Discover the best Evernote alternatives, including NotePlan, OneNote, and others, tailored to enhance your note organization and productivity.
Can one app really replace your entire productivity stack?
NotePlan did. Try NotePlan free for 7 days to learn how
Evernote used to be the undisputed king of note-taking apps. But recent changes to pricing and features have left many users searching for a worthy replacement. If you're ready to explore a world beyond Evernote, look no further!
I've taken a deep dive into the world of alternatives and discovered a treasure trove of apps. Some boast incredible organization and task management features, perfect for streamlining projects. Others offer mind-blowing knowledge linking capabilities for those who love to see those big-picture connections. And yes, some even provide a more customizable, user-friendly experience without breaking the bank.
In this article, we'll be comparing Evernote with some of the best Evernote alternatives in the market, including the likes of NotePlan, Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, Simplenote, Notion, Joplin, Obsidian, Bear, Zoho Notebook, UpNote and Reflect Notes. We will dive into the unique features each app brings to the table, and how they could either match or surpass what Evernote has to offer.
Let's go deeper into each app and see how they stack against Evernote.
Enter NotePlan, a powerful note-taking app designed with a focus on Markdown, task management, and seamless integration with your calendar.
If Evernote is all about fancy note-taking and organization, NotePlan is about getting things done. NotePlan is a powerful markdown note taking app designed for productivity. Every day has its own note – you can write to-do lists, schedule things you need to do, and take regular notes alongside it all. This really helps you see your notes in the context of your day, and make you way more productive.
One of the coolest things about NotePlan is that it supports Markdown, making it really easy to keep your notes and task lists neatly formatted. It even lets you link notes to each other, which is amazing for seeing how projects develop.
One of the great things about NotePlan is how flexibly it handles your notes. Each note can live on its own. These notes are independent from your calendar, so you don't need a specific date to work on them. Perfect for general reference or jotting down random thoughts. But, you can also connect notes to specific calendar dates – this seamlessly blends your to-do lists and general life planning. It's perfect for ongoing projects, long-term planning, or storing information you need to keep going back to.
NotePlan offers powerful features to help users organize notes effectively. It is also big on linking your notes together. This is amazing for projects where you need to keep track of how everything relates. Backlinking takes this even further – you can instantly see all the notes that link back to the one you're looking at. It's a great way to uncover connections and quickly jump to related information.
As your notes grow, NotePlan keeps you organized with powerful filters. You can narrow things down by tag, date, and other details. This helps you find exactly what you need, whether it's buried somewhere on your calendar or tucked into your project notes.
NotePlan now has a feature called Teamspace, for team collaboration too! Perfect if your are working with others because you can share notes, assign tasks...all of that. It even brings in stuff from your Apple Calendar/Google Calendar, so you have this single view of everything going on.
Reasons You Might Prefer Evernote
Moving from Evernote to NotePlan can be a smooth process. Transitioning from Evernote to NotePlan requires you to first export your notes as ENEX files. Then use conversion tools like Evernote2Md or Yarle to convert to Markdown. Once you have your Markdown files, you can either manually copy them into NotePlan's database folder (accessible via Finder), or use the "Import Notes..." option in NotePlan's menu bar. Voila! It's done.
NotePlan might not have the sheer number of features Evernote boasts, but I've found I don't miss them. I'm more productive, more organized, and more in control of my notes than ever before. Don't just take my word for it, experience the NotePlan difference yourself!
Microsoft OneNote is a versatile note-taking app that could be a great alternative to Evernote for you. Both applications help you capture, organize, and share notes, but they cater to slightly different preferences and work styles.
OneNote feels like a digital version of those old-school notebooks, you know, with sections and pages? It helps you stay organized, making sure all your ideas have their own little place. It's great for multimedia too – not just writing, but drawings, screen grabs, even scribbling notes with your stylus...it handles it all.
OneNote is often compared to other popular note-taking apps like Apple Notes.
