Top 10 Evernote Alternatives in 2024

Evernote was once one of the biggest and most useful note-taking application. Since then Bending Spoons has acquired them they have been on a different path and for some people that might not be the one they want to be on.

TLDR: Quick Summary

• Bending Spoons are the owners of Evernote.
• Many people are looking for Evernote alternatives right now.
• Evernote continues to change pricing and its focus on note-taking.
• The best Evernote alternatives are OneNote, Notion & Obsidian.
• People are seeking out lower-cost alternatives to Evernote to save money.
• Remember to tailor the Evernote alternative to your needs & goals.

So you're searching for an Evernote alternative in 2024?

Evernote was once one of the most popular note-taking applications, with millions of users relying on it daily. However, its popularity has waned due to the rise of alternatives like Notion and the recent acquisition by Bending Spoons.

These changes have prompted many users, including yourself, to seek alternatives that better meet their needs. Finding a note-taking app with features similar to Evernote but with more powerful options can be challenging.

Fortunately, with the growing number of note-taking apps available, many alternatives exist to explore. Today, we’ll share ten Evernote alternatives to consider as you search for the best option to meet your needs:

What is Evernote?

Evernote is a note-taking application that was first built in 2000. It is available on iOS, Android, macOS, web, and Windows. Professionals and individuals use it to take notes, add tasks & manage calendar notes in one.

It is famous for note-taking and has a traditional format for collecting and organizing notes. Bending Spoons acquired Evernote and are the developers and owners.

Why did we choose these Evernote alternatives?

Evernote always oozed ease of management of notes; these are the criteria that we used when selecting the best Evernote alternatives that you'll find on this list:

• Reliable—All of these providers are reliable tools and have been handpicked by the team for their progress and development.
• Features — Many of these tools have a like-for-like set of features that might replace how you use Evernote daily.
• Resources - All the tools provide resources or have plenty of ways to learn them on sites like YouTube.

Is Evernote free?

Evernote is free with 50 notes & 1 notebook with limits to syncing between devices. This is one of the many reasons people look outside of Evernote as a replacement.

Top Picks: Best Evernote Alternatives

These are the best Evernote alternatives to consider on the market right now:

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• We recommend the best tools for the job and are trusted by you to do that.

Recommendation

Obsidian Notes

Obsidian

Obsidian is a locally stored note-taking application with millions of PKM fans.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: Free, starts at $4 per month
• What it does: Effective note-taking using PKM
• Type of tool: Personal knowledge management
• Alternative to Obsidian: Anytype, Logseq & Capacities
• Ease of use: Intermediate

What is Obsidian?

Obsidian is a versatile and private writing and note-taking application designed to help you connect and organize your ideas effectively. It’s a local-first, markdown note-taking app, meaning your notes are stored securely on your device, prioritizing privacy.

Obsidian is accessible on various platforms, and no account or sign-up is required, making it easy to start using.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Obsidian as an Evernote alternative?

Obsidian is one of the best free Evernote alternatives on the market.

It provides many people an offline-first experience, allowing them to download it on their device and start note-taking immediately. Many people like Obsidian because it's a PKM application, also referred to as Personal Knowledge Management.

Here are some reasons:

Better offline note-taking

The idea behind that is to bring your notes together, connect them, and start building relationships you can bring to life on a graph view.

Many people like Obsidian because it's offline and has a security element. Your notes are stored locally and on-device, allowing you to bring together all of your notes without the worry of the application taking your notes away and naturally not having any encryption.

Cheaper pricing plans

But if you did want to, there is an option called Obsidian Sync, which you can find a bit more about in the pricing below, which will give you access to uploading it and syncing between your devices.

More flexible note editor

The great news is that Obsidian is available on various devices, much like Evernote. It does come with some familiar features that you would know and love inside of Evernote, like the ability to create checklists, headings, markdownnotes, and tags.

But essentially, the application is raw, very much focused on the note elements of your experience versus the task and calendar management, which you'll typically find in Evernote. The application has backlinks, block references, and on-device storage of your notes, which Evernote doesn't do as effectively as Obsidian.

More creative features

The application is fast and easy to use, with few issues with syncing and collaboration between your notes. Obsidian also has a Canvas View feature, which you won't find inside Evernote. This allows you to visualize your notes, which are perfect for thoughts, ideas, and those you want to bring together in one place. You can add images and multimedia here to get your notes to life. This is perfect for visual thinkers who want to bring their thoughts into one location visually.

Connected graph views

Many people also like the Graph View, a feature that many find beneficial inside Obsidian. It helps link between your notes, and you can create a local graph for each of your notes, meaning you can see these interconnected webs.

You can also make daily notes inside of Obsidian, which is something that Evernote has more recently added, but something that Obsidian has had for a very long time now, which allows you to create a note per day, which might make Obsidian more suitable for journaling than the likes of Evernote.

