Evernote Review: Still the Best Note-Taking App?
Our comprehensive evaluation of Evernote shows why it remains a top choice for organized note-taking, despite growing competition in the productivity space.
Overview
Evernote remains one of the most full-featured note-taking applications available, with robust organization capabilities, powerful search, and cross-platform availability. While newer competitors have emerged, Evernote's depth of features, reliability, and recent AI enhancements keep it at the forefront of digital note-taking solutions for professionals, students, and organized thinkers.
Version Tested
Evernote v10.52 (June 2025)
Platforms
Web, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Free Tier
Available with limitations
AI Features
Note cleanup, search, suggestions
Note: Evernote's full potential is unlocked with a paid subscription, as the free version has strict monthly note upload limits.
Key Features
Evernote offers a comprehensive set of features for capturing and organizing information:
Rich Note Editor
Format text, add checklists, embed files, and more in versatile notes.
Notebook Organization
Hierarchical notebooks and stacks for systematic organization.
Powerful Search
Find text in notes, PDFs, images, and even handwritten notes.
Web Clipper
Save web pages and articles with excellent formatting preservation.
AI Features
Note cleanup, smart suggestions, and improved search.
Cross-Platform Sync
Seamless sync across all your devices in real-time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most comprehensive note organization system
- Best-in-class web clipper
- Powerful search across all note types
- Reliable cross-platform performance
- Strong template library
- Excellent PDF and document handling
Cons
- Expensive compared to some competitors
- Free tier is very limited
- Can feel overwhelming for simple needs
- Mobile app less refined than desktop
- AI features lag behind some competitors
- Occasional sync issues
Pricing & Plans
Evernote offers several pricing tiers with different feature sets:
Free
- 60MB monthly uploads
- 25MB max note size
- Basic organization
- Web clipper
- Search in notes
Personal
- 10GB monthly uploads
- 200MB max note size
- Advanced organization
- Offline access
- AI cleanup features
Professional
- 20GB monthly uploads
- 200MB max note size
- PDF annotation
- Calendar integration
- Advanced AI features
Note: Evernote occasionally offers discounts for annual subscriptions (about 20% off monthly pricing).
How It Compares
Evernote holds its own against newer note-taking competitors:
| Feature | Evernote | Notion | OneNote | Bear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organization | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Web Clipping | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Search | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Templates | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Pricing | $$$ | $$ | Free-$ | $ |
| AI Features | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
Best Use Cases
Evernote excels in these specific applications:
Research Organization
Collect and organize research materials from multiple sources.
Meeting Notes
Take structured notes with audio recording and action items.
Web Content Saving
Clip and organize articles, recipes, and reference materials.
Project Management
Track projects with notes, checklists, and attached files.
Personal Knowledge Base
Build a searchable repository of your knowledge and ideas.
Travel Planning
Organize itineraries, reservations, and travel research.
Expert Tips
Maximize your Evernote experience with these professional techniques:
Master Tagging
Combine notebooks with tags for powerful organization.
Use Shortcuts
Pin frequently used notes and searches for quick access.
Clip Smartly
Use 'Simplified Article' view for cleaner web clips.
Leverage Templates
Create reusable templates for common note types.
Advanced Search
Learn search operators like "notebook:research tag:urgent".
Mobile Capture
Use quick capture widget for instant note creation.
Alternatives to Consider
While Evernote is excellent, these alternatives may better suit specific needs:
Notion
Best for: Database-style notes, team collaboration
Limitations: Steeper learning curve
OneNote
Best for: Free option, Microsoft ecosystem
Limitations: Less robust organization
Obsidian
Best for: Markdown lovers, local storage
Limitations: No web clipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evernote worth the subscription cost?
+For power users who need robust organization and regularly save multimedia notes, yes. Casual users might find the free version or cheaper alternatives sufficient.
How does Evernote's AI compare to Notion's?
+Notion's AI is currently more advanced for content generation. Evernote's AI focuses more on organization, cleanup, and search enhancement.
Can I export my notes if I cancel?
+Yes, Evernote allows full export of your notes in multiple formats (HTML, PDF, ENEX). Some formatting may not transfer perfectly to other apps.
Is Evernote good for team collaboration?
+It's adequate but not ideal. Notion or Microsoft Teams/OneNote are better for real-time team collaboration features.
How secure is Evernote?
+Evernote uses standard encryption for data in transit and at rest. For highly sensitive data, enable two-factor authentication and consider local encryption for specific notes.
Ready to Organize Your Digital Life?
Evernote remains the most comprehensive note-taking solution for serious users.
Try Evernote NowLast Updated: June 22, 2025 | Suggest an Update