Evernote Alternatives: We tested the best 10 Apps in 2026

Best Evernote Alternatives [2026 Updated]

If you are reading this, you've experienced the frustration with Evernote.

It was once the gold standard for note-taking apps. But over time, cracks have begun to show.

Users increasingly report frustrations with performance issues, restrictive free plans, and a steep price tag for premium features.

These pain points have opened the door for a new generation of apps that cater to diverse needs, offering simplicity, robust features, or even AI solutions.

In this post, we’ll explore 10 Evernote alternatives that rise to the challenge, each with unique strengths to fit different workflows.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or just someone trying to stay organized, there’s likely an option that works better for you.

1. What Is Evernote?

Evernote is a long-standing digital note-taking app designed to store text notes, web clippings, images, PDFs, and scanned documents in one place.
For years, it was the default choice for people who wanted a single archive for ideas, meeting notes, and reference material across devices.

However, in 2026, many users want more: faster capture, flexible organization, and AI that helps them think, rather than just store.

2. Why People Look for Evernote Alternatives?

Most users don’t leave Evernote because it “stopped working.”
They leave because their needs evolved.

Common reasons people look for Evernote alternatives:

• Pricing changes: Evernote’s free plan is very limited, and paid plans are expensive compared to newer tools.
• Feature bloat: Over time, Evernote added many features that clutter the interface without improving daily workflows.
• Weak AI support: AI features exist, but they are limited and not deeply integrated into note-taking or planning.
• Rigid structure: The notebook + tag system works, but it’s inflexible for people who think non-linearly.
• Modern workflow mismatch: Writers, ADHD users, and knowledge workers often want fast “brain dumps” and AI-assisted organization.

Evernote still works, but it no longer feels designed for how people actually think and work today.

3. How I Tested the Best Evernote Alternatives

To evaluate the best Evernote alternatives fairly, I tested each tool the way real knowledge workers actually use it.

I used each platform to:

• Capture messy, unstructured notes (ideas, meeting notes, web clippings)
• Organize both manually and automatically over time
• Search for information days and weeks later using vague or incomplete queries
• Revisit old notes to see how well context and connections were preserved

I paid close attention to:

• Search quality (can I find things without remembering exact keywords?)
• Organization effort (how much manual setup is required?)
• Scalability (does it stay usable as notes grow?)
• Cognitive load (does it simplify thinking or add friction?)

Now, let's dive in

🔄 Best Evernote Alternatives - Comparison Table

1. Saner.AI

Saner.AI offers a fresh alternative to Evernote, blending simplicity with powerful AI features. It excels at organizing your thoughts, tasks, and ideas in a way that feels intuitive and adaptable.

Unlike Evernote, which can feel bloated with features you might not use, Saner.AI focuses on helping you prioritize and find what truly matters. Its AI capabilities provide smarter search and contextual suggestions, making it easier to stay productive

Key feature

• You can freely write messy notes, ideas, or to-dos without formatting. Saner.AI automatically turns them into actionable tasks, organized lists, or reminders.

• The AI reviews your notes, tasks, and deadlines to generate a realistic daily plan. It adjusts priorities as things change instead of locking you into a rigid schedule.

• Instead of digging through folders like in Evernote, you can ask questions in natural language. The AI retrieves, summarizes, or turns notes into next steps.

• Notes stay “alive” and resurface when relevant. AI will suggest relevant notes to what you are working on and even solutions for your tasks. This makes it useful for planning, reflection, and ADHD-friendly workflows - not just storage.

• Your tasks, information, and related knowledge are all in one place - allowing for easy search and efficient execution without context switching. (Emails, Slack, Notion, notes in Saner.AI, etc.)

Pros

• No folders, tags, or manual organization required. You just write things down and let the AI handle structure.
• Unlike traditional note apps, it connects notes directly to tasks and daily plans. This makes it easier to move from ideas to action.
• Works well if your thoughts are non-linear or scattered. You don’t need to “clean up” notes for the system to be useful.

Cons

• Suitable for personal use, not large team management yet

Pricing

• Free 
• Starter: Monthly at $8/month, Annually at $6/month (with early user discount)
• Standard: Monthly at $16/month, Annually at $12/month (with early user discount)

Who is it suitable for?

Saner.AI is particularly well-suited for:

• Intensive knowledge workers who need to manage large amounts of information efficiently from multiple sources, such as entrepreneurs, researchers, managers, and content creators.
• Individuals with ADHD or those who struggle with information organization and time management.
• Anyone looking to streamline their workflow without spending too much time learning a new tool.

