Joplin vs Evernote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Joplin 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: Evernote wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Pick Joplin if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Best for you if:
- • You want open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format
- • You want strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE)
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want excellent web clipper for saving articles
- • You want strong search including handwritten notes
| At a Glance | Joplin | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Joplin or Evernote?
Choose Joplin if
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
- You want open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format
- You want strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE)
Choose Evernote if
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want excellent web clipper for saving articles
- You want strong search including handwritten notes
| Feature | Joplin | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 67 reviews | ★4.4/5 10,296 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Joplin
Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.
Joplin's pricing is fair, especially for individual users.
Strengths
- +Open-source and ensures data ownership in an open format.
- +Strong emphasis on privacy with End-To-End Encryption (E2EE).
- +Highly customizable with plugins, themes, and API.
- +Available across a wide range of platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Terminal).
- +Supports multimedia content and web clipping for comprehensive note-taking.
Weaknesses
- -E2EE setup requires manual enabling on each device.
- -Initial E2EE sync can be time-consuming for large note collections.
- -Advanced collaboration and sharing features are tied to paid Joplin Cloud plans.
Key features
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Evernote's pricing is expensive, especially the Starter tier at $14.99/month for very limited features.
Strengths
- +Excellent web clipper for saving articles
- +Strong search including handwritten notes
- +Cross-platform sync
- +Mature and stable platform
- +Good document scanning
Weaknesses
- -Free plan severely limited (2 devices only)
- -Expensive premium plans
- -Development has stagnated
- -Performance issues with large notebooks
- -Lost market share to Notion and others
Key features
Pricing: Joplin vs Evernote
| Plan | Joplin | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2.99$ /month Basic | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | 5.99$ /month Pro | $14.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | 7.99$ /month (*) Teams | $19.99 Advanced |
| Tier 4 | Contact us Joplin Server Business | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Joplin pricing and Evernote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Evernote has a free tier. Joplin is paid only.
Go with: Evernote
Want the highest-rated option?
Joplin: 4.3/5 (67 reviews). Evernote: 4.4/5 (10,296 reviews).
Go with: Evernote
Value user reviews?
Joplin: 67 reviews (4.3/5). Evernote: 10,296 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Evernote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Joplin is paid. Evernote is freemium. Evernote lets you start free.
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 4.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Evernote
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (10,296 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Joplin
- Choose if you want capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app
The Bottom Line
Evernote wins this matchup. Our overall Note-Taking pick is Fathom. Our free Note-Taking pick is Fathom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joplin or Evernote better?
Evernote is rated in our evaluation. Joplin is paid and Evernote is freemium.
What are Joplin and Evernote used for?
Joplin: Capture your thoughts and securely access them from any device with this open-source note-taking app.. Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years.
What does Joplin cost vs Evernote?
Joplin is a paid tool. Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.