, deep search capabilities across attachments, and integrations with other apps. It’s best for users who prioritize handwritten and visual notes.
Pros
- Great handwriting recognition: The app can accurately understand your handwriting.
- Lots of templates: Whether you’re jotting down a quick note or planning a big project, there’s a template for it.
- Apple Pencil compatibility: Writing on the app feels just like using pen and paper.
- Keep notes organized: It’s easy to find and manage your notes.
- Flexible export options: You can save your notes in many different formats.
- User-friendly: The simple design makes note-taking smooth and easy.
- No audio notes: You can’t record voice memos.
- Limited text styling: You can’t customize styles within the same text box.
- No teamwork: Sharing and working with others isn’t an option.
- Occasionally slow sync: Syncing between devices can lag sometimes.
Pricing
- Limited free plan available; $9.99/year subscription or $29.99 one-time purchase from the App Store for the full version. $6.99 for Windows/Android.
Who is it suitable for:
- Students taking digital notes during lectures and annotating PDFs of course materials
- Professionals who need to sign documents, mark up PDFs, or take handwritten notes during meetings
- Artists and designers who want to sketch ideas or create digital handwritten content
13. Craft
Craft’s seamless interface includes features like daily notes, collaborative documents, wikis, integrations, rich link previews, AI writing assistance, comments, and reactions.
Pros
- Workflows: Connect and organize work within and across teams
- Daily Notes: Enhance daily stand-ups with calendar-connected updates, priorities, and blockers
- Structured documents: Create Cards and Pages to provide detailed context and organization for ideas
- Rich content integration: Embed code blocks, rich link previews, images, videos, and AI assistant support
- Wikis: Consolidate team knowledge, eliminating the need for repeated requests for links or information
Cons
- Not so adequate for task management: Craft is primarily designed for note-taking and offers limited options for task management
Pricing
- Free
- Pro: $5 per user
- Business: $10 per user
- Enterprise: Contact for Pricing
- Craft AI: Free to all users
14. Amplenote
Amplenote combines note-taking with task management. It excels in fostering deep connections between your notes through linked references and a timeline-based organization, ideal for those who value context and structure.
However, Ample Note’s narrower focus may lack some of the advanced features or integrations that long-time Evernote users rely on, such as broader third-party app support
Best feature
- Quick Bar: Capture your inspiration, the moment it strikes
- Flexible Recurrence: Life hack built for long-term goal setters
- Vault Notes: Client-side encryption for sensitive note content
- Include Task, Notes and calendar
Amplenote limitations
- Amplenote doesn’t use standard markdown, and doesn’t support split screen on iPadOS
- The calendar only allows for “business” and “household” as calendar segments.
Pricing
- Basic: $4.99/month or $49.99/year
- Pro: $9.99/month or $99.99/year
- Founder: $19.99/month or $199.99/year
Who is it suitable for:
- Knowledge workers, students, and professionals who need robust note-taking and task management in one tool
15. Logseq
Logseq is a powerful, privacy-focused Evernote alternative for managing your notes, tasks, and knowledge.
Unlike Evernote, Logseq stores your data locally, ensuring complete control and privacy. Its graph-based structure and markdown format enable you to connect ideas seamlessly, fostering deep insights and a personalized knowledge system. The open-source nature of Logseq also means it’s highly customizable and free from subscription fees.
However, Logseq’s flexibility comes with a learning curve, especially for those new to markdown or graph databases. It lacks some polished features of Evernote, like native mobile app syncing. If you’re looking for a tool to grow with your ideas while keeping your data private, Logseq is worth considering
Best feature
- Advanced Note-Taking: Ideal for research and project development, Logseq supports extensive note-taking and idea generation.
- Graph View: Essential for connecting and referencing notes, Logseq’s Graph View enhances personal knowledge management by visualizing links between notes, journals, and ideas.
- Flashcards: Convert notes into flashcards for effective revision, making it a useful tool for students and professionals alike.
- Whiteboards: Similar to Obsidian, Logseq offers visual note-taking on a digital canvas, allowing for the creative expression of ideas.
Logseq limitations
- Lack of premium pricing: There’s not much focus on premium pricing which might be scary for some. Being able to see how the company makes money is always helpful to see where their future lies for notes.
Pricing
- Logseq currently operates on a free model, allowing you to download and start using it without any initial cost. However, it’s worth noting that while the core app is free, there may be charges associated with certain features.
Who is it suitable for:
- Knowledge workers, researchers, and students who need to connect ideas and manage complex information.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Evernote alternative comes down to your unique needs and workflow.
Each option on this list brings something valuable to the table – whether it’s advanced AI features, simplicity, or specific tools tailored to your tasks.
The goal is to find a solution that genuinely enhances your productivity and aligns with how you think and work.
Give these Evernote Alternatives a try and you might discover a tool that not only meets but exceeds your expectations!
