14 best Evernote alternatives and competitors to take notes in 2024

A well-known app for taking notes in today’s era is Evernote. But the latest adjustments to the product’s pricing have been pushing customers away. And it’s prompting them to explore other options matching their requirements.

With that in mind, this article covers the top Evernote alternatives and rivals. These tools will let you take as many notes as you want.

I have picked these options after analyzing their characteristics and costs. Plus, I have considered what users have to say about them. So let’s begin to explore and choose the ideal note-taking option that suits you.

What is Evernote?

Evernote serves as a note-taking tool. People can use the Evernote app to make, arrange, and save notes in words, pictures, voice clips, etc.

The app provides functions such as scanning documents, syncing across devices, and capturing web content.

Think of it as your digital notebook where you can store notes, to-do lists, voice memos, and even photos. It’s for anyone who wants to keep their thoughts and information organized and easily accessible.

You can type out notes, draw, attach documents, and even clip web pages directly into your notes. Plus, with its search function, you can quickly find any note, even if it’s buried deep in your archives.

The app is available on almost every platform – iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac – so your notes are always with you, no matter what device you’re using.

And with cloud syncing, any changes you make on one device are instantly updated across all your devices.

Why look for Evernote alternatives?

Evernote is a fantastic tool for organizing notes and projects, but it does come with a few limitations that might make you consider Evernote competitors.

One of the main drawbacks is its pricing model. While Evernote offers a free version, it’s pretty limited in terms of storage and features. If you want to unlock its full potential, you’ll need to opt for a paid subscription, which can be a bit pricey compared to other note-taking apps out there.

Another issue some users encounter is the app’s complexity. Evernote is packed with features, which is great, but it can also make the app feel overwhelming, especially for beginners.

The learning curve might be steep if you’re just looking for a simple, straightforward note-taking tool. Sometimes, less is more, and Evernote’s abundance of features can make it seem cluttered and hard to navigate.

Syncing issues are another common complaint. While Evernote is designed to sync across all your devices, there are times when notes don’t update properly or syncing is slow. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on having up-to-date information across multiple devices.

Additionally, Evernote’s web clipper, which is a key feature for many users, can be hit or miss. Some users report problems with clipping certain types of content from the web, which can limit its usefulness for research and information gathering.

What are the top Evernote alternatives?

Let’s explore top tools like Evernote that can help you capture ideas, manage tasks, and keep your life organized, all while addressing some of the limitations you might have faced with Evernote.

Apple Notes

If you’re someone who utilizes an iOS gadget such as a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, chances are you’ve seen the Apple Notes tool. This Evernote alternative is only for Apple product owners. It’s best for creating checklists.

One of the great features is that each note you create on Apple’s Notes app is automatically saved to iCloud storage. This means you can easily get back any erased notes from the past month.

The main features of Apple notes

• Lock notes using a password, fingerprints, or face ID.
• Organize with headlines, fonts, pictures, and other formatting choices.
• Find notes quickly with a strong search function.
• Put URLs and locations from other apps into your notes.

Advantages of Apple Notes

• Manage folders with drag-and-drop
• See notes in the gallery view
• Pin key notes
• Create to-do lists

Disadvantages of Apple Notes

• Just for people using Apple
• Doesn’t have tools for organizing tasks
• Markdown isn’t recognized

Google Keep

Google Keep stands out as a top alternative to Evernote nowadays. Its user-friendly interface made a note-taking application with the highest number of installs in 2019.

The main features of Google Keep

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Sync effortlessly among all your Google devices.
• Arrange notes by adding tags.
• Capable of managing voice memos, audio recordings, and hand-drawn notes.

Advantages of Google Keep

• It allows you to use different text styles and formatting options.
• You can create alerts and task lists in your notes.
• The phone apps don’t cost anything.
• A user-friendly drag-and-drag setup works just like sticky notes.

Disadvantages of Google Keep

• Google Keep doesn’t offer different themes.
• Doesn’t have task handling tools.
• No desktop applications are designed for those using macOS, Windows, or Linux systems.

Dropbox Paper

Dropbox Paper is an Evernote competitor app for taking notes. The app claims effortless note-taking, along with an easy-to-use, straightforward user interface on the desktop app.

The main features of Dropbox Paper

• User-friendly interface for the desktop version.
• Keep your notes neat by arranging them into folders.
• Find specific words and pictures easily.
• Receive email notifications of your important notes.

