GoodNotes vs Evernote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between GoodNotes 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
GoodNotes
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
Best for you if:
- • Capture notes using handwriting, typing, drawing, or audio with AI assistance.
- • Collaborate in real-time on digital notebooks, whiteboards, and text documents.
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
| At a Glance |  GoodNotes |  Evernote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose GoodNotes or Evernote?
Choose GoodNotes if
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
- Highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles.
- Powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding.
- Seamless real-time collaboration makes it great for teams and education.
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
| Feature | GoodNotes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 267 reviews | ★4.4/5 10,278 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
GoodNotes
Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.
Strengths
- +Highly flexible input methods cater to diverse note-taking styles.
- +Powerful AI features significantly enhance productivity and understanding.
- +Seamless real-time collaboration makes it great for teams and education.
- +Comprehensive search functionality, including handwritten content.
- +Available across multiple operating systems.
Weaknesses
- -Some advanced AI features and cross-platform sync are limited or in beta.
- -Certain features like audio transcription and presentation mode are currently iOS-only.
- -Free plan has significant limitations on file count and AI usage.
Key features
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
Pricing: GoodNotes vs Evernote
| Plan | GoodNotes | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $11.99/year Essential | $14.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | $9.99/month AI Pass+ | $19.99 Advanced |
| Tier 4 | $35.99/year Pro | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $35.99 one-time Special Edition | N/A |
| Tier 6 | $10/month per user (billed annually) Teams | N/A |
| Tier 7 | Contact us Enterprise | N/A |
| Tier 8 | Free Education | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on GoodNotes pricing and Evernote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: GoodNotes
Want the highest-rated option?
GoodNotes: 4.2/5 (267 reviews). Evernote: 4.4/5 (10,278 reviews).
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
GoodNotes: 267 reviews (4.2/5). Evernote: 10,278 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?
Evernote is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Evernote
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (10,278 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
GoodNotes
- Choose if you want capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking
The Bottom Line
Evernote is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GoodNotes or Evernote better?
Evernote is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are GoodNotes and Evernote used for?
GoodNotes: Capture, organize, and elevate your ideas with AI-powered digital note-taking.. Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years.
What does GoodNotes cost vs Evernote?
GoodNotes is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.