E2E notes in Obsidian Sync

The application is excellent because if you upgrade to the premium syncing options, you can use end-to-end encryption to store and securely manage your notes between devices.

There's also version history, which allows you to see the version history for every note for one year. Also, if you want to work on team notes, there is a shared file with private data. Obsidian is probably the best free alternative to Evernote on the market. It is a decent option for those who want to return to the basics.

How much does Obsidian cost per month?

Obsidian is free, but it offers a $4 monthly sync option for syncing across devices and a $8 monthly publish option popular with digital gardening.

Is Obsidian free?

You can use Obsidian for free as a local-first note-taking application.

Breakdown

Comparing Evernote & Obsidian Pricing

Obsidian and Evernote offer free versions, but these applications differ significantly. As of this article, Obsidian provides a free plan with no limitations, while Evernote's free plan has restrictions, such as a limit of 50 notes and the ability to sync only one device at a time. Although Obsidian has no limitations on note-taking, it does not offer sync capabilities in the free plan, which makes it similar to Evernote in some respects.

Obsidian uses local-first storage, meaning your notes are stored directly on your device, but without the ability to sync across multiple devices on the free plan. If saving money is one of the reasons you're considering Obsidian, it is priced at $4 per month for sync services, compared to Evernote's $14.99 per month. Additionally, Obsidian offers a cheaper $8 per month plan that includes the ability to publish notes, which is popular among those engaged in digital gardening.

Should I get Obsidian?

Obsidian is best suited for advanced note-takers.

If you need to connect notes or see how notes are linked, or if you need something more customizable and accessible, with security as a focus, then Obsidian could be your note-taking app. If you're on a budget too, Obsidian will be very attractive with their local-first approach to notes.

Obsidian is ideal for those seeking a free, offline-first PKM application with markdown functionality. It’s great for users who prefer raw, customizable note management. However, it’s not the best fit for everyone.

Suppose you want to simplify your note-taking system or move away from more complex apps like Evernote. In that case, Obsidian may be a good option, especially because it makes exporting notes easier due to its markdown structure.

That said, Obsidian does lack built-in collaboration features, which might be a drawback for users needing to work with others. But for personal notes, journaling, or project management, it serves a wide range of use cases. If you’re curious about other options, we have an Obsidian alternatives feature that might help you explore different tools.

Obsidian is one of the most customizable ways to take notes with plugins that can make your experience even more powerful while still using markdown notes.

Recommendation

Notion

Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspaces for notes, projects, tasks, documents & calendar.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: Free, starts at $10 per month
• What it does: Daily journal, planning, notes, team wiki & more
• Popular for: Small-medium teams using a wiki, individuals planning, students
• Alternatives: Anytype, xTiles

What is Notion?

Notion is an all-in-one productivity app for notes, project management, tasks, and calendar management. It is available for macOS, Windows, web, iOS, and Android.

It has over 100M users worldwide and is one of the most popular planning tools for individuals. It also offers project management abilities for teams.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Notion as an Evernote alternative?

Notion is one of the applications that contributed to Evernote's decline over the last few years. It has become one of the most popular note-taking tools on the market thanks to its no-code approach, which allows users to create customized workspaces just by learning the application.

It's an impressive resource if you're looking to manage various tasks, but individuals primarily use it to plan notes, assignments, projects, and ideas in one location. It can also be used as a team wiki app for teams, but many people have already shifted to Notion as a good Evernote alternative for various reasons.

Let's explore those reasons:

No note limits

There are no note limits in Notion. On the basic plan, you get unlimited blocks, meaning you can create almost anything you want. Notion only limits access to certain features under its personal and team pricing tiers, which you can explore below.

These limits still provide a wide range of ways to use Notion and help you build the workspace that best suits your needs. Many people start using Notion as a journal or a note-taking application, leveraging a feature called databases, which can be customized to your liking. For example, once you learn databases, you can create a note database with a visual appeal, like a gallery view, which many people prefer when organizing their notes. There's also a list, calendar, and table view, which is excellent for various situations.

Easier AI abilities

If you're considering Notion as an Evernote alternative because Evernote doesn't provide the AI capabilities you need, Notion offers several ways to get started. The Notion AI extension costs $8 per user monthly, allowing you to use generative AI across your Notion account.

There's even a feature called Ask Notion, which lets you scan across your entire account, asking natural language questions to get answers based on your content—something that Evernote offers through its Search feature. Still, Notion makes it more accessible without requiring a premium subscription.

More project & planning powers

Notion is also well known for its project and planning capabilities, allowing you to use or import templates from others to build the perfect planning environments.

This means you're not limited to notes, tasks, or calendars; you can create entire workspaces, including Kanban boards and various project management views, suitable for individual and team use.

These project and planning abilities have made Notion very popular, with many users sharing tutorials on YouTube about the different ways to use it.