Saner.AI Reviews

How to start using it?

1. Visit the Saner.AI website and sign up for an account
2. Explore the app's features, starting with basic note-taking and task creation.
3. Try out the integrated internet search functionality to streamline your workflow.

Stay on top of your work and life with the top Evernote Alternative

Try Saner.AI for free

2. OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is a digital note-taking app built around notebooks, sections, and pages. It lets you capture text, images, handwritten notes, checklists, and files in a flexible, free-form layout.

Notes sync across devices and integrate tightly with the Microsoft ecosystem. OneNote works more like a digital binder than an AI assistant. Its core strength is structured note storage, not task planning or automation.

Key Feature

• Notes are organized hierarchically, making it easy to separate work, personal, and project content. This feels familiar to anyone coming from physical notebooks.
• You can click anywhere on a page to write, draw, paste images, or add tables. This is especially useful for brainstorming or handwritten notes.
• Works seamlessly with Outlook, Teams, Word, and Windows devices. Notes can link to meetings, emails, and files.
• Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and web. Notes sync reliably across devices with a Microsoft account.

Pros

• You’re not locked into rigid formatting. This works well for mixed content like sketches, meeting notes, and screenshots.
• Most core features are free, making it a low-risk Evernote alternative.
• If you like clearly defined notebooks and sections, OneNote feels intuitive and predictable.

Cons

• If you're not using Windows, you can't save your notes on your own computer; they have to be stored online.
• The text recognition (OCR) isn't the best, which can be a hassle if you scan a lot of documents.
• It doesn't let you add location tags to your notes.

Pricing

• Free version
• Paid plans start at $6 - $22

Who is it suitable for?

• Microsoft OneNote is ideal for students, professionals, and teams who need a free, versatile note-taking tool that integrates well with the Microsoft ecosystem

Microsoft OneNote reviews (source)

How to get started

• Sign in with your Microsoft account and create your first notebook
• Start organizing notes by notebooks and sections to avoid clutter early

3. Apple Notes

Apple Notes is a built-in note-taking app for Apple devices that focuses on fast capture and simple organization. It lets you save text notes, checklists, images, scanned documents, sketches, and links.

Notes sync automatically across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud. The app prioritizes speed and convenience over advanced structure or automation. It works best as a lightweight, everyday notes tool rather than a full productivity system.

Key feature

• Notes open quickly and sync automatically via iCloud.
• Notes can be grouped into folders and tagged for filtering.
• Consistently supports checklists, images, document scans, handwritten notes, and drawings.
• Supports Face ID / Touch ID and locked notes.

Pros

• There’s almost no learning curve.
• Comes pre-installed on Apple devices and works with a free iCloud account.
• Notes sync quietly in the background and rarely break.

Cons

• Not ideal if you use Windows or Android. The web version is limited compared to native apps.
• No advanced task management, automation, or AI assistance. Everything relies on manual organization.
• Large note libraries can become hard to manage over time. Search helps, but the structure is basic.

Pricing

• Free on Apple devices
• Uses iCloud storage (5GB free, paid plans from around $1/month)

Who is it suitable for?

• Apple Notes is ideal for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem who value simplicity and seamless syncing across devices

Apple Note reviews (source)

How to get started

• Open Apple Notes on any Apple device and enable iCloud sync
• Create folders early to avoid clutter as your notes grow

4. Google Keep

Google Keep is a lightweight note-taking app designed for fast capture and quick reminders. It lets you save short text notes, checklists, voice notes, images, and location- or time-based reminders.

Notes sync instantly across devices using your Google account. Keep focuses on speed and visibility rather than deep organization. It works best for short-term notes and everyday reminders, not long-form documentation.

Key feature

• You can add notes in seconds from the web, mobile, or browser extensions. Voice notes are automatically transcribed
• Notes can be color-coded, labeled, and pinned to the top.
• Supports time-based and location-based reminders. Notes can resurface when you arrive at a place or at a specific time.
• Works seamlessly with Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Android. Notes can be turned into documents when needed.

Pros

• There’s almost no setup or learning curve. Ideal for capturing thoughts before you forget them.
• No paid plans for core features. Notes sync reliably across all devices with a Google account.
• Location and time triggers make it more proactive than many basic note apps.

Cons

• No folders or hierarchical structure. As note volume grows, things can feel cluttered.
• Formatting options are minimal. It’s not suitable for deep research or documentation.
• Unlike newer Evernote alternatives, there’s no smart prioritization or planning support.

