Software directory
EvernoteFree / $10.83/mo Personal / $17.33/mo Professional

Evernote has been the standard note-taking app for over a decade. It offers notebooks, tags, web clipping, and cross-platform sync — but competitors have caught up.

Visit Evernote →

6 Evernote Alternatives in 2026

Considerations for Evernote

  • Limited free plan — only 60MB monthly uploads, 1 device
  • Pricing at $10.83/mo for Personal is expensive for what it offers
  • App has become bloated and slower over the years
6 alternatives comparedConfirm current terms with providers
Joplin
Best for: Open-source Evernote replacement
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Joplin is a free, open-source note-taking app that directly imports Evernote notebooks. It supports Markdown, notebooks, tags, and syncs via Nextcloud, Dropbox, or its own cloud.
  • Direct Evernote import — migrate everything in minutes
  • Markdown editor with rendered preview and math support
  • End-to-end encryption with sync across all devices
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source) / Cloud from $1.99/mo
Obsidian
Best for: Personal knowledge base
Top PickFreeBest Value
Obsidian is a local-first Markdown editor that turns a folder of plain-text files into a powerful knowledge graph. Your notes never leave your machine unless you opt into Sync.
  • Local Markdown storage — fully portable, no lock-in
  • 1,800+ community plugins for tasks, kanban, calendars
  • Graph view shows connections between every note
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $10/mo Sync
Standard Notes
Best for: Encrypted, privacy-first notes
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Standard Notes is an end-to-end encrypted notes app built on open standards. Your notes are encrypted before they leave your device — even the team can't read them.
  • End-to-end encryption on every note and attachment
  • Open-source codebase — fully auditable by anyone
  • Extended editors: code, markdown, spreadsheet, and rich text
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $9.99/mo Productivity / $14.99/mo Professional
Bear
Best for: Apple-native Markdown notes
Best ValueFree
Bear is a beautifully crafted Markdown writing app for Apple devices. It combines a clean editor with a powerful tagging system that replaces folders entirely.
  • Tag-based organisation — no folders, no friction
  • Export to PDF, HTML, Word, and 10+ formats
  • Apple Watch and iMessage extensions for quick capture
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $2.99/mo Pro
Simplenote
Best for: Ultra-minimalist free notes
FreeOpen SourceBest Value
Simplenote is the leanest notes app available — no formatting, no attachments, just text. Built by Automattic (WordPress), it's fast, free, and syncs everywhere.
  • 100% free, forever — Automattic funds it as a public good
  • Instant sync across web, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux
  • Version history — restore any past state of any note
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (no paid tier)
Notion
Best for: All-in-one workspace
Free
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, docs, databases, wikis, and project management. It syncs across every device and encourages teams to build custom workflows without code.
  • All-in-one workspace that combines notes, docs, databases, wikis
  • It syncs across every device and encourages teams to build custom
  • Free tier available
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free / $10/mo Plus / $15/mo Business