Build your set-ups

Notion is one of the most popular applications because of its high level of customization. You can build almost anything you want, although Notion does take some time to learn compared to Evernote.

Once you get started, it becomes a powerful resource with virtually unlimited potential due to its no-code, block-based setup that has become incredibly popular.

How much does Notion cost per month?

Notion is free with unlimited blocks & pages, but there are some plans listed below:

Is Notion free?

Notion is free to use with limits.

Recommendation

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote

Note-taking and organising app perfect for students, academics and general notes.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: Free
• Features: Sketching notes, tabs for organization
• Popular with: Education and academic settings

What is Microsoft Onenote?

Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app that allows users to create and organize notes flexibly and intuitively. This is part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose OneNote as an Evernote alternative?

Microsoft OneNote is one of the better free alternatives to Evernote.

While Microsoft develops it, it continues to receive updates and is naturally more focused on Windows devices. Its impressive annotation capabilities and features make it a strong contender as an Evernote alternative.

Although it may not be as complex and powerful as Evernote in some respects, it still offers great features that can save you money and possibly make you more AI-focused.

Here are some reasons:

Cheaper pricing & free plan

Microsoft OneNote is a free tool, which is great news for those looking to save money. It has a similar appearance to Evernote but with a slightly dated feel. However, being free makes it a very attractive option, especially for those leaving Evernote due to cost.

Thanks to its well-developed ecosystem, OneNote also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products. It includes Microsoft Loop components, allowing you to connect with Microsoft Loop and Teams, and it integrates well with Microsoft 365 to extend OneNote’s capabilities.

Works with Microsoft

That said, OneNote does come with some limitations. As part of your OneDrive storage, you get 5GB for free, which might be sufficient for most users. For those needing more storage, there are options to upgrade to 1TB with corresponding pricing plans. Despite these limitations, many users, especially students, will find OneNote a good fit.

More suitable for students

It’s particularly well-suited for students due to its freeform handwriting, sketching, OCR (optical character recognition), reminders, tags, image upload, collaboration abilities, and audio notes, all contributing to an excellent user experience.

Additionally, many students receive OneDrive as part of their Microsoft package at university or college, making it easier to maximize the OneNote experience at no cost for as long as possible.

Coming with Co-Pilot

Microsoft OneNote also benefits from the power of Copilot, which is part of the broader Microsoft ecosystem. For users interested in AI, Copilot could be one of the best ways to incorporate AI into note-taking.

Like Google Gemini, Copilot is an assistant to your notes, allowing you to ask questions and expand on your notes using generative AI. Given Microsoft's significant investment in Open AI, this feature will likely continue to evolve.

Who is Microsoft OneNote best for?

Perfect for students, teachers, and those who want a reliable way to take notes.

Microsoft OneNote is an excellent application for students & those looking for a notebook-style experience with notes in colored notebooks. However, those already within the Microsoft ecosystem will also benefit from using the application since they may already understand the complexity and how to navigate the app.

Recommendation

NotePlan

NotePlan

NotePlan is a unique note-taking app with a focus on calendar and tasks in one.

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What is NotePlan?

NotePlan is a note-taking application with tasks and a calendar. Designed to be an all-in-one productivity hub it connects with Apple Calendar and Reminders to help organize tasks, notes, and calendar events in one space.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose NotePlan as an Evernote alternative?

NotePlan is an exciting alternative to Evernote, offering similar features like tasks, notes, and calendar integration, all in one place.

Although it may not be as visually appealing as Evernote, it is available on several Apple-focused devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and the web.

NotePlan offers a solid combination of personal knowledge management (PKM) and traditional note-taking features, making it an attractive option for users seeking this blend.

Reasons:

Markdown Tasks & Notes

One of NotePlan’s standout features is its support for Markdown in tasks and notes. This allows users to create structured, exportable content that can easily be transferred to another Markdown-based application.

This feature mainly benefits those transitioning from Evernote, where exporting and structuring pages can be challenging. Markdown in NotePlan is user-friendly and enables seamless formatting and linking of notes and tasks without leaving the keyboard.

Bullet Journal Feel

Unlike Evernote, NotePlan markets itself as a digital bullet journal. Its mobile apps, especially the iOS version, excel at daily note-taking. Users can also create weekly, monthly, and yearly notes, making setting goals easy and breaking them into manageable daily tasks.

Combined with a task filter, this unique functionality enhances task management—something not commonly found in other note-taking applications. The application can resemble a traditional bullet journal, following the technique developed by Ryder Carroll in the book “Bullet Journal.”

Time Blocking Views

NotePlan’s calendar capabilities also support time blocking. This allows users to drag tasks into specific time slots and set reminders, all while integrating with Apple Calendar. This helps users refine their focus for the day and manage their schedule.

However, unlike Evernote, NotePlan does not integrate with Google Calendar, though it does connect with the native iOS and Mac calendars, enabling users to view upcoming meetings and tasks in one place. The calendar isn’t the most visually appealing, but it effectively shows what’s planned and completed for the day, including a helpful seven-day view.