Pricing

• Free plan only

Who is it suitable for:

• Google Keep is ideal for users seeking a simple, lightweight note-taking app for quick reminders, to-do lists, and ideas.
• It's best suited for casual users who value integration with Google Workspace

Google Keep reviews (source)

How to get started

• Sign in with your Google account on web or mobile
• Start with labels and pinned notes to keep important items visible

5. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines notes, documents, databases, and basic task management. It lets you build custom pages for knowledge bases, project tracking, and personal notes.

Everything is highly flexible and block-based, allowing you to design your own system from scratch. Notion replaces Evernote by offering more structure and customization. However, it requires active setup and ongoing maintenance to stay useful.

Key features

• Notes are built from blocks like text, tables, toggles, and media.
• You can turn notes into databases with properties, filters, and views.
• Offers many templates for notes, wikis, and workflows. Teams can collaborate in real time on shared pages.
• Available on web, desktop, and mobile. Changes sync across devices, though performance can vary with large workspaces.

Pros

• Write as much as you want without any limits 
• Consolidates all your necessities into one platform.
• Real-time editing, comments, and sharing make it suitable for teams as well as individuals.

Cons

• You must design your own system. Without discipline, pages can become messy or abandoned.
• Writing down a fast idea takes more steps compared to lighter Evernote alternatives.
• It stores information well, but doesn’t help decide what to do next without extra configuration or add-ons.

Pricing

• Free
• Paid plans start at $8 - $18, with Notion AI available

Who is it suitable for:

• Notion is ideal for individuals and teams who need an all-in-one workspace for note-taking, task management, and collaboration

Notion reviews (source)

How to get started

• Create a free Notion account and choose a starter template
• Build a simple notes structure before adding complex databases

6. Obsidian

Obsidian is a powerful, flexible alternative to Evernote, ideal for users who want more control over their notes and data. Unlike Evernote, Obsidian stores your notes as plain text Markdown files on your local drive, giving you full ownership and avoiding reliance on proprietary formats or cloud services.

Its backlinking feature creates a "second brain" allowing seamless connections between notes, fostering creativity and deeper understanding.

Key feature

• All notes are stored as simple Markdown files in a folder you control.
• Notes can link to each other, creating a network of ideas. The graph view helps visualize how thoughts connect over time.
• Hundreds of community plugins add features like task management, calendars, and publishing.
• Everything works without an internet connection. Sync is optional and user-controlled.

Pros

• Obsidian’s USP is its link and graph effect. They help you track how your notes connect
• Share your work with others without giving out your private data
• Customize your work to your taste. With options to change your look, color, theme, etc, you should enjoy the creativity this app offers

Cons

• Markdown, linking concepts, and plugins take time to understand. It’s not beginner-friendly out of the box.
• Obsidian doesn’t organize notes for you. Everything depends on your system and habits.
• Task management exists, but only through plugins. There’s no built-in AI or smart planning.

Pricing

• Free for personal use
• Sync add-on around $8–10/month
• Commercial license required for business use

Who is it suitable for:

• Knowledge workers, researchers, students, and writers who need to manage complex information and create connections between ideas.

Obsidian review (source)

How to get started

• Download Obsidian and create a vault on your device
• Start with simple notes before adding plugins or complex linking

7. Joplin

Joplin is a powerful, open-source alternative to Evernote, offering a robust platform for note-taking, organizing, and syncing across devices. Its biggest strengths lie in privacy and customization: your notes stay under your control with end-to-end encryption, and the app is highly adaptable to your needs.

Unlike Evernote, it’s free to use, with no forced subscriptions, and you can even self-host for ultimate data control.

Key feature

• Notes are written in Markdown, making them lightweight and portable. To-do items can be added directly inside notebooks.
• Notes can be fully encrypted, even when synced to third-party cloud services.
• Supports syncing via Dropbox, OneDrive, WebDAV, and local file systems.
• Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and desktop. Notes stay consistent across devices once sync is set up.

Pros

• You own your notes and choose where they’re stored. This appeals to users leaving Evernote due to trust concerns.
• Core features are free, with transparent development and no vendor lock-in.
• You can import Evernote notebooks and notes, making migration easier.

Cons

• The UI feels more utilitarian than modern note apps. It prioritizes function over polish.
• No AI assistance, automation, or proactive task planning. Organization is fully manual.
• Non-technical users may find the initial sync configuration confusing.

