Microsoft OneNote vs Evernote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Microsoft OneNote 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 is our overall pick for note-taking workflows. Pick Microsoft OneNote if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free digital notebook from Microsoft
- • Great for visual and handwritten notes
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 |  Evernote | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Choose Microsoft OneNote or Evernote?
Choose Microsoft OneNote if
Digital notebook for organizing everything
- Completely free
- Great handwriting/tablet support
- Deep Microsoft integration
- You want a fully free tool (Evernote requires payment)
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 | Microsoft OneNote | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 3,799 reviews | ★4.4/5 10,278 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Microsoft OneNote
Digital notebook for organizing everything
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Great handwriting/tablet support
- +Deep Microsoft integration
- +Unlimited storage (with M365)
- +Good for visual thinkers
Weaknesses
- -Can feel cluttered
- -Sync issues occasionally
- -Less structured than Notion
- -Microsoft account required
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: Microsoft OneNote vs Evernote
| Plan | Microsoft OneNote | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.99 month With Microsoft 365 | $14.99 Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $19.99 Advanced |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Microsoft OneNote pricing and Evernote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Evernote is freemium.
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Microsoft OneNote: 4.6/5 (3,799 reviews). Evernote: 4.4/5 (10,278 reviews).
Go with: Microsoft OneNote
Value user reviews?
Microsoft OneNote: 3,799 reviews (4.6/5). Evernote: 10,278 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: Evernote
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Microsoft OneNote is free. Evernote is freemium. Go with Microsoft OneNote if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Microsoft OneNote is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5.
Key Takeaways
Evernote
- Larger review base (10,278 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Microsoft OneNote
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.4/5
The Bottom Line
Evernote is our pick. That said, Microsoft OneNote is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft OneNote or Evernote better?
Evernote is rated in our evaluation. Microsoft OneNote is free and Evernote is freemium.
What are Microsoft OneNote and Evernote used for?
Microsoft OneNote: Digital notebook for organizing everything. Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years.
What does Microsoft OneNote cost vs Evernote?
Microsoft OneNote is completely free. Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.