Local-First

Another key feature of NotePlan is its “local-first” approach, meaning all data is stored on the device. This is a big draw for users who prefer not to sync their data with third-party applications.

NotePlan also offers CloudKit Sync, which uses iCloud Sync across devices, allowing for secure collaboration without compromising privacy. Despite its offline-first approach, users can still sync their local Markdown files when needed.

How much does NotePlan cost per month?

NotePlan doesn't come with a free plan; here are the premium options:

Is NotePlan free?

NotePlan does not offer a free pricing tier.

Who is NotePlan best for?

NotePlan reminds us of Evernote, trying to combine everything into one.

Productivity hubs have become much more popular, and NotePlan allows you to bring together all three core experiences to improve your productivity. We believe this will be popular with those who like the concept of Getting Things Done, or GTD for short.

If you're Apple-focused, with Apple Calendar and an iOS and macOS device, then this application is an exciting option to give you a home for all your things. It has been growing in popularity as people look for more offline productivity tools.

You will also like NotePlan for the markdown and networked thought. Although it isn't as powerful as other tools like Obsidian and some second-brain apps, it will serve the job well.

Recommendation

Reflect Notes

Reflect Notes

Reflect Notes is a networked thought note-taking tool for notes, daily notes & tasks.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: No free, $10 per month (annual)
• Features: Focus on AI, meeting notes & networked thought

What is Reflect Notes?

Reflect Notes is a note-taking application with networked thought abilities and AI. It is available on macOS, web, and iOS and has been featured as a good AI note-taking app.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Reflect Notes as an Evernote alternative?

Reflect Notes is a modern application that combines a personal knowledge management (PKM) app with a traditional note-taking tool. It boasts a distinctive, impressive design that many users find appealing.

Positioned as a premium option, Reflect Notes is priced similarly to Evernote, but slightly cheaper. If you’re searching for a high-end alternative to Evernote, Reflect Notes is worth considering, though it comes with its own set of features that set it apart—some of which might not appeal to everyone.

Reasons:

A more secure focus

One of Reflect Notes’ standout features is its focus on security. Each note is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your data remains secure while using the app. This strong emphasis on encryption is central to Reflect Notes’ marketing and provides peace of mind for users concerned about privacy.

This level of security is present in apps like Obsidian Sync but still lacking in Evernote, making Reflect Notes an attractive option for users who prioritize data security in their note-taking.

Kindle & Readwise integrations

Reflect Notes also appeals to those who frequently capture content from other services. It includes a Kindle Highlight Sync feature, allowing users to sync their Kindle highlights securely into Reflect Notes. This is particularly useful for expanding on ideas captured while reading.

The app offers offline sync, a web clipper for Chrome and Safari, and the ability to save reading highlights from services like Readwise.

These features make Reflect Notes a strong contender for avid readers and note-takers who want seamless integration with their reading tools—something that Evernote requires additional integrations to achieve.

AI features & prompts

Reflect Notes also aggressively uses artificial intelligence. The app offers features like human-level accuracy in transcribing voice notes, generating key takeaways and action items from meeting notes, and creating article outlines from content imported via Readwise. Meeting notes can be synced with events from Outlook or Google Calendar, making managing and reviewing meeting-related content easier.

The ability to save custom prompts adds further versatility, positioning Reflect Notes ahead of Evernote in the AI space despite Evernote’s association with Bending Spoons, a leading AI development company. While Evernote may eventually catch up, Reflect Notes holds a strong lead in this area.

Graph view

Finally, Reflect Notes includes a graph view, a tool popular in the PKM space. This feature allows users to visualize their ideas in a brain-like structure, making it easier to see connections between notes. Reflect Notes’ implementation of this graph is user-friendly and more accessible than similar views in other applications.

It adds to its appeal for users who prefer a more intuitive way to organize and connect their ideas.

How much does Reflect Notes cost?

Reflect costs $10 per month, priced annually.

Is Reflect Notes free?

There is no free plan for Reflect Notes aside from a 14-day trial.

Recommendation

Capacities

Capacities

Capacities is a note-taking application with no folders and a focus on objects.

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What is Capacities?

Capacities is an object-based note-taking application that focuses on building relationships between notes. It is popular for journalling, making notes, and managing personal ideas. It comes with markdown notes, local-first optionality & PKM features.

It can be used to manage daily and personal notes and organize work meetings and beyond. Many people find Capabilities to be a good balance between Notion and Obsidian.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Capacities as an Evernote alternative?

Capacities is an intriguing alternative to Evernote, blending elements of both Evernote and Notion.

It features a design reminiscent of Notion but with a playful touch that’s popular in apps like Evernote. Although Capacities doesn’t have dedicated task management or calendar integration, it offers powerful note-taking capabilities that set it apart.

