Apple Notes vs Evernote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Apple Notes and Evernote comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Apple Notes wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan. Pick Evernote if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Evernote requires payment)
- • You want free with Apple devices
- • You want good for quick notes
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Best for you if:
- • You want excellent web clipper for saving articles
- • You want strong search including handwritten notes
| At a Glance | Apple Notes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Apple Notes or Evernote?
Choose Apple Notes if
Free note-taking for Apple users
- You want a fully free tool (Evernote requires payment)
- You want free with Apple devices
- You want good for quick notes
Choose Evernote if
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
- You want excellent web clipper for saving articles
- You want strong search including handwritten notes
| Feature | Apple Notes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.1/5 14 reviews | ★4.4/5 10,296 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Apple Notes
Free note-taking for Apple users
Apple Notes itself is entirely free and incredibly generous, offering full functionality without any locked features.
Watch out
iCloud storage needed for large attachments
Strengths
- +Free with Apple devices
- +Good for quick notes
- +Decent scanning
- +Collaboration works
- +Fast sync
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Limited organization
- -No Markdown
- -Basic formatting
- -Export options limited
Key features
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Evernote's pricing is expensive, especially the Starter tier at $14.99/month for very limited features.
Strengths
- +Excellent web clipper for saving articles
- +Strong search including handwritten notes
- +Cross-platform sync
- +Mature and stable platform
- +Good document scanning
Weaknesses
- -Free plan severely limited (2 devices only)
- -Expensive premium plans
- -Development has stagnated
- -Performance issues with large notebooks
- -Lost market share to Notion and others
Key features
Pricing: Apple Notes vs Evernote
| Plan | Apple Notes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 0 Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | 0.99 iCloud+ 50GB | $14.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | 2.99 iCloud+ 200GB | $19.99 Advanced |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Apple Notes pricing and Evernote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Apple Notes is free. Evernote is freemium.
Go with: Apple Notes
Want the highest-rated option?
Apple Notes: 4.1/5 (14 reviews). Evernote: 4.4/5 (10,296 reviews).
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
Apple Notes: 14 reviews (4.1/5). Evernote: 10,296 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Evernote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Apple Notes is free. Evernote is freemium. Go with Apple Notes if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Evernote is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5.
Key Takeaways
Apple Notes
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Evernote
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.1/5
- Larger review base (10,296 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Apple Notes wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Apple Notes or Evernote better?
Apple Notes is rated in our evaluation. Apple Notes is free and Evernote is freemium.
What are Apple Notes and Evernote used for?
Apple Notes: Free note-taking for Apple users. Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years.
What does Apple Notes cost vs Evernote?
Apple Notes is completely free. Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.