Evernote vs Obsidian: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Evernote and Obsidian 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.
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:
- • Classic note-taking app with web clipper, document scanning, and cross-device sync
- • Organizational features include notebooks, tags, and powerful search across all content
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
| At a Glance |  Evernote |  Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Evernote or Obsidian?
Choose Evernote if
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
- Excellent web clipper for saving articles
- Strong search including handwritten notes
- Cross-platform sync
Choose Obsidian if
Private and flexible note-taking
- Local-first privacy
- Extensible plugins
- Graph view
| Feature | Evernote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 10,278 reviews | ★4.4/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
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
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Strengths
- +Local-first privacy
- +Extensible plugins
- +Graph view
Weaknesses
- -Sync costs extra
- -Steep learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Evernote vs Obsidian
| Plan | Evernote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $14.99 Starter | $4/user/month Sync |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 Advanced | $8/site/month Publish |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $50/user/year Commercial |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Evernote pricing and Obsidian 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 (10,278 reviews). Obsidian: 4.4/5 (29 reviews).
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
Evernote: 10,278 reviews (4.4/5). Obsidian: 29 reviews (4.4/5).
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?
Both are rated 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Evernote
- Larger review base (10,278 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Obsidian is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evernote or Obsidian better?
Obsidian is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Evernote and Obsidian used for?
Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Evernote cost vs Obsidian?
Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.