Best 10 Evernote Alternatives in 2026: Free and Paid Note Apps

Introduction

Notion is the best overall pick among Evernote alternatives for most people. Obsidian and Joplin are strong choices if you have more specific needs. This list covers 10 tools across free, paid, open-source, privacy-first and Apple-only options.

Why people look for Evernote alternatives

People switch for a handful of practical reasons:

• Cost and limits: a different price, a free plan that fits better, or a simpler setup.
• Missing features: something their current note software doesn't do.
• Privacy and storage: encrypted notes or plain local files they control.
• Collaboration: stronger sharing, databases or wikis for a team.
• Ecosystem fit: a tool that matches an Apple, Microsoft or Google setup.

Quick comparison table

1. Notion

Best for: teams and people who want notes, docs, databases and wikis in one place.

Notion is more flexible and collaborative than Evernote, but it takes longer to learn. It runs on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

Its standout feature is databases that sit alongside notes and wikis. One workspace can hold project trackers and reference pages together.

2. Microsoft OneNote

Best for: Microsoft 365 users who want a free, notebook-style app.

Microsoft OneNote organizes notes as notebooks with freeform pages. You can place content anywhere on the page, and ink is supported. It works on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

The standout feature is tight Microsoft 365 integration.

3. Obsidian

Best for: people who want local-first Markdown notes.

Evernote is cloud-first. Obsidian goes the other way and stores notes as local files on your device. Sync is optional and paid. It runs on Desktop, iOS and Android.

The standout feature is links between notes that form a knowledge graph.

4. Joplin

Best for: open-source fans and anyone migrating off Evernote.

Joplin is an open-source app with Markdown editing and end-to-end encrypted sync. It is available on Desktop, iOS and Android.

Its standout feature is the built-in Evernote import tool, which makes the move easier.

5. Google Keep

Best for: quick notes and checklists for Google users.

Google Keep is free and lightweight. It has fewer organization and formatting features than Evernote. It works on Web, iOS and Android.

The standout feature is simple checklists and fast capture.

6. Simplenote

Best for: people who want plain text with no clutter.

Simplenote offers tags and syncing, but know the tradeoff going in: it has far fewer features than Evernote. It runs on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

The standout feature is free, minimal plain-text notes with sync.

7. Bear

Best for: Apple users who want a polished Markdown writing app.

Bear runs on iOS and macOS only, so there is no Windows or Android version. Instead of notebooks, it uses tags and nested tags.

The standout feature is those nested tags.

8. Apple Notes

Best for: iPhone and Mac users who want a free built-in option.

Apple Notes syncs through iCloud and supports scanning and shared folders. It works on iOS, macOS and Web, though it is built around the Apple ecosystem.

The standout feature is built-in document scanning.

9. Zoho Notebook

Best for: visual note-takers who want a free, ad-free app.

Zoho Notebook uses card-style notes, including text, audio, checklist and photo cards. It runs on Web, iOS, Android and Desktop.

The standout feature is mixed card types in one notebook.

10. Standard Notes

Best for: privacy-focused users who want encrypted notes.

Standard Notes pairs end-to-end encryption with a simple interface. Paid plans add extra editors and features. It runs on Web, Desktop, iOS and Android.

The standout feature is end-to-end encryption by default.

How we picked these tools

We looked for apps that do the same job as Evernote, cover a range of price tiers, and suit different needs: collaboration, privacy, open source and ecosystem fit.

Picks are based on product information and features, not hands-on testing, ratings or scores. The list includes no sponsored or owned tools. It mixes cross-platform apps with single-ecosystem ones.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free Evernote alternative?

Joplin, OneNote, Google Keep and Zoho Notebook are all free options. Check each app's current plan limits before you commit.

Can I import Evernote notes?

Joplin has a built-in Evernote import tool. For the other apps, check their import options before you switch.

Which alternative is best for privacy?

Standard Notes encrypts notes end to end by default. Joplin offers encrypted sync, and Obsidian keeps notes as local files.

Which works best on Apple devices?

Apple Notes is the free built-in choice with iCloud sync. Bear suits people who prefer Markdown and nested tags.

The verdict

Notion is the strongest overall pick for flexibility and collaboration, but expect a learning curve. Obsidian is the runner-up for local-first notes. Joplin is the runner-up for open source and easy Evernote migration.

For everyone else, match the tool to your need. Apple Notes or Bear suit Apple users, Standard Notes covers privacy, and Simplenote or Google Keep keep things simple.