Best Evernote Alternatives in 2024

The ranked list

1. Top pick · Editor’s choice
   1

   Notion

   An all-in-one workspace combining notes, tasks, wikis, and databases for powerful organization.

   Visit Notion →

   Best forIndividuals and teams needing a flexible, database-powered workspace.

   Pros

   • Offers a highly customizable database feature, allowing users to track projects, tasks, and information in various views (table, board, calendar).
   • Provides robust collaboration features, including real-time editing and commenting.
   • Integrates with numerous other tools, enhancing its functionality.
   • AI capabilities, including AI assist, to streamline content creation and summarization

   Cons

   • Can have a steeper learning curve than simpler note-taking apps due to its extensive feature set.
   • Offline access is limited compared to some dedicated note-taking applications.

   PricingFreemium; enterprise pricing available.

   Verdict. Notion is the strongest overall alternative to Evernote for users who need more than basic note-taking. Its flexibility and powerful features make it a great choice for individuals and teams. It's a productivity hub, not *just* a note app.

2. 2

   Obsidian

   A powerful, local-first knowledge base building upon Markdown files.

   Visit Obsidian →

   Best forUsers who prioritize data ownership, long-term knowledge management, and linking notes.

   Pros

   • Stores notes locally as Markdown files, giving you full control over your data.
   • Offers a robust linking system (backlinks) that enables networked thought and discovery.
   • Highly customizable through plugins created by its active community.
   • Free to use for personal use.

   Cons

   • Requires some technical understanding of Markdown and potentially plugins.
   • Syncing between devices requires a third-party service or Obsidian Sync (paid).

   PricingFreemium

   Verdict. Obsidian is ideal for those who want a self-hosted, customizable knowledge base. It's a powerful tool for building a personal wiki and connecting ideas, but its complexity may not appeal to everyone.

3. 3

   OneNote

   Microsoft's free-form digital note-taking application, deeply integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem.

   Visit OneNote →

   Best forThose heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and seeking free, cross-platform note-taking.

   Pros

   • Free to use with a Microsoft account.
   • Offers a flexible free-form canvas for note-taking, allowing you to place content anywhere.
   • Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications.
   • Robust organization via notebooks, sections, and pages.

   Cons

   • Can feel less polished and feature-rich compared to some paid alternatives.
   • Collaboration features are less prominent than in some other options.

   PricingFREE

   Verdict. OneNote is a solid free option, especially for Microsoft users. Its free-form canvas and seamless integration are compelling features, but it lacks some of the advanced functionality of paid alternatives.

4. 4

   Standard Notes

   An end-to-end encrypted note-taking app focused on privacy and security.

   Visit Standard Notes →

   Best forUsers prioritizing privacy and encryption for sensitive notes.

   Pros

   • Provides end-to-end encryption, ensuring your notes are private and secure.
   • Offers a clean and minimalist interface.
   • Available on multiple platforms.
   • Supports Markdown formatting.

   Cons

   • The free plan has limited features.
   • Customization options are limited compared to some other apps.

   PricingFreemium

   Verdict. Standard Notes is an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and security. Its end-to-end encryption and minimalist interface make it a solid option for sensitive note-taking.

5. 5

   Bear

   A beautifully designed, Markdown-focused note-taking app exclusive to Apple platforms.

   Visit Bear →

   Best forApple users wanting a simple and elegant Markdown note-taking experience.

   Pros

   • Beautiful and intuitive user interface.
   • Supports Markdown formatting.
   • Offers a tag-based organization system.
   • Good cross-device syncing between Apple devices.

   Cons

   • Only available on Apple platforms (macOS, iOS, iPadOS).
   • Limited collaborative features.

   PricingFreemium

   Verdict. Bear is a fantastic option for Apple users wanting a stylish and focused Markdown editor. Its simplicity and elegance are its strengths, but its platform exclusivity is a limitation.

At a glance

Side-by-side comparison of the alternatives ranked above.

Frequently asked questions