The Best Note Taking App Evernote Vs Onenote Showdown

Important thing to know about Evernote on Android phones after 2021: when you’re placing or moving a note into a notebook, the list of notebooks no longer shows up as alphabetized, but random. I’ve used this app for many years, and this change makes it so cumbersome for me (I have over 100 notebooks), I’m probably going to jump ship. Who pays for a note taking software or locks themselves into M$ walled garden? Use Emacs+Orgmode, blows both of these bloated overrated software into water. Or there are so many good open source alternatives like Joplin. Why pay?

Because there is security in paying for a product made by stable companies with deep pockets. Joplin could disappear any day This can happen to companies and their products as well, and a lot open source projects have a longer lifetime then many companies out there. Some may argue that support could be an argument, but with some open source projects this is also the case. Evernote may have the worst customer support ever. I have paid for premium for 8 years, but my notes suddenly all disappeared.

When I log in with email and password, I’m told that unless I have Premium (I do, but it doesn’t recognize me), I can’t chat. No way to ask a person what happened, and the “help” doesn’t. I’m switching to OneNote, but I’ve lost a lot of info. OneNote vs Evernote: Discover which note-taking app fits your workflow in 2025. Get expert insights on features, pricing, integrations, and real-world productivity use cases. Digital notes are no longer just about jotting things down.

In 2025, they’re your second brain, organising everything from lecture notes and meeting recaps to web clippings, PDFs, and creative ideas. Two apps are huge in this space: Microsoft OneNote and Evernote. But which one’s actually worth your time, attention, and (possibly) money? This guide goes beyond the basics to help you choose the best note-taking app for your unique workflow, whether you’re a student, executive, creative, or entrepreneur. Think of OneNote as your digital binder. It’s free, flexible, and works seamlessly with Microsoft 365.

You can mix typed text with handwritten notes, voice memos, drawings, and files—all on the same page. When it comes to choosing the best note-taking app for productivity, two giants dominate the conversation: Evernote and OneNote. Whether you're a student juggling assignments or a professional organizing your workflows, selecting the right tool can make a serious difference in how efficiently you capture and retrieve information. In this article, I break down Evernote vs OneNote—based on real use cases, features, and value—for anyone wondering which is truly the best free note-taking app in 2025. With AI integration, cross-device syncing, and cloud storage becoming standard, note-taking apps have evolved far beyond simple sticky notes. You’re no longer just choosing an app—you’re choosing a digital brain.

Whether you want to clip web articles, store handwritten notes, or collaborate with your team, the feature sets of Evernote and OneNote differ more than you might think. Evernote has been around since 2008 and is praised for its intuitive tagging system and clean interface. It's perfect for users who: As a marketer at a fast-paced agency, I would be terrible at my job if I didn't take good notes. You know—project deadline reminders, priority lists, links to resources, research notes—all the things that, if unkempt, could turn into a pile of colorful sticky notes and paper mountains on my desk. There are a lot of .css-19a5n3-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;}note-taking apps out there that solve this...

Evernote went to pot for a few years, losing its edge, but it's made a comeback. OneNote, however, has consistently held its ground, especially for those already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. I downloaded both apps and spent several days using each one to better understand their nuanced features. Read on for an in-depth look at Evernote vs. OneNote, and decide which app is right for you. .css-19a5n3-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;}Evernote vs.

OneNote at a glance .css-19a5n3-Link{all:unset;box-sizing:border-box;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;-webkit-transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;transition:all 300ms ease-in-out;outline-offset:1px;-webkit-text-fill-color:currentColor;outline:1px solid transparent;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:hover{outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='ocean']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='white']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']{color:var(--zds-text-link, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:hover{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #2b2358);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='primary']:focus{color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);outline-color:var(--zds-text-link-hover, #3d4592);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:hover{color:var(--zds-gray-warm-5, #a8a5a0);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-color='secondary']:focus{color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);outline-color:var(--zds-brand-almost-white, #fffdf9);}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='inherit']{font-weight:inherit;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='normal']{font-weight:400;}.css-19a5n3-Link[data-weight='bold']{font-weight:700;}What's not different between Evernote and OneNote We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Choose which cookies you allow: The time of notebooks and diaries is long gone, now the world is ruled by note taking apps that have become indispensable tools for us to organize our thoughts, ideas and information. Two of the most popular options are Evernote and Microsoft OneNote.

If you are trying to choose between these leading note-taking apps, this review is for you. I will detail all the differences, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of these apps. Ready? Then let’s go! Evernote easily organizes your notes into notebooks and stacks of notepads. Its interface is clean and minimalist, making it easy to navigate even for beginners.

