Evernote Alternatives
7 Tools Like Evernote
Quick answer: Top Evernote alternatives include Microsoft OneNote, Obsidian and Joplin. For open source, look at Joplin and Simplenote. Microsoft OneNote and Obsidian are free or have free plans.
Evernote is a long-running note-taking app for capturing notes, web clippings and documents.
Many long-time users look for Evernote alternatives after changes to its free plan and pricing, or because they want faster apps, open formats or better privacy.
- 7 alternatives
- 7 with a free plan
- 2 open source
The best Evernote alternatives
#1Microsoft OneNote
onenote.com
A free notebook-style note app with sections and pages, included with Microsoft 365.
Read more
In Microsoft OneNote’s own words: “Capture your ideas with Microsoft OneNote online. Organize notes, clip web content, and collaborate with others from any device.”
Microsoft OneNote is free to use.
People switching from Evernote and Google Keep often consider Microsoft OneNote.
#2Obsidian
obsidian.md
Local Markdown notes with backlinks and plugins — your notes stay as files you own.
Read more
In Obsidian’s own words: “The free and flexible app for your private thoughts.”
Obsidian has a free plan and is built with privacy in mind.
People switching from Notion, Evernote, OneNote and Google Keep often consider Obsidian.
#3Joplin
joplinapp.org
An open-source note app with a web clipper, Markdown notes and end-to-end encrypted sync.
Read more
In Joplin’s own words: “Joplin, the open source note-taking application”
Joplin is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Evernote, OneNote and Obsidian often consider Joplin.
#4Standard Notes
standardnotes.com
An end-to-end encrypted notes app focused on privacy and longevity.
Read more
In Standard Notes’s own words: “Standard Notes helps you gain control in a world that often feels out of control. Protect your life's work with end-to-end encryption, advanced security measures, and unmatched privacy controls.”
Standard Notes has a free plan and is built with privacy in mind.
People switching from Evernote, OneNote and Google Keep often consider Standard Notes.
#5Bear
bear.app
A fast, elegant Markdown note app for Apple devices with tags instead of folders.
Read more
In Bear’s own words: “Bear is a beautiful, powerfully simple Markdown note taking app to capture, write, and organize your life.”
Bear runs on Mac and has a free plan.
People switching from Evernote often consider Bear.
#6Simplenote
simplenote.com
Plain, fast, free notes synced across devices.
Read more
In Simplenote’s own words: “The simplest way to keep notes. Light, clean, and free. Simplenote is now available for iOS, Android, Mac, and the web.”
Simplenote is free to use and is open source.
People switching from Evernote and Google Keep often consider Simplenote.
#7Notion
notion.so
Notes, docs and databases in one workspace — more structured than Evernote.
Read more
In Notion’s own words: “Build Custom Agents, search across all your apps, and automate busywork. The AI workspace where teams get more done, faster.”
Notion has a free plan.
People switching from Evernote, Confluence, Monday.com, ClickUp and Airtable often consider Notion, along with 7 other tools.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Evernote alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Evernote | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft OneNote | A free, familiar replacement | Free, with a notebook structure and strong pen support. | Search and organisation can feel loose, and there’s no web-clipper-first workflow. |
| Obsidian | Long-term personal knowledge | Your notes are plain files, with links between ideas and many plugins. | Web clipping and scanning need extra setup. |
| Joplin | An open-source Evernote replacement | Open source, with web clipping, encryption and sync through your own storage. | A plainer interface. |
| Standard Notes | Private notes | End-to-end encrypted by default. | Fewer rich features on the free plan. |
| Bear | Writers on Apple devices | A beautiful Markdown editor with simple tags. | Apple devices only. |
| Simplenote | Fast, simple text notes | Free, instant and very light. | Plain text only, with no attachments or clipper. |
| Notion | Notes plus projects and databases | A flexible workspace that goes far beyond notes. | Slower for quick capture, and offline use is more limited. |
Which should you choose?
- You want a free, like-for-like replacement: Microsoft OneNote or Joplin
- You care most about privacy: Standard Notes
- You only want quick text notes: Simplenote
- You want notes and projects together: Notion
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
Built a Evernote alternative?
Get it featured right here
Launch it on LaunchStall: a full week on the leaderboard, a permanent product page and a spot at the top of this list.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Evernote alternatives?
Popular Evernote alternatives include Microsoft OneNote, Obsidian and Joplin. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Evernote?
Yes. Microsoft OneNote, Obsidian, Joplin and Standard Notes are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Evernote?
Yes — Joplin and Simplenote are open source.
Why do people look for Evernote alternatives?
Many long-time users look for Evernote alternatives after changes to its free plan and pricing, or because they want faster apps, open formats or better privacy.
More notes & docs alternatives
Alternatives to other tools
TrelloAsanaMonday.comClickUpJiraAirtableTodoistMiroCanvaFigmaAdobe PhotoshopAhrefsSemrushMozMailchimpHootsuiteBufferHubSpotAll alternatives →