Pricing

• Free (open-source)
• Joplin Cloud is available from around $3–5/month for easier sync and publishing

Who is it suitable for:

• Joplin is best suited for: Privacy-conscious users who want their notes fully encrypted and under their control.
• People who need to organize research, writing, and complex projects with rich formatting and attachments

Joplin reviews (source)

How to get started

• Download Joplin and import your Evernote notes if needed
• Choose a sync method (cloud or local) and enable encryption early

8. Bear

Bear is a note-taking software designed to help businesses and individuals efficiently organize and secure their notes. It allows users to add sketches and export notes in various formats, making it a versatile tool for capturing ideas and information.

Key feature:

• Supports Markdown syntax with live preview and keyboard shortcuts.
• Notes are organized using hashtags instead of folders. Tags can be nested, allowing simple structure without heavy setup.
• The UI is intentionally minimal, with themes optimized for long writing sessions.
• Syncs across Mac, iPhone, and iPad using iCloud. Works smoothly with Apple Shortcuts and system sharing.

Pros

• Bear uses hashtags to organize notes, making it easy to categorize and find your content.
• A standout feature is the ability to keep a specific note visible on top of other windows on your screen,
• Bear offers a clean, attractive interface that’s both fast and easy to navigate, packed with rich text editing features.

Cons

• One of the main drawbacks is Bear's lack of integration with other tools and apps, which can be a limitation if your workflow relies on extensive app connectivity.
• While the hashtag system is simple, Bear does not support nested folders or detailed outlines.
• The organizational limitations have been significant enough for some users,
• No AI Assistant to manage the notes with you

Pricing

• Free (basic features)
• Bear Pro around $3/month or ~$30/year

Who is it for?

• Writers and Apple users looking for a clean, Markdown-based Evernote alternative for focused note-taking.

Bear reviews (source)

How to get started

• Download Bear on Mac, iPhone, or iPad and create a free account
• Start tagging notes early to keep your library easy to navigate

9. Simplenote

Simplenote is a straightforward, user-friendly note-taking app that helps you jot down your thoughts and ideas quickly. It syncs your notes across all your devices, ensuring you have access to them wherever you go.

Whether you're using an iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, or just a web browser, Simplenote has you covered.

Key feature

• Notes are clean, lightweight, and easy to write. Markdown is supported for basic formatting without visual clutter.
• Notes sync automatically across web, desktop, and mobile. Changes appear almost instantly on all devices.
• Notes are organized using tags instead of folders. Search is quick and reliable, even with large note lists.
• You can view and restore previous versions of notes.

Pros

• The app opens quickly and stays out of your way.
• All core features are available at no cost.
• Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and web.

Cons

• You can’t add images or other attachments to your notes.
• Tags are the only way to organize your notes, which might not be enough for everyone.
• It lacks some of the advanced features that other note apps offer.
• The privacy policy isn’t as robust as some users might prefer.

Pricing

• Simplenote is completely free to use. There are no hidden costs or premium versions, making it a budget-friendly option for everyone

Who is it for

• Users who want a free, no-frills Evernote alternative for fast text notes across all platforms.

Simple Note reviews (source)

How to get started

• Create a free Simplenote account on web or mobile
• Start using tags early to keep your notes searchable and organized

10. Craft

Craft is a document-focused note-taking app designed for clean writing and structured documents. It lets you create rich notes using blocks, pages, and links, with an emphasis on readability and presentation.

Notes sync across devices and can be shared or published easily. Craft works well as an Evernote alternative for users who write polished notes, docs, or wikis.

Key features

• Notes are built from blocks like text, lists, images, and cards.
• You can link pages together and nest content without complex databases.
• Documents look polished by default and can be shared via links or exported as PDFs. Ideal for client-facing or team docs.
• Works on macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, and web. Notes remain accessible even when offline.

Pros

• Connect and organize work within and across teams
• Enhance daily stand-ups with calendar-connected updates, priorities, and blockers
• Create Cards and Pages to provide detailed context and organization for ideas
• Embed code blocks, rich link previews, images, videos, and AI assistant support

Cons

• Tasks exist, but Craft isn’t designed for daily planning or execution. It’s still primarily a notes and docs tool.
• If you need heavy customization or complex workflows, it can feel restrictive compared to Notion.
• Advanced sharing, export, and space limits require a paid plan.

Who is it for

• Users who want a visually clean Evernote alternative for writing, documentation, and shareable notes.

Pricing

• Free plan available
• Paid plans from around $5–8/month, with discounted yearly billing

Bear reviews (source)

How to get started

• Create a free Craft account and start with a blank document
• Organize notes using pages and links instead of folders

Conclusion: Which Evernote alternatives to choose in 2026?