Each Evernote note can be easily categorized and tagged. A powerful search function allows you to quickly find individual note by keywords, tags, or even text in images. Microsoft OneNote is similar to the paper notebook we are used to, with a similar structure: sections and pages in OneNote. This interface may seem more intuitive if you’re used to traditional note-taking methods. OneNote offers a canvas-like approach where you can place content anywhere on the page, much like a physical notebook. Many users looking for an Evernote alternative often turn to OneNote because of this flexible canvas.

Conversely, those seeking a OneNote alternative might prefer Evernote’s more structured approach. Our analysts compared OneNote vs Evernote based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Note-Taking Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform. Is Microsoft OneNote really worth taking note of, or is it just another note-taking app lost in the shuffle? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag, but one thing is clear: OneNote's generous free plan and robust features make it a strong contender in the note-taking arena. Users consistently praise its versatility in handling various media types, like seamlessly integrating graphs, pictures, and even audio recordings into notes. This flexibility sets it apart from more restrictive competitors like Evernote, which often lock such features behind paywalls.

However, OneNote's interface is a common point of contention. Some users find it less intuitive than rivals like Evernote, particularly when navigating through extensive notes. This clunkiness can be a hurdle for those seeking a streamlined, minimalist experience. Another drawback is the limited local storage option available only on Windows, a potential dealbreaker for users prioritizing offline access on other operating systems. Despite these drawbacks, OneNote shines with its comprehensive organizational tools. Users appreciate the ability to structure notes into a hierarchy of pages, sections, and subsections, making it a breeze to manage even the most unwieldy amounts of information.

This granular control, coupled with seamless cross-device syncing and tight integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, makes OneNote a compelling choice for students, professionals, and anyone seeking a powerful, free-to-use note-taking solution. Are you still jotting down notes the Ever-way instead of Ever-now? In the past year, Evernote has received a mixed bag of reviews from its user base. On the positive side, many users continue to praise its intuitive interface and powerful search capabilities, which make organizing and retrieving notes a breeze. The cross-platform syncing remains a strong point, allowing seamless access across devices, and the structured organization through Notes and Notebooks appeals to those who prefer a methodical approach to information management. However, a significant number of users have voiced frustrations following the 2023 acquisition by Bending Spoons, which led to a doubling of subscription costs.

This price hike has made the free version feel notably restrictive, especially when compared to more generous offerings from competitors like Microsoft OneNote and Notion. Additionally, performance issues such as slow loading times and frequent intrusive upgrade prompts have detracted from the overall user experience. These drawbacks have made Evernote appear less flexible and more expensive, causing many to reconsider their loyalty. Users emphasize that while Evernote still offers reliable synchronization and a solid foundation for note-taking, the elevated costs and diminishing returns have pushed them towards alternatives that provide better value and evolving feature sets. Ultimately, Evernote seems best suited for individuals and professionals who heavily rely on its structured organization and are willing to invest in its premium features despite the higher price. For those seeking more flexibility and affordability, exploring other note-taking applications might be a more favorable option.

OneNote has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 89% when considering 4694 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. Evernote has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 3698 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites. In our fast-paced digital world, staying organized and productive is essential for success. Two popular note-taking and organization tools, Evernote and OneNote, have been competing for the spotlight in helping users manage their tasks, projects, and ideas efficiently. Both platforms offer a range of features designed to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. In this feature article, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Evernote and OneNote to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

In an era where information overload is a common challenge, the ability to effectively organize and retrieve information quickly is crucial. When choosing between Evernote and OneNote, consider your preferences for interface and customization. If you want a sleek, streamlined design with simple note organization, Evernote could be your best fit. But if you prefer a flexible, notebook-like environment with extensive personalization options, OneNote might suit you better. Both support cloud sync across devices, but pricing and platform support vary. Keep exploring to discover which app aligns perfectly with your workflow and needs.

When comparing note-taking apps, their features and user interfaces play a crucial role in your overall experience. You’ll find that effective note organization helps you keep everything tidy and accessible, whether through folders, tags, or notebooks. Both Evernote and OneNote excel here, offering customizable options to suit your style. User customization allows you to tailor the app’s appearance and layout, making it more intuitive for you to find and edit notes quickly. Evernote’s clean, streamlined interface emphasizes simplicity, while OneNote provides a more flexible, notebook-like workspace. These design choices impact how easily you can navigate and organize your notes, ultimately shaping how productive and comfortable you feel when using each app.

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