Best Evernote alternatives in 2026

Looking for an alternative to Evernote? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest note-taking apps alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Evernote itself has a free tier, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.

1
Obsidian
Best for: researchers
Local-first Markdown knowledge base. A popular note taking alternative to Evernote with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $4/mo. Particularly strong for researchers.
4.7Free – $4/moVisit
2
Heptabase
Best for: researchers
If Evernote feels like overkill or over-budget, Heptabase is a leaner option. Visual note-taking on an infinite canvas. Pricing: from $8.99/mo.
4.6From $8.99/moVisit
3
Apple Notes
Best for: apple-users
Apple Notes goes head-to-head with Evernote on features with a genuinely usable free tier. Simple notes, built into Apple devices. Best suited to apple-users. Free.
4.6FreeVisit
4
Capacities
Best for: researchers
A well-rated note taking pick. A studio for your mind (object-based notes). Capacities offers a free plan and starts at free – $10/mo, making it a credible Evernote replacement.
4.6Free – $10/moVisit
5
Logseq
Best for: researchers
Open-source, local-first outliner. A popular note taking alternative to Evernote with a genuinely usable free tier — free. Particularly strong for researchers.
4.5FreeVisit
6
Google Keep
Best for: individuals
If Evernote feels like overkill or over-budget, Google Keep is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. Quick notes and lists. Pricing: free.
4.5FreeVisit
7
Tana
Best for: power-users
Tana goes head-to-head with Evernote on features with a genuinely usable free tier. The everything OS for power users. Best suited to power-users. Free – $10/mo.
4.5Free – $10/moVisit
8
Roam Research
Best for: researchers
A well-rated note taking pick. A note-taking tool for networked thought. Roam Research starts at from $15/mo, making it a credible Evernote replacement.
4.2From $15/moVisit

Still considering Evernote itself? Read our Evernote review →

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Evernote alternative?

Obsidian is our top-rated Evernote alternative for 2026. Local-first Markdown knowledge base. Free – $4/mo.

Is there a free Evernote alternative?

Yes — Obsidian, Apple Notes, Capacities all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.

Why switch from Evernote?

Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Evernote.