Evernote vs Microsoft OneNote: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Evernote and Microsoft OneNote 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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 the higher-rated option (8.2/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Classic note-taking app with web clipper, document scanning, and cross-device sync
- • Organizational features include notebooks, tags, and powerful search across all content
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need productivity features specifically
- • Free digital notebook from Microsoft
- • Great for visual and handwritten notes
| At a Glance |  Evernote | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Note-Taking | Productivity |
Rating | 82/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Evernote | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 82 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingFile Management | ProductivityNote-Taking |
How Evernote and Microsoft OneNote Compare
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Free
Evernote is a note-taking tool. Microsoft OneNote is in productivity.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Evernote is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Evernote scores 82/100. Microsoft OneNote is unrated.
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Evernote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Evernote is freemium. Microsoft OneNote is free. Go with Microsoft OneNote if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Evernote is a note-taking tool. Microsoft OneNote is in productivity. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Evernote
- Higher score: 82/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft OneNote
- Completely free
- Better fit for productivity
The Bottom Line
Evernote (82/100) is our pick. That said, Microsoft OneNote is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evernote or Microsoft OneNote better?
Evernote scores 82/100 in our evaluation. Evernote is freemium and Microsoft OneNote is free.
What are Evernote and Microsoft OneNote used for?
Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years. Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything.
What does Evernote cost vs Microsoft OneNote?
Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.