Advantages of Dropbox Paper

• The note-taking tool allows you to insert code straight into your notes.
• The web version supports handling basic tasks.
• Both the mobile and desktop apps are provided at no cost.
• Syncing data across different devices and operating systems.

Disadvantages of Dropbox Paper

• Dropbox Paper offers only a few font choices.
• You cannot make the text italic or underline it.
• It lacks several shortcuts to make it simpler to use.
• No recognition for voice or handwritten notes.

Bear

Bear is a well-liked note-writing application on the App Store that’s similar to Evernote. It has strong editing tools that make it easy to write in-depth notes.

The main features of Bear

• It features a more appealing interface than other note-taking applications.
• Effective note tagging function for an easy organization.
• You can annotate plain text, HTML, DOCX, and PDF notes.
• It automatically syncs data between many devices.

Advantages of Bear

• The app allows you to format and style text in various ways.
• Allows using hashtags to organize and find saved searches easily.
• You can select from a variety of themes to make the app look how you want.
• It includes several shortcuts for simpler use.

Disadvantages of Bear

• There’s no app available for Android or Windows users.
• Some formatting choices require you to purchase extensions.
• It only offers a few options for connecting with other apps.

Notion

Notion lets you write down notes, give tasks, arrange your projects, and share updates on a team wiki.

As an alternative to Evernote, it allows unlimited page creation for handling tasks, setting up company guidelines, drafting project planning, and more.

Every page can have multiple subpages, so you can organize as extensively as needed.

The main features of Notion

• Accepts different kinds of content, like codes, pictures, bookmarks, and more.
• Displays your content in various formats like list, gallery, and timeline.
• Many template choices that you can easily customize.
• Provides a tool to capture content from the web.

Advantages of Notion

• Extremely modifiable.
• Allows multiple people to edit together.
• Simple to import data from Evernote.
• Works on any Android or iOS platform.

Disadvantages of Notion

• PDF annotation is not available.
• Tools for handling tasks such as setting priority and automating routine tasks are missing.
• No Gantt charts

GoodNotes

GoodNotes is a note-taking app and Evernote competitor. It lets you annotate PDF files and capture handwritten notes digitally on your mobile phone.

You can use GoodNotes to make and edit notebooks, import images and PDFs, and annotate them with several drawing and writing tools.

GoodNotes key features

• Identifies handwriting
• You can create several notebooks, tags, and folders
• Edit documents in real-time

Advantages of GoodNotes

• Writing on GoodNotes feels just like writing on real paper with a pen.
• You can annotate and import PDFs easily.
• Saves and updates your files on the web

Disadvantages of Notion

• Limited syncing across different device types.
• The file size is limited.
• The ability to recognize text from images is restricted.

Notejoy

Notejoy is similar to Evernote and makes it easy to collaborate with your team members with notes. Features like threaded comments, note views, and reactions let you exchange feedback. Plus, you can search easily through the notes.

Notejoy key features

• Work without distractions with the Focus view
• Syntax highlighting when working with code scripts
• You can have notebooks within notebooks, along with tags
• To-do checklists

Notejoy pros

• Turn emails into notes
• End-to-end encryption
• Multiple themes
• Find text within PDF files and images

Notejoy limitations

• Lacks automation feaures
• No workflow or task management
• Only one type of view
• High pricing

Todoist

You can use this Evernote alternative on Linux, Windows, or Mac. It lets you organize, manage, and prioritize tasks along with notes with information you want to save. And you can get started quickly with many templates at your disposal.

Todoist key features

• Set recurring deadlines
• Give high priority to urgent tasks
• Templates for categories like education, management, and design
• Visualize weekly or daily productivity

Todoist pros

• You can allocate tasks
• Modify your workflow with themes and labels
• Use voice notes in comments
• Add key tasks and labels as favorites

Todoist limitations

• Doesn’t offer task statuses
• No custom fields
• Lacks real-time chats
• No native document creator

Hive

Hive is not a dedicated note-taking tool. It’s a project management tool with features for creating and managing notes.

Nevertheless, it’s a good alternative to Evernote. With Hive, you can take meeting notes, assign tasks, and facilitate team collaboration.