A key strength of OneNote is its deep integration with other Microsoft Office applications. If you already use Microsoft products for work or personal tasks, you'll find OneNote works seamlessly with tools like Outlook, Word, and Excel. This integration makes it easy to transfer information between applications and helps keep your workflow smooth.
Of course, I wish OneNote's organization had a bit more structure. Evernote's system is all about lists and tags. Evernote also has powerful features like web clipping tools and document scanning capabilities, which some people really love. These features might be a better fit if you want to do some serious organizing and search through your notes later.
OneNote is available with a paid subscription of Microsoft 365.
Migrating from Evernote to OneNote can be manageable with a little planning. As discussed in the YouTube video, it's best to export your Evernote notebooks individually, especially if they are large. A free tool, "Evernote 2 OneNote" (available on GitHub), helps convert your exported ENEX files into OneNote-compatible ones.
In summary, Microsoft OneNote is a strong contender in the note-taking app market. It might be especially appealing if you're already using Microsoft products or if you prefer to organize your notes in a visual, notebook-like way. Whether it's the right tool for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you need to use your notes.
You might find Google Keep a refreshing change of pace compared to Evernote. It goes for a simple and fast experience, perfect for jotting down ideas, creating to-do lists, and setting reminders. These notes automatically sync across all your devices where you're signed in with your Google account.
Keep doesn't aim for the same level of in-depth organization as Evernote. You can color-code notes, pin important ones, and even add pictures and voice recordings, but you won't find the folders, tags, and complex organization features. This might be a plus or a minus depending on your needs.
Where Keep really shines is how well it integrates with other Google services like Docs and Calendar. If you already use those, it's a convenient way to keep everything connected. Also, Keep is completely free! If you need a straightforward space for notes and tasks, it might be exactly what you're looking for. But, if you rely on things like document scanning or detailed formatting, Evernote could still be a better fit.
Available for free with a Google account
Unfortunately, Google Keep doesn't currently offer a direct import option from Evernote. You'll need to manually copy and paste your most important Evernote notes into Keep. Consider prioritizing and migrating notes in stages for a smoother transition. Remember, Google Keep excels at quick notes and reminders, so it might not be ideal for very complex Evernote content.
Google Keep likely won't replace Evernote entirely for power users. However, it shines as a companion app for quick note-taking, simple lists, and visual notes. If you find yourself only using a fraction of Evernote's features, the ease of Google Keep might make it a compelling alternative for your everyday note-taking needs. Plus, the fact that it's free makes it risk-less to try.
You might find Simplenote a refreshing alternative to Evernote, especially if you prefer a more streamlined note-taking experience. Where Evernote is packed with features, Simplenote keeps things focused on simplicity and quick access to your notes. It's great for jotting down ideas and information across all your devices since it syncs seamlessly.
Okay, you won't find all the fancy stuff here - no attaching files, handwriting, drawing... it's mostly just text. You can do some basic formatting and add tags, which helps with organization a bit. The cool thing about Simplenote though, is the search is really good. It makes up for the simpler organization.
Another thing I love is the version control. It saves older versions of your notes so you can always revert back if you change your mind or need to reference previous edits. Plus, Simplenote is free! If you're looking for an uncluttered and reliable note-taking tool without the extra investment, Simplenote could be a great option.
Optional paid tier starting with $19.99/mo, which you opt-out of and continue using Simplenote for free.
Switching from Evernote to Simplenote is easier on your workflow. Export your Evernote notebooks as ENEX files (one at a time for larger ones) and import them directly into Simplenote's desktop app. While images and attachments won't transfer, your text notes, tags (converted to Simplenote pins), and basic structure will come across. Just remember, encrypted Evernote notes and notes with multiple tags might need some post-import adjustments within Simplenote.
You can read more about importing here.
If Evernote feels like overkill and you mainly need a distraction-free space for text-driven notes, Simplenote is worth a try. You can even use it alongside a more robust note-taking app, finding them complementary rather than one replacing the other. The fact that it's free and syncs seamlessly across devices means there's little downside to experimenting with it.
