As a daily Evernote user for years, I've grown frustrated with its limitations despite its strengths. The company shows little incentive to upgrade, pushing me toward simpler, more flexible options that better suit my needs.
Here, I'll share my real-world frustrations based on extensive use and compare them to top competitors.
I don't expect miracles from free tiers, but Evernote's recent crackdown has made it uncompetitive. Evernote Free vs. Paid: Which Plan Is Right For You? The company can set its rules, yet alternatives shine brighter.
Microsoft OneNote is fully free with no restrictions. Apple Notes has evolved dramatically since 2017 for iOS and macOS users. Simplenote remains free, simple, and cross-platform.
Evernote now feels like a premium trial. Key free-tier pain points include:
Basic is free but limited; Premium costs $89.99/year ($9.99/month) for 10GB monthly uploads, unlimited devices, searchable attachments, offline access, email forwarding, PDF annotation, presentation mode, and business card scanning.
Many features like PDF tools and presentations don't justify the price for me. For $10 more annually ($99.99), Office 365 offers 1TB OneDrive per user for up to five family members. No middle-tier Plus plan exists anymore—it's Premium or bust.
For the price, essentials like Markdown support are absent—crucial for efficient typing in notes. Individual note locking isn't available across platforms either; only full-app locks on mobile. Apple Notes has offered per-note locks for years.
Evernote invests in extras like dedicated scanners (Top 7 Mobile Document Scanner Apps), Apple Pencil integrations, web clippers, and Work Chat—features I rarely use. I'd pay more for core enhancements like Markdown and granular security. Your needs may differ.
The Mac app slows over time. Worse, the iOS app constantly runs out of memory: switching apps reloads you to search, forcing you to refind notes. This rarely happens in Apple Notes or others.
I revoked microphone access after accidental voice recordings ate upload quotas—the button's too prominent.
These issues build real annoyance after years of use.
Even if Evernote works for you, explore options. (The Best Evernote Alternatives You Need Today)
Microsoft OneNote mirrors Evernote closely: free, 5GB OneDrive storage, no device limits, web clipper, WordPress/IFTTT integrations, and full cross-platform support.
Simplenote suits text purists: unlimited storage/devices, always free, no media attachments.
Apple Notes excels on Apple devices with attachments, folders, locking, and scanning (web access via iCloud.com).
Bear offers a polished Mac/iOS experience; free core with $15/year Pro for extras. (10 Reasons Bear Notes Is Better Than Apple Notes; Forget Apple Notes: 5 Unique Note-Taking Apps for Mac; Best Free Android Note Taking Apps; Productivity in Linux: 7 Applications to Take Notes.)
Use the Mac/Windows desktop app. Export notebooks via right-click > Export Notes in ENEX format.
For OneNote: Migrate from Evernote to OneNote. For Apple Notes: Switching from Evernote to Apple Notes. Rivals provide easy import guides.
If these don't sway you, great—stick with what works. But inertia harms productivity. (A No-Excuses Guide to Productivity; Google Keep vs. Evernote.) Reevaluate regularly.