Here are some reasons to consider Capacities:

Better organization structure

The organizational structure in Capacities differs significantly from Evernote. In Evernote, everything you create is a note organized into notebooks and folders.

However, in Capacities, everything is structured around “objects.” An object acts as a template for your notes, allowing you to categorize your content based on what it represents. For instance, an object could be a meeting, a person, or even a book.

This approach offers a unique way to structure notes, helping users create a more organized foundation for their information. This might simplify their workflow for some, but it may not be straightforward for others.

Nonetheless, this concept is gaining traction, especially in apps like Anytype, which also embrace the object-based organization method.

Building ideas out with AI

Capacities are also expanding their functionality with artificial intelligence (AI).

While some AI features are limited to premium users, the app offers AI chat functions that enable you to expand on the objects or notes you’ve created. This generative AI leverages the context of your notes and objects to help you develop ideas further—something currently unavailable in Evernote.

Each AI chat is saved as a separate element, allowing you to revisit and reference these discussions in the future. This combination of AI and object-based organization makes Capacities particularly innovative.

Visual note-taking with calendar

Visually, Capacities is minimalistic but strongly emphasizes images. The app includes features like queries and collections, which help group related ideas.

One of the standout features is the Calendar view, where you can see your day, three-day, week, and month views. This calendar displays all your daily notes and any content you’ve created for a specific day, making it ideal for those who want to build a journal or keep track of daily tasks.

Although the task management capabilities are basic, they add a useful layer of functionality that many users appreciate.

How does Capacities work?

Capacities are on a mission to help you organize your mind, or what they call the "studio for your mind, allowing you more creative expression to manage ideas, thoughts, and notes that you collect over a day and how they have a real-world practical use.

Unlike other note-taking apps we've covered, Capacities focused on objects.

Objects underpin the experience by allowing users to create an object from some aspect of their daily lives—some good examples might be people they meet, meetings they attend, books they are reading, and so on—and then create notes on those objects.

Apps similar to Capacities are Anytype.

Is Capacities right for you?

Capacities is a unique note-taking application.

We recommend Capacities if you're looking for a note-taking app that allows you to create objects that underpin your notes. Objects can be super powerful, and this concept works well for anyone looking to build a better structure for their note-taking application.

Capacities offers a generous free plan, developed independently, and brings a clean design that many people will love. The app is a PKM tool we'd recommend for intermediate to advanced note-taking or those who use it often.

Recommendation

mymind

mymind

If Pinterest and Google Keep had a baby, it would be MyMind for notes and ideas.

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What is mymind app?

mymind is a visual thinking application for capturing notes, images, and bookmarks. Think of mymind as a note-taking app that combines the visual nature of Pinterest and the AI powers of Google Photos and Google Keep. Perfect for more visual note-takers.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose mymind as an Evernote alternative?

mymind is a compelling alternative to Evernote, especially if you’re a visual thinker. It functions as a visual note-taking application, allowing you to capture images, videos, and files all in one place, making it easier to search and find them later.

While it offers some traditional note management features, mymind emphasizes finding notes through AI and unique methodologies.

Free from folders

One of the critical reasons mymind might be better than Evernote is its folder-free approach. The concept behind mymind is to help you find your notes without needing folders by using AI for image tagging, text clipping, and image text recognition.

The advanced search capabilities let you efficiently search across all your notes, ensuring you capture everything perfectly. Additionally, mymind is designed with privacy in mind, meaning it doesn’t track your activity or display ads across any AI-generated content.

Visual thinkers & bookmarking

mymind allows you to create clean-looking notes effortlessly within your mymind account. It’s also popular for bookmarking, making it ideal for visual thinkers who frequently save ideas, whether outfits, home designs, or other inspirations.

Unlike Evernote, mymind excels at bringing all your ideas together and automatically tagging them to save time when searching later.

Privacy focused company

For those who like to save text clippings from articles, mymind offers a browser extension. The premium version also includes an article analyzer highlighting key points and providing a smooth reading experience.

mymind’s focus on security sets it apart from other apps, as it doesn’t include social features, vanity metrics, tracking, collaboration, or ads. Instead, it’s designed to be your mind, helping you capture bookmarks and ideas with minimal distraction.

In many ways, mymind is like Pinterest but in note-taking form, offering a frictionless experience for organizing your ideas. Privacy is a priority, evident in every message the company communicates.

Like a manifesto, they fight for.

How much does mymind cost per month?

mymind is priced at $6.99 per month. It does have a free subscription. However, this is not currently advertised aggressively.

How does mymind work?

mymind is designed like a second brain. Perfect for bringing ideas and visuals and resurfacing those when they matter most.

People tend to use mymind if they want to use a combination of powerful AI with a focused product that centralizes the ability to take notes virtually, which many people like to do.

