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Evernote still suits people who want notes and tasks together, but its free tier is tight and its listed starting price is $8.25. Some longtime users on Reddit object to paying for bundled features they don’t need; others report confusing or inconsistent UX. For a more direct notes app, Joplin is a strong place to start. Obsidian suits people who want local Markdown files, while the other options here trade Evernote’s notebook approach for linked cards, encrypted notes or nested lists.
01Why people leave Evernote
Price feels high for basic notes
Users in one Reddit thread objected to a reported $130 annual price, especially when they wanted basic note-taking rather than bundled features.
New features aren’t for everyone
Some former users say calendar and task additions miss the point; others describe confusing, slow or inconsistent UX.
Moving a large archive takes work
Reddit users describe notebook-by-notebook exports and large archives; one commenter points to ENEX export and Joplin import as an option.
02The alternatives, ranked by fit
- Open-source notes
JoplinJoplinJoplin is the most direct fit if you want to leave Evernote without replacing it with a broader work suite. It’s an open-source notes app with Markdown customization, and a Reddit commenter describes exporting Evernote notes as ENEX and importing them into Joplin. Its listed starting price is $2.40.
Trade-off: The Basic plan has a 2 GB cap, which may constrain a large archive.
7.8/10from
€2.40/mo - Local Markdown files
ObsidianObsidianObsidian fits people who want their notes kept as local Markdown files and organized as a personal knowledge base. That’s a different approach from Evernote’s all-in-one notebook, and it may suit researchers who want connected notes. It has a free plan; the listed starting price is $4.
Trade-off: Convenient syncing is a separate subscription.
8.0/10from
$4/mofree plan - Encrypted notes
Standard NotesStandard NotesStandard Notes is worth considering if privacy and offline access matter more to you than Evernote’s wider feature set. It offers a free plan and paid plans listed from $7.50. The source also lists team sharing for up to five accounts, making it an option for small groups that need shared notes.
Trade-off: Paid plans may cost more than the features justify for some users.
6.4/10from
$7.50/mofree plan - Linked note cards
SupernotesSupernotesSupernotes swaps the traditional notebook feel for linked, shareable notecards. It may suit people who organize ideas through connections or want to share and edit cards with a team. There’s a free starting tier, so you can explore that format before paying; a paid starting price is not published.
Trade-off: The free plan’s 100-card limit is a real ceiling.
6.8/10from
Freefree plan - Nested lists
WorkFlowyWorkFlowyWorkFlowy is a better match if your Evernote archive is mostly outlines, lists and tasks rather than formatted reference notes. Its nested-list approach is simpler than an all-in-one notebook, and it has a free plan. The listed starting price is $6.99 for Pro.
Trade-off: The free plan stops at 100 nodes, so regular use may mean paying.
7.3/10from
$6.99/mofree plan - AI note search
MemMemMem is a candidate if you want AI search across captured notes rather than a conventional notebook replacement. It connects notes with AI search and can link notes to calendar events. A free plan is listed, with paid plans starting at $9; check its usage caps before moving a large archive.
Trade-off: Usage caps and rising plan costs deserve close scrutiny.
6.0/10from
$9/mofree plan
03Side by side
| Tool | Score | From | Free plan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Evernote Evernote (current) | 6.0 | $8.25/mo | Yes | People organizing projects and reference notes |
| Joplin Joplin | 7.8 | €2.40/mo | No | People who want an open-source notes app |
| Obsidian Obsidian | 8.0 | $4/mo | Yes | People who want local Markdown files |
| Standard Notes Standard Notes | 6.4 | $7.50/mo | Yes | People who prioritize encrypted notes |
| Supernotes Supernotes | 6.8 | Free | Yes | People who think in linked notes |
| WorkFlowy WorkFlowy | 7.3 | $6.99/mo | Yes | People who think in nested lists |
| Mem Mem | 6.0 | $9/mo | Yes | People who want AI over their notes |
Questions people ask
What was the downfall of Evernote?
There isn’t one agreed cause in the published material. Reddit users point to pricing, feature additions they don’t need, and complaints about confusing or inconsistent UX. Some longtime users say they wanted a basic notes app rather than a broader suite. Those are user reports, not proof that every Evernote customer has the same problem.
What is the best Evernote replacement in 2026?
For a straightforward notes-app alternative, Joplin is the closest fit among these picks: it’s open source, supports Markdown customization and was recommended by an Evernote user discussing migration. Obsidian is a better match for local Markdown files. The right choice depends on your archive and whether you value privacy, linked notes or lists.
Is there a free version of Evernote anymore?
The information available for this page lists a free Evernote plan and describes its tier as tight, but it doesn’t provide current limits or confirm whether plan availability has changed. Check Evernote’s pricing page for current terms before cancelling. Export and verify your notes in the new app before you rely on the move.