Evernote vs Mem: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Evernote and Mem 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: Evernote wins this matchup. Granola ranks #1 on our Note-Taking list. Granola is the highest-listed Note-Taking tool with a free plan. Pick Mem 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:
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
Mem
Your notes organize themselves with AI
Best for you if:
- • You want aI organization
- • You want auto-surfacing
| At a Glance | Evernote | Mem |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 3.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Evernote or Mem?
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
Choose Mem if
Your notes organize themselves with AI
- You want aI organization
- You want auto-surfacing
| Feature | Evernote | Mem |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 10,296 reviews | ★3.0/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingAI Assistants |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Mem
Your notes organize themselves with AI
Mem's pricing is quite fair, offering a robust Premium tier at $8/month that includes AI features and unlimited notes.
Strengths
- +AI organization
- +Auto-surfacing
- +Natural capture
Weaknesses
- -Requires trust in AI
Key features
Pricing: Evernote vs Mem
| Plan | Evernote | Mem |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $14.99 Starter | $8 Premium |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 Advanced | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Evernote pricing and Mem pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Evernote
Want the highest-rated option?
Evernote: 4.4/5 (10,296 reviews). Mem: 3.0/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
Evernote: 10,296 reviews (4.4/5). Mem: 6 reviews (3.0/5).
Go with: Evernote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
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 3.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Evernote
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 3.0/5
- Larger review base (10,296 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Mem
- Choose if you want your notes organize themselves with AI
The Bottom Line
Evernote 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 Evernote or Mem better?
Evernote is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Evernote and Mem used for?
Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years. Mem: Your notes organize themselves with AI.
What does Evernote cost vs Mem?
Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Mem is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.