Quick verdict
Short answer: Notion is the best all-around Evernote replacement, Obsidian is best if you want local files you own, and Microsoft OneNote is the best free option. Joplin is the top open-source, privacy-first pick.
Bottom line: Export a small test batch first and check tags and attachments in the new app before you move a whole archive.
Why do people look for Evernote alternatives?
Evernote raised prices under its new owner and squeezed its free plan to 50 notes and one notebook, with very limited device access. Long-time users who built large archives now face paying roughly $14.99/month for Personal or moving. Modern rivals also offer linked notes, databases and faster apps that Evernote has been slow to match.
Evernote pros and cons
- Pros: Mature web clipper, strong search inside documents and images, huge existing user archive format.
- Cons: Restrictive free plan, price increases, slower development than newer note apps.
How do the best Evernote alternatives compare?
| Tool | Best for | Free plan | Starting price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notion | All-in-one workspace | Yes | ~$10-12/user/mo | Best all-around |
| Obsidian | Local-first knowledge base | Yes, personal | Free; Sync ~$4/mo | Best for ownership |
| OneNote | Freeform free notes | Yes | Free | Best free pick |
| Joplin | Open-source privacy | Yes | Free; Cloud ~$3-6/mo | Best open source |
| Bear | Apple writing | Yes | ~$2.99/mo | Best for Apple users |
| Apple Notes | Simple Apple notes | Yes | Free | Best built-in option |
| Google Keep | Quick capture | Yes | Free | Best for reminders |
| Simplenote | Minimal plain text | Yes | Free | Best minimalist pick |
What are the 8 best Evernote alternatives?
1. Notion — best all-around replacement
Notion combines notes, databases, tasks and wikis in one workspace and includes a built-in Evernote importer. Its free plan allows unlimited blocks for personal use, which feels generous after Evernote’s 50-note cap. Paid plans run about $10-12 per user/month. It is better for projects than for a simple note pile.
2. Obsidian — best for owning your notes
Obsidian stores notes as local Markdown files, so your archive is not locked inside one company. It adds linked notes and a graph view, and it is free for personal use, with optional Sync around $4/month. The trade is setup: themes and plugins take a little learning.
3. Microsoft OneNote — best free option
OneNote is genuinely free with a Microsoft account and mimics a paper notebook with sections and freeform pages. Handwriting and stylus support are strong, and Copilot features tie into Microsoft 365. If you want no subscription and no note cap, start here.
4. Joplin — best open-source and private
Joplin is open source, supports Markdown and end-to-end encryption, and imports Evernote exports. The app itself is free; Joplin Cloud for sync costs roughly $3-6/month. Its interface is plainer than Notion or Bear, but privacy-focused users accept that trade.
5. Bear — best for Apple users who write
Bear is a polished Markdown notes app for Mac and iOS, organised with tags instead of folders. Pro costs about $2.99/month after the free plan. It is Apple-only, so it is not a fit for Windows or Android households.
6. Apple Notes — best built-in simplicity
Apple Notes is free, fast and already on iPhone and Mac, with folders, tags and document scanning. Recent versions handle quick capture better than Evernote for everyday notes. It lacks the power features of Notion or Obsidian, which is fine if simple is the point.
7. Google Keep — best for quick notes and reminders
Keep is free and built for instant capture: short notes, lists, voice memos and location reminders synced through Google. It is not an archive tool for long documents. Use it alongside a heavier app rather than as your only system.
8. Simplenote — best minimalist option
Simplenote does one thing — fast, plain-text notes that sync everywhere — and it is completely free. There are no notebooks full of attachments or rich formatting to manage. If Evernote became clutter, Simplenote is the reset button.
Verdict: which Evernote alternative should you pick?
Choose Notion for an all-in-one workspace, Obsidian if ownership and longevity matter most, and OneNote if free and simple wins. Whichever you pick, test the importer on a small set of notes first: tags and attachments are where migrations usually need cleanup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Evernote alternative?
OneNote and Obsidian are the strongest free options, with Notion’s free plan close behind for personal use.
Can I import my Evernote notes?
Yes. Notion has a built-in importer and Obsidian and Joplin support Evernote’s ENEX export format, though formatting may need tidying.
Why are people leaving Evernote in 2026?
Mainly price rises, a free plan cut to 50 notes, and newer apps offering linked notes and databases.
Which alternative is best for privacy?
Obsidian for local files you control, or Joplin for open-source apps with end-to-end encrypted sync.