You might find Notion a powerful alternative to Evernote. It goes beyond just note-taking, offering a whole workspace with tools for task lists, project management, and even building custom databases. If you're the kind of person who likes to customize and build your own systems, Notion gives you the flexibility to do so. You can create pages with all sorts of content blocks: text, tables, calendars, and more.
Now, Evernote is a lot easier to get started with – great for note-taking and getting organized. Notion, on the other hand, takes some time to learn because it can do so much. This power makes it great when you're working as a team or need a very specific setup. You can also connect Notion with a wide range of other tools you use, streamlining your workflows.
Notion can get a bit slow to use if you have massive projects or complex databases. Unlike Evernote, it has a limited free tier – you'll eventually need to pay to unlock its full potential. But, if you value flexibility and are willing to invest time in setup, Notion could be a fantastic tool.
Free plan. Paid plan starting with $10/mo for personal plan
Notion offers a built-in importer that lets you connect your Evernote account and choose which notebooks to bring over. With a single click, your Evernote notebooks become Notion pages, with notes transformed into list database entries. Note: formatting might require some tweaks.
Notion isn't likely a direct drop-in replacement for Evernote. It requires a different mindset – more about building a system than solely taking notes. If you're tired of Evernote's limitations, crave deep customization, and love the idea of having almost everything organized in one place, Notion is incredibly powerful. However, be prepared for the initial time investment and a potentially overwhelming feeling until you get your bearings.
You might find Joplin to be a compelling Evernote alternative, especially if you value privacy and like to customize. It's open-source, meaning you have the freedom to adjust how the app works. Joplin lets you take notes, organize them, and keep them synced across your devices. You get to decide where your data is stored, whether it's Dropbox, your own server, or another service.
Joplin uses Markdown for editing, which I like since I'm used to formatting with just plain text. It also offers end-to-end encryption, keeping your notes private and secure. You can still take advantage of web clipping, powerful search, and file attachments.
Okay, the interface isn't quite as polished as Evernote, and getting syncing set up definitely takes some extra know-how. However, Joplin is free and puts privacy at the forefront. If you're okay with a bit of a learning curve and want maximum control over your data, Joplin could be an viable solution.
Open Source. Starting with $2.99/mo basic plan
Switching from Evernote to Joplin involves exporting your Evernote notebooks as ENEX files. Joplin's desktop app imports these files, creating new notebooks that mirror your Evernote organization. While images and attachments come along for the ride, encrypted notes won't. Remember, tags in Evernote become notebooks in Joplin, so consider simplifying your tags before exporting to avoid creating too many notebooks in Joplin.
Here's the official documentation on importing the notes
Joplin won't win over everyone. If you need a beautifully designed app with powerful collaboration features, it's not the answer. However, if you prioritize data ownership, the flexibility of Markdown, and a note-taking core, it's well worth considering. It may not fully replace Evernote for me, but it's earned a coveted spot in the toolkit.
I find Obsidian to be a completely different approach to note-taking than Evernote. It's all about connections between ideas. Think of it like building your own little Wikipedia inside your computer! Instead of notes just living in folders, you can directly link them together – it's fantastic for research or when your trying to build out a big concept.
Obsidian also stores everything directly on your device, giving you complete control over your data. It uses Markdown for formatting, which offers a lot of flexibility once you get used to it. Obsidian is incredibly customizable through plugins, letting you change everything from the way it looks to adding complex features like mind-mapping. It's great if you enjoy visually exploring how your ideas relate to each other. There's even a graph view to visualize those relationships.
You might miss some of Evernote's features like built-in web clipping, but Obsidian's active community means there's usually a plugin to add similar functionality. Since it's free for personal use, unless you want syncing features and other things, you might want to give it a try.