There’s no single “best note-taking app” or best Evernote alternative for everyone in 2026 - because not everyone thinks, plans, or works the same way.

• Some people want a calm, proactive AI that helps them plan their day, turn messy thoughts into tasks, and reduce decision fatigue - that’s where Saner.AI clearly stands out.
• Others prefer powerful customization and local control, like Obsidian or Joplin.
• Some just need simple, reliable note-taking with minimal setup, which tools like Google Keep, Apple Notes, or Simplenote do well.
• And for structured workspaces or long-form writing, Notion, OneNote, Bear, or Craft may fit better.

What matters most isn’t feature lists - it’s how well an Evernote alternative fits your workflow, matches your pace, and reduces mental load instead of adding to it.

Here’s what we recommend:

✨ Try 2–3 Evernote alternatives from different categories (AI assistant, knowledge base, lightweight notes)
🧪 Test them in real work - daily planning, content writing, meetings, quick captures
🧠 Measure energy saved, not just time saved

If a tool helps you feel more focused, less scattered, and more in control - that’s your best Evernote alternative.

👇 Ready to try one?
Start with Saner.AI if you want a context-aware, AI-first note-taking app that turns chaos into clarity - without forcing you to organize everything yourself.

Stay on top of your work and life

Try Saner.AI for free

Evernote Alternative: Your FAQ Guide to Smarter Note-Taking

1. What is an Evernote Alternative?

An Evernote alternative is any tool that helps you take notes, manage tasks, and organize information, without the clutter or complexity some users experience with Evernote. These tools offer different approaches: some focus on AI-powered organization, others on simplicity, speed, or deep integration with your daily tools.

One rising Evernote alternative is Saner.AI, which doesn’t just store your notes - it understands them. You can talk to it, and it turns your thoughts into tasks, reminders, and insights.

2. Why are people looking for an Evernote alternative?

Common reasons include:

• Feeling overwhelmed by tags and notebooks
• Wanting a better search and organization
• Needing something faster or more lightweight
• Wanting a built-in AI Assistant to summarize or surface tasks
• Preferring a more modern, distraction-free interface

If Evernote feels like a digital junk drawer, it might be time for something smarter.

3. What’s the best Evernote alternative for productivity?

For high performers, Saner.AI is a strong contender. It combines:

• AI task suggestions from notes or emails
• Smart reminders tailored to your day
• Natural-language search across your docs and calendar
• A calm workspace that keeps everything in sync

Unlike basic note apps, Saner.AI acts like a personal assistant, not just a notepad.

4. What’s a minimalist Evernote alternative?

If you want fewer features and more focus, options like Obsidian or Apple Note offer clean writing environments.

But if you want calm, not manual control, tools like Saner.AI do the organizing for you, no tagging or sorting needed.

5. What’s the best Evernote alternative with AI?

Here are some AI-powered Evernote alternatives:

• Saner.AI - understands messy thoughts and turns them into reminders and plans

• Notion AI - adds AI to existing Notion workspace features
• NotebookLM - Google's tool for summarizing and answering based on your uploads

If you want an ADHD-friendly, low-effort way to turn notes into action, Saner.AI is designed exactly for that.

6. Is there a free Evernote alternative?

Yes! Many note apps have free plans:

• Saner.AI – free plan includes voice-to-task, reminders, and smart search
• Obsidian – free for personal use with local storage
• Apple Note – default app on iOS

You don’t have to pay to stay organized - especially if you want something smarter and simpler.

7. Which Evernote alternative is best for ADHD?

Saner.AI was designed by ADHDers for ADHDers. It reduces the need to tag, sort, or remember where you put things. Just brain-dump your thoughts, and Saner turns them into structured tasks and reminders.

No more “Where did I write that?” moments.

8. Can an Evernote alternative replace my to-do list?

Yes - some modern tools combine notes and tasks.

Saner.AI, for example:

• Extracts tasks from notes and emails automatically

• Adds deadlines and reminders in your calendar
• Prioritizes what to do next based on your context

It’s like having a productivity coach built into your notes.

9. What Evernote alternative works best for meetings?

Tools like Saner.AI and Notion AI are helpful for meeting-heavy workflows. Saner.AI pulls decisions, action items, and follow-ups straight from meeting notes so you don’t miss the next step.

Try asking it:

“What did we decide last week about the launch?”
And it finds the answer for you - fast.

Tired of Evernote - switch and regain your peace of mind

Try Saner.AI for free

[Last updated in 2026]