Recommendation

Bear Notes

Bear Notes

Bear Notes is a minimal, markdown note-taking application perfect for iOS and Mac.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: Free, $2.99 per month or $29.99 yearly
• Features: Hashtags, editor abilities & offline modes

What is Bear Notes?

Bear Notes is a note-taking application that uses markdown. It is available on iOS and macOS and is built natively for easy use. Users store ideas, capture quick notes, and organize them using Bear's unique hashtag folders.

Students commonly use Bear to organize their notes, and those who like simple, minimal note-taking apps use markdown. Apple has praised Bear Notes for their build quality.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Bear Notes as an Evernote alternative?

Bear Notes is a lovely alternative to Evernote, particularly if you want something more straightforward and cost-effective.

This application is much cheaper than many other options on the market and offers a solid experience for Apple devices.

It’s important to note that Bear Notes is primarily focused on Apple users, but it serves as a great markdown-native alternative to Evernote. Let’s explore some reasons why you should consider it.

Much cheaper pricing

As mentioned, Bear Notes is a much cheaper alternative to Evernote. While pricing details will be listed below, it’s worth noting that Evernote can be three to four times more expensive per month compared to Bear Notes.

Markdown, a native macOS app

Although Bear Notes is simpler and lacks features like task and calendar management, which are available in Evernote, it offers high-quality, well-built note-taking systems. The app includes an excellent markdown editor, wholly rebuilt in Bear Notes 2, which is functional, fast, and easy to use.

Focusing on the native application, Bear Notes has robust and reliable macOS and iOS apps that also use markdown. You’ll notice the speed and functionality of these apps on Apple devices.

While Evernote has improved its reliability, Bear Notes still stands out for its speed and ease of use on Apple platforms. Despite being limited to iOS and macOS systems, Bear Notes offers features like iCloud sync and local access to notes, making these functionalities very helpful.

One thing to note is that iCloud sync is only available with Bear Notes Pro, the app's premium version. This means, similar to Obsidian, that you can only access Bear Notes on one device in the free version. However, Bear Notes excels in attention to detail. The app is very well built and offers a variety of export options, making it easy to switch to another app if Bear Notes doesn’t suit your needs.

More themes & customization

Finally, Bear Notes Pro offers 28 themes and 15 app icons, with the number of options growing. While the free account still includes a generous selection of themes, the customization options in the Pro account are especially appealing for those who want something simple, easy to use, and a bit more personalized.

How does Bear Notes work?

Bear Notes is a note-taking app focused on markdown.

It offers a range of features, such as the ability to create structured notes with headings and subheadings, add images and links, and collaborate with others. It also makes sharing notes easy, allowing export to other services or devices. With its clean design and range of features, Bear Notes makes it easy to keep track of ideas and tasks.

Recommendation

Amplenote

Amplenote

A GTD users dream for managing notes, ranking your tasks and co-ordinating calendar.

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What is Amplenote?

Amplenote is a note-taking app with tasks, notes & calendars in one.

It is available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. It has robust features for managing notes that are perfect for PKM and working notes in relationships. There are also features for task management.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Amplenote as an Evernote alternative?

Amplenote is a compelling alternative to Evernote if you’re looking for something GTD (Getting Things Done)-focused.

While Amplenote may not be the most visually appealing option compared to others on this list—much like Noteplan, it doesn’t boast a highly polished design—it does offer the functionality and form needed to replicate many of Evernote’s features.

Like NotePlan, Amplenote combines notes, tasks, and calendar functions in one cohesive experience. The application is easy to use and comes with a range of features. For example, connecting with Google Calendar and Outlook is straightforward, like in Evernote. Let’s explore some reasons why you might consider Amplenote.

Much more cost-effective

Amplenote is significantly more cost-effective. The personal plan is about three times cheaper than Evernote, and while there is an unlimited version with additional features, it isn’t necessarily essential. The app offers many features that Evernote provides, so if budget is a concern, Amplenote’s blend of functionality at a lower cost is worth considering.

More task focus & filtering

One of Amplenote’s standout features is its task management system. A key feature here is “Task Score,” which integrates with the calendar and allows you to add tasks as usual. However, the prioritization function is what sets it apart.

When you add a task, Amplenote asks you to input various attributes or properties, which it then uses to generate a “Task Score”—a small algorithm that helps determine the task’s importance. Evernote lacks a similar feature.

While Evernote allows you to add and organize tasks, Amplenote’s task filtering and prioritization capabilities make it particularly useful for those who struggle with prioritization and want their note-taking app to double as a task management system.

More embedded calendar

The calendar feature within Amplenote is also easy to use, connecting seamlessly with Google Calendar and Outlook. It’s simple but effective, allowing you to manage work and personal calendars and time-block tasks. A great feature is dragging tasks into your calendar, enabling you to time block effectively.

This feature has been available for some time and is a valuable tool for managing your time efficiently. It connects relevant notes to calendar and task items.