Hive key features

• You can share notes externally
• Support for real-time collaboration
• Notes can be linked with projects
• Support for keyboard shortcuts to format text quickly

Hive pros

• Provides templates for onboarding, product roadmaps, etc.
• You can create recurring meeting notes
• Turn meeting notes into action items
• Both Android and iOS apps are available

Hive limitations

• Using timesheets, resourcing, and analytics features requires add-ons
• Lacks idea management capabilities such as whiteboard or mind maps
• Doesn’t offer an embed view to access apps from within Hive

Milanote

Milanote is an application like Evernote that’s meant for collaborators working on visual projects such as photography and product design. It’s a customizable workspace for taking notes, creating mood boards, and exchanging feedback on design ideas.

Milanote key features

• Organize information visually in the form of cards, boards, and images
• Variety of customization options
• Support for duplication, keyboard shortcuts, and markdown

Milanote pros

• Templates for common use cases
• Supports GIFs and animated fonts
• Encrypted notes at rest and in transit

Milanote cons

• Limited free plan
• Only a few integration options
• Steep learning curve

Microsoft OneNote

The Microsoft OneNote app is a robust solution similar to Evernote for taking notes. It supports collaboration among multiple team members.

Microsoft OneNote features

• Theme customization
• Notes can be text, audio, voice memos, and checklists
• Notes are encrypted when shared
• You can create folders to organize notes
• Comes with digital sticky notes

Microsoft OneNote pros

• Recognizes handwritten notes
• Share notes easily via email or links
• Many quick shortcuts
• Sticky notes

Microsoft OneNote limitations

• The mobile app interface could use improvement
• Note pages can’t be sorted alphabetically
• Not for task management

nTask

nTask is a comprehensive project management tool designed to facilitate task management, project planning, and team collaboration. It includes a variety of features to streamline workflow and ensure efficient project execution.

Top features:

• Create, assign, and track tasks with deadlines and priority levels.
• Use Gantt charts and project timelines to plan and monitor progress.
• Facilitate communication with team members through comments, mentions, and discussions.
• Track time spent on tasks to improve productivity and manage project budgets.

Pros:

• Easy to navigate and use, even for beginners.
• Offers a wide range of tools for project management and team collaboration.
• Competitive pricing plans suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Cons:

• Some users may find the customization options for dashboards and reports lacking.
• The mobile app may not have all the features available on the desktop version.
• It may take some time for new users to learn all the features and functionalities.

ProofHub

ProofHub is an all-in-one project management and team collaboration software designed to help teams stay organized, communicate effectively, and deliver projects on time. This Evernote competitor offers tools for task management, time tracking, document collaboration, and more.

Top features:

• Create tasks, set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and track progress.
• Streamline the review and approval process with online proofing and feedback tools.
• Log work hours, track time spent on tasks, and generate time reports.
• Customize workflows to fit the specific needs of different projects and teams.

Pros:

• Combines project management, time tracking, and collaboration tools in one platform.
• Easy to use with a clean and intuitive design.
• Offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs and budgets.

Cons:

• Fewer third-party integrations compared to some competitors.
• Occasional lag and performance issues reported by users.
• Lacks some advanced features needed by larger organizations or complex projects.

Zoho Notebook

Zoho Notebook is a note-taking application designed to help users capture ideas, organize information, and share notes across devices. As an Evernote alternative, it offers a variety of note-taking formats, including text, audio, and image notes.

Top features:

• Create text notes, checklists, audio notes, sketches, and photo notes.
• Organize notes into notebooks and use custom covers to differentiate them.
• Sync notes across multiple devices for seamless access anywhere.
• Share notes with others and collaborate in real-time.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface that makes note-taking easy and enjoyable.
• Available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
• Offers a robust set of features for free with no hidden costs.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features available in other note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote.
• Some features may not be available offline, requiring an internet connection.
• Free version has limited storage, which may not be sufficient for heavy users.

Final thoughts on Evernote alternatives

Exploring Evernote alternatives and competitors opens up a world of possibilities for finding the perfect tool that fits your needs and preferences.

Whether you need something simpler, more cost-effective, or just different, there are plenty of great options like Evernote out there.

From minimalist note-takers to comprehensive project management apps, each alternative brings something unique to the table.

It’s all about finding the one that enhances your productivity and keeps you organized in a way that feels right for you. So go ahead, try out a few, and discover the tool that will become your new go-to for capturing ideas and managing tasks.

Did I miss anything? Did you try these Evernote alternatives? Do you have any questions or comments? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.