Free plan. Paid plan starting with $50/mo for commercial use
Migrating from Evernote to Obsidian is achievable with the help of a plugin. Install the "Importer" plugin in Obsidian and use it to convert your exported Evernote ENEX file into Markdown files. This plugin translates your notes, tags, and even some notebook structure. This plugin preserves your notebook structure and tags, offering a smooth transition to Obsidian. Below is a YouTube video to learn more.
I think of it more like a powerful thinking tool. If you're excited by the idea of interconnected notes, enjoy some light customization, and don't mind the initial learning curve, Obsidian has fascinating potential. While you can still use Evernote for some things, Obsidian can be used for deeper thinking and long-term knowledge projects.
I find Bear to be a really beautiful and flexible note-taking app. If you are all about Apple devices, it's one app to consider. The design is clean and minimal – very different from Evernote's busier feel. It works seamlessly across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It even uses some Markdown and shortcuts for fast writing (if you're familiar with those).
Instead of notebooks like Evernote has, Bear lets you use tags to organize my notes – and you can even nest tags inside of each other to get as specific as you want. Bear also has a great focus mode for distraction-free writing. You can add in images or files, but honestly I felt, it's not about multimedia like Evernote is.
Bear has a free version with basic features. If you want to sync across devices, customize with themes, and have more export options, you'll need a Bear Pro subscription. If you value a clean aesthetic, are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, and focus on basic note-taking and writing, Bear could be an option worth trying out.
Free plan. Paid plan starting with a $2.99/mo
Switching from Evernote to Bear involves a two-step process: export and import. First, export your Evernote notebooks as ENEX files. Luckily, Bear offers a built-in import function for these files. Simply select "Import From → Evernote" within Bear and choose your ENEX file. While Bear preserves most content, keep in mind notebook structure won't transfer directly. To maintain organization, consider using tags in Evernote before exporting, as these can be recreated as tags within Bear.
You can read more about importing it here.
Bear isn't a feature-for-feature Evernote replacement. If you're deeply embedded in Evernote's robust, do-it-all functionality, Bear might feel too limiting. However, if you crave a beautifully designed, writing-first note-taking app with just enough organizational power, Bear is a joy to use.
If you find a visually appealing note-taking app helps you stay organized, you might like Zoho Notebook as an Evernote alternative. Think of each note as its own little card, making it super easy to see what kind of content you're dealing with at a glance. It handles text, checklists, voice notes, and more – perfect for when you need a variety of note-taking tools.
Zoho Notebook ditches some of the complex organization features Evernote has and instead focuses on simplicity. The best part? It's free! Plus, if you already use other Zoho products, Notebook fits right in. You can even share notebooks with others for collaboration.
Zoho Notebook automatically syncs your notes across all your devices. While you won't find features like document scanning or a huge list of third-party integrations, it handles the note-taking basics really well. If you want a straightforward for notes, Zoho Notebook could be an option.
I'll admit, I often overlooked Zoho Notebook amidst the flashier note-taking apps. However, it can be good contender, especially when considering ditching Evernote.
Free plan. Starting with $1.99/mo for pro plan.
Zoho Notebook offers a user-friendly way to migrate from Evernote. Within Zoho Notebook's settings, you'll find a built-in "Migrate from Evernote" tool. This tool lets you select specific notebooks or migrate everything at once. Sign in to your Evernote account to authorize the transfer, and Zoho will seamlessly import your notes, notebooks, and tags. Note: Encrypted notes won't make the switch.
If you're looking for a user-friendly, visually appealing alternative to Evernote that won't break the bank, it's worth considering. While it might not be as feature-rich as Evernote, Zoho Notebook strikes a good balance between simplicity and features.
I've found UpNote to be a great Evernote alternative if you want something without all those extra features. Evernote can feel a little overwhelming sometimes – UpNote's clean interface just lets you focus on your notes and nothing else. It's easy to start using, whether it's just for jotting down thoughts or managing bigger projects with notebooks and tags. You have a focus mode to shut out distractions for those times when you just need to get work done.
Of course, Evernote does have features UpNote lacks, like tons of integrations or those super-powerful team tools. But I like that UpNote supports Markdown (great for shortcuts), lets you lock important notes for privacy, and it works on your phone, tablet, and computer. You can even use it offline.
For team collaboration and sharing notes, Evernote has more powerful features. If that's crucial, UpNote might not be the best fit. The good news? UpNote's premium version is affordable, unlocking unlimited devices, better export options, and more storage if you need those features. If your focus is on great personal notes, organization, and productivity, give Upnote a try.
Free Plan. Paid plan starting with $0.99/month.
Migrating from Evernote to UpNote is a straightforward process. Export your Evernote notebooks as ENEX files. UpNote offers a built-in import option that lets you select these files and choose how to convert them. You can create separate UpNote notebooks for each ENEX file or group all imported notes into a single notebook. Keep in mind tags from Evernote might need some adjustments, as UpNote uses hashtags.
You can read more about importing to UpNote here.
UpNote is a good choice if you've felt bogged down by Evernote's complexity or want a more consistent note-taking experience across all your devices. It strikes a nice balance between features and a clean writing environment. I don't see it fully replacing Evernote, as you sometimes need the "catch-all" nature of more robust apps, however it's an app worth considering.
You might find Reflect Notes a refreshing change from Evernote if you want a tool that lets you link ideas and build your own knowledge base. Instead of Evernote's folders and tags, Reflect uses direct links between your notes. This can be a powerful way to visualize connections during large projects or research.
The interface is clean and minimalist, reducing distractions so you can focus on your writing. Unlike Evernote's wide range of formatting options, Reflect keeps things centered on simple text. If you primarily need to embed images, audio, and other media into your notes, Evernote may be a better fit. However, the simple approach could be a huge benefit if you prefer a more streamlined environment.
One of the unique features of Reflect Notes is the built-in reminder system. It prompts you to review notes at specific intervals, based on a technique called spaced repetition that aids memorization and learning. Evernote has reminders, but Reflect makes review a core part of how you interact with your notes.
You can organize your notes using folders and tags, similar to Evernote. While Reflect Notes doesn't integrate with as many external apps as Evernote, it's available on your phone, tablet, and computers. If you want a simple but powerful way to connect your notes and see the big picture, Reflect Notes is worth exploring.
Paid Plan. Billed $120 annually
Transitioning from Evernote to Reflect Notes involves a few simple steps. First, download and log into the Evernote desktop client. Next, export your desired Evernote notes (either individually or as entire notebooks) into the ENEX file format. Switch over to Reflect Notes, navigate to Preferences > Graph Settings, and select "Import Notes". Choose your exported ENEX file, and your Evernote notes will be seamlessly integrated into Reflect Notes.
Reflect likely won't replace Evernote entirely for those who need heavy-duty note organization across countless projects. However, its focus on daily notes, integrated tasks, and unique tagging approach offers a structured way to organize thoughts and work. If you're looking for an alternative journaling method with planning features, or want a more interconnected way to take knowledge-building notes, Reflect is worth exploring.
Note: While comparing features between apps, it is vital to consider your individual or business needs as the 'best' app may vary depending on specific use cases.
| App Names | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
Markdown Notes, task management, calendar integration | $9.99/month | |
Digital notebook, integration with Microsoft Office | Part of Microsoft 365 subscription | |
Simple, quick capture, Google integration | Free | |
Text-based, version control | Free with optional premium tier | |
Custom databases, flexible layout | Free plan; $10/month for personal plan | |
Privacy-focused, Markdown support | Open-source, customizable | |
Markdown, linking, customizable plugins | Free, $50/yr for commercial use | |
Markdown, clean interface | Free, $2.99/mo | |
Visual cards, multimedia support | Free, from $1.99/mo | |
Markdown, focus mode | Free, from $0.99/mo | |
Linking ideas, knowledge base | $120 billed annually |