This integration allows you to base your scheduling on your Task Score, most recent tasks, or whichever tasks are most important.

Pros:

• Combines tasks, notes & calendar
• It comes with a daily note feature called Jots
• Designed for individuals looking for an Evernote replacement
• It has many GTD-like features for managing the workload
• The task score feature is brilliant for prioritizing tasks

Cons:

• Can be too intense to learn fro some people
• The design isn't as attractive

How much does Amplenote cost per month?

Amplenote is free with some premium pricing for advanced features & note-taking:

Recommendation

Anytype

Anytype

Anytype is a privacy-focused, open-source, note-taking application for notes & PKM.

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Quick Facts

• Pricing: Free, $99 per year
• Best For: Note-taking for individuals
• Features: Object note-taking, fast offline functions & open-source

What is Anytype?

Anytype is an open-source, local-first note-taking application for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also has a Chrome extension for clipping notes.

Anytype creates notes as objects to save notes with a structure—e.g., meeting, person, book. It also has E2E security on notes and a growing community.

It is a popular Notion alternative in the local-first note-taking community with an ethos and focus on secure note-taking. Anytype uses object-based note-taking to help organize your notes with more structure.

Reasons to Consider

Why choose Anytype as an Evernote alternative?

Anytype is our final Evernote alternative on the list, but it should not be regarded as the least option.

In fact, Anytype is an interesting choice for replacing Evernote, particularly if you’re looking for a PKM (Personal Knowledge Management)-focused application.

Similar to Obsidian, Reflect Notes, and other tools on this list, Anytype emphasizes object-based note management, allowing you to organize your account structure more effectively.

Much like Capacities, it seeks to transform your ideas into objects, building upon them from there.

Local-first & open code

A key aspect of Anytype is its strong ethos, evident throughout the application. First and foremost, it’s a local-first app, meaning your data is stored on your device. The company also emphasizes open code and peer-to-peer networking, enhancing security and note-taking. This ethos is deeply embedded in their branding and website.

Anytype is an open-source, markdown-based application that positions itself as an “everything” app. It helps you organize your notes into various elements.

It even includes project management features like databases, allowing you to consolidate whatever you need based on your ideas. As an Evernote alternative, it handles tasks and notes well but lacks structured calendar features. For example, you can’t connect to Google Calendar or Outlook as you can in Evernote. However, you can visualize databases as a calendar, which requires creating your own setup.

More structured organization

If you’re interested in object-based note-taking, Anytype is similar to Capacities but differs significantly from Evernote.

Evernote relies on a traditional structure of notebooks, which is helpful for systems like Second Brain. However, if you’re seeking something unique, object-based note-taking might be a better fit. Anytype offers robust organization and, unlike Capacities, includes a task management system, allowing you to create tasks as part of an object—a feature Capacities has yet to implement.

More community-driven

Switching to Anytype from Evernote might be a significant change, but it’s worth exploring if you’re open to new options. Anytype is highly community-driven, with a supportive community and plenty of resources to help you get started. The application is user-friendly, with helpful tutorials available online, and there’s always someone to assist you with organizing your structures. While some features, like sets and collections, may need improvement, these aspects are less critical for former Evernote users.

Very cost-effective

Anytype is also cost-effective, offering a generous free plan that provides one gigabyte of storage at the time of writing. Even the premium pricing is worth considering, as it’s significantly cheaper per year than Evernote’s options.

If you’re looking to go beyond note-taking and manage your planning within the app, Anytype also offers these capabilities. With its strong focus on being local-first, open code, and open-source, Anytype prioritizes security, making it a solid choice for those seeking a secure and comprehensive Evernote alternative.

Video: Anytype Review

Here's some of how Anytype looks in action to get a better idea of how it works:

Anytype Pros

• Open-source note-taking
• Local-first and peer-to-peer networking
• Works with markdown and native on desktop
• It comes with sets and collections for set-ups
• Good-rated iOS, and Android on respective App Stores
• Privacy-focused notes with E2E secure notes
• Good community and audience

Anytype Cons

• It can be overwhelming to use
• Limited database abilities compared to Notion
• Still developing features

Anytype Features Explored

The main features that are inside of Anytype and how they help

Note-Taking (B+)

Connect notes in Anytype and bring a sense of brain-like organization to your vault. Many people like how Anytype balances the traditional feel of note-taking apps with the more modern PKM-style tools that can help you organize ideas and thoughts in one place.

Object-Based Concept (A+)

Organize your notes as objects before you begin them; this allows you to save templates and replicate them as you use them throughout your account. It will also allow the Anytype system to be aware you are adding a person, book notes, ideas, bugs, etc. This gives you more customization to your account and speed the more you use it.

Databases (B-)

In Anytype, there’s a feature called Sets, which lets you create databases based on specific attributes like objects. You can then organize these sets using six different views: Grid, Gallery, List, Kanban, Calendar, and Graph. While these views offer flexibility, they can be challenging to implement alongside the object-based system, and it may take some time to grasp how they function fully.

For many users, views like Calendar, Graph, and Gallery expand how they interact with their notes, making information easier to visualize. However, for those coming from apps like Notion, Anytype might not feel as immediately powerful or suitable for their needs. That said, Anytype’s strong security features and the likely evolution of its database functions make it worth exploring. As the platform continues to improve, these features are expected to become even more robust.

Networked Thought (B)

See the way your notes connect with graph view in Anytype and the abilities like flow that allow you to see the relationship and knock-on effect of the notes in your workspaces.

Should I get Anytype?

Okay, time to see whether it is right for you.

Anytype is a challenging app to recommend. It straddles the line between being a personal knowledge management (PKM) tool and a new note-taking system. It offers a unique approach by organizing notes with "objects," a relatively new concept.

If you're open to exploring this approach, Anytype is worth considering as you evaluate note-taking applications. Many users choose Anytype for its offline capabilities, local-first storage, and open-source nature. The company seems committed to building a solid product with features beyond essential note-taking. Its availability across various devices and a generous free plan make it accessible to most users.

The free plan's 1 GB storage limit should be sufficient for those who don't frequently attach files or documents to their notes.

While Anytype is a strong contender, we recommend exploring all the note-taking applications available on Tool Finder as you research your options.

What is the best alternative to Evernote?

Let's cut to the chase. If you want a like-for-like alternative to Evernote, the best choice has to be Microsoft OneNote. The offerings are very similar and provide users with many features they loved from Evernote.

What's the best free Evernote alternative?

People typically look at Notion as the free Evernote alternative. Notion offers unlimited blocks for storing notes, ideas, and anything else, making it comparably better than the limit of 50 notes and 1 notebook for Evernote-free users.

What is Object-Based Note-Taking?

Object-based notes are simple but provide people taking notes with the structure to build more accurate templates for each note. Apps like Anytype and Capacities are some examples of tools that have implemented object-based note-taking into their note apps.

Many people find benefits from object-based note-taking as it helps them save time building a note without worrying about using database templates each time.

Examples of object-based notes and properties:

• Book - Author, ISBN, categories & notes
• Meeting - People, date, type of meeting & meeting notes
• Person - where you met them, relationship & last contacted

These are just some of the primary examples of how object-based note-taking works.

More Questions Answered

Still not sure about the move from Evernote, here are some common questions people ask:

Why are people leaving Evernote?

New owners and product changes have scared many Evernote users into considering a replacement in 2024.

Many Evernote users were on the brink of leaving due to the lack of product focus on its core note-taking services, pushing many to consider Evernote replacements.

Is Evernote going away?

There is no indication that Evernote is leaving the note-taking market. It has been acquired and managed by Bending Spoons, which has more resources and investment to help grow the product further.

Is Evernote not free anymore?

Evernote does offer a free subscription, however, changes to the Evernote subscription model mean free users are limited to 50 notes. This means users will only be able to modify and edit the notes limit, access only on 2 devices & have a limit of 1 notebook.

Is Evernote Personal worth it?

Evernote Personal is now priced at $14.99 per month, it offers 100,000 notes, 1,000 notebooks unlimited devices, and storage of up to 10GB per month.

Evernote Personal now includes all features not including the AI edit and AI search abilities, is it worth it? For $14.99 it is expensive, but in terms of access you get 90% of what Evernote offers and most note-taking apps are moving towards this pricing.

Which note-taking app is better than Evernote?

Notion is one of the more powerful tools than Evernote. Its database abilities allow you to do much more for handling tasks, project management, and even more detailed notes with filters and sorting for better, more fine-tuned notes. It also has new gen-AI abilities for creating smarter notes better than what Evernote offers now.

Why Move from Evernote?

Why is everyone speaking about leaving or moving to an Evernote alternative?

Well, Bending Spoons, the new owners of Evernote, have just laid off 98 staff from the Evernote company. This isn't the first layoffs since the announcement that Bending Spoons has acquired Evernote in January 2023, early in 2023 they laid of 120+ employees.

Many are concerned that the round of layoffs at Evernote has seen all the remaining team disappear, and ownership has been fully transferred to the Bending Spoons development company, Making Evernote fully European in base.

A few weeks earlier, Bending Spoons also announced changes to subscriptions - almost increasing 50% total price rise now sat at $14.99 and $17.99 for Evernote Professional. For many Evernote users a shock and in a cost of living crisis globally, something that many cannot afford coming from the former Evernote pricing starting from $7.99 per month.

Of course, Evernote continues to have a free platform.

All this information is important to note before we begin. This gives you context for why Evernote is being talked about on Twitter and all places on the web as a jump-ship scenario and will help you understand the context for your decision-making process as we move on.

Video: Evernote Review

Here's everything you need to know about Evernote in 2024: