In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying organized is the key to success. Whether you’re a student juggling assignments, a professional managing a hectic work schedule, or an entrepreneur tracking your ambitious goals, a reliable note-taking and organization tool is essential. For years, Evernote has been the go-to choice for millions, offering a versatile platform to capture ideas, create to-do lists, and store important information.
However, like any software, Evernote may not be the perfect fit for everyone. Some users have sought alternatives that better suit their specific needs, whether it’s a more streamlined interface, enhanced collaboration features, or a change in pricing structure. If you’re among those exploring different options, you’re in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of note-taking and organization apps to present you with the top 5 alternatives to Evernote. We’ll explore their unique features, usability, and how they stack up against the renowned note-taking giant. Whether you’re a loyal Evernote user looking for a change or new to the note-taking game, our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.
Number 1. Microsoft OneNote
For those seeking a robust alternative to Evernote in the realm of multimedia organization and project management, Microsoft’s OneNote emerges as a compelling contender. As part of the updated Office suite, OneNote comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and is readily downloadable for earlier Windows versions. Moreover, it extends its reach across mobile platforms with dedicated apps for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and boasts a versatile web application.
OneNote’s data synchronization seamlessly operates through your Microsoft account and leverages the power of OneDrive for storage. However, it’s prudent to note that earlier this year, Microsoft recalibrated the standard OneDrive storage capacity from 15GB to 5GB, a consideration worth pondering if your notes tend to encompass a profusion of images and multimedia.
In the tradition of Evernote and its alternatives, OneNote excels at aggregating and categorizing a medley of content, including links, text, images, and sketches, all neatly organized within tagged notebooks. Yet, it introduces some unique features into the mix. For instance, it affords the convenience of importing text and tables from various Microsoft Office applications. Moreover, it facilitates audio recording, and the option to directly email content to a designated notebook – a particularly nifty feature, especially for those maneuvering on diminutive smartphone screens. It’s worth noting that OneNote is also proficient in audio recording.
Notably, OneNote extends its functionality through a selection of optional extensions. The OneNote Web Clipper, for instance, empowers users to swiftly capture and clip specific segments of web pages. Meanwhile, the Office Lens, designed for Windows 10 Mobile, adeptly transforms photographs of handouts, whiteboards, and other meeting room paraphernalia into editable documents, neatly stashed away within your notebook.
OneNote’s ascendancy is further amplified by its integrative prowess, thanks to Microsoft’s commanding presence in the business landscape. Numerous developers have eagerly incorporated OneNote compatibility into their applications. Prominent names such as WordPress, IFTTT, Feedly, and Livescribe are just a handful among the vast array of platforms that have seamlessly integrated with OneNote, solidifying its status as a versatile and interconnected note-taking solution.
Number 2. Simplenote
In the realm of versatile note-taking solutions, Simplenote stands out as a formidable contender, offering seamless accessibility across an array of platforms. Whether you’re a Windows aficionado, a macOS devotee, or rely on iOS, Kindle Fire, Android, or Linux, Simplenote has you covered. Furthermore, for those who prefer to keep their notes within the virtual realm, there’s a web version to complement the diverse suite of applications. The icing on the cake? It’s entirely cost-free, with unlimited storage at your disposal (within reasonable bounds, of course).
However, there is a caveat to consider: Simplenote is strictly text-oriented. It forgoes the inclusion of images, web clippings, or artistic doodles in favor of a streamlined, minimalist approach. While this limitation may not cater to everyone’s preferences, it strikes a chord with users who value simplicity and seek a cross-platform notebook solution that seamlessly and automatically syncs their textual musings. In essence, Simplenote excels at what it does best: providing a straightforward, no-frills note-taking experience across a multitude of devices, all while preserving the sanctity of your written words.
Number 3. Cintanotes
In the realm of Evernote alternatives tailored exclusively for the Windows ecosystem, CintaNotes emerges as a compelling choice. This Windows-native application offers the added advantage of portability, allowing users to forgo the installation process. However, it’s important to note that CintaNotes does not offer an online version. Nevertheless, if you’re firmly entrenched in the Microsoft OS landscape, this limitation might not pose any hindrance.
CintaNotes is available in three distinct tiers: the Free version, the Pro edition, and the coveted Lifetime Pro subscription. The Free iteration, although unburdened by a price tag, is no slouch in terms of functionality. It furnishes users with the essentials, including text clipping, robust search capabilities, seamless backup options, customizable hotkeys, and the convenience of three dedicated sections for storing your notes. Moreover, its well-thought-out design and the inclusion of keyboard and mouse shortcuts seamlessly integrate CintaNotes into the Windows environment, making it feel like a natural extension of the operating system.
Notably, notes created within CintaNotes are synchronized through Simplenote, a testament to its commitment to user flexibility. This unique synchronization approach fosters an interesting synergy between CintaNotes and Simplenote, allowing users to experiment with both platforms to determine which one best aligns with their preferences and requirements. In essence, CintaNotes caters to the Windows faithful, offering a streamlined and efficient note-taking experience with the added allure of portability and synchronization options.
Number 4. Google Keep
In the realm of note-taking solutions, Google Keep casts a wide net, catering to the needs of users across Android and iOS platforms, alongside a Chrome browser plugin and a web-based application. Leveraging the omnipresent Google account for synchronization across devices, Google Keep inherently becomes an enticing prospect, especially for the legion of Android aficionados.
Nonetheless, despite its inherent convenience, it’s essential to recognize that Google Keep, while serving as a commendable tool for personal organization, comes with limitations when considered as a free alternative to Evernote, particularly in collaborative scenarios. While it does permit the sharing of individual notes with contacts on a one-by-one basis, its collaborative capabilities are somewhat lackluster. Herein lies a significant drawback: Google Keep isn’t precisely tailored for seamless teamwork, and for more complex collaborative projects, users may find themselves better served by the robust collaborative features of Google Docs.
Furthermore, another notable limitation of Google Keep lies in its inability to directly attach files to notes. Instead, files must be sourced from Google Drive, which can prove cumbersome, especially when dealing with content like images sourced from the web. This additional step of saving locally and then re-uploading can be less than ideal for those seeking a more streamlined workflow.
In essence, Google Keep excels in providing a platform for ephemeral, quick-hit notes – think of it as a digital equivalent of sticky notes adorning your monitor, reminding you to make that crucial 3 pm phone call or buy ingredients for Wednesday’s baking escapades. However, it’s crucial to recognize that its utility lies in such ephemeral reminders, and it may not be the go-to choice for those embarking on more substantial endeavors such as novel-writing or project management, where Evernote’s more comprehensive feature set comes into play.
Number 5. Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper (formerly known as Note) emerges as a formidable contender, geared towards more serious and collaborative endeavors. Unlike the more lightweight Google Keep, Dropbox Paper is tailored for business applications and boasts an impressive array of features, including support for images, tables, and task management. These tasks can be conveniently assigned to specific individuals using their Dropbox usernames, making it an ideal replacement for the traditional handwritten meeting minutes, often haphazardly scribbled and later painstakingly transcribed before being sent out en masse. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?
One notable advantage of Dropbox Paper is its flexibility in notebook size. Presently, there’s no imposed limit on the size of notebooks created within Paper. However, when it comes to inserting documents directly, there’s a slight deviation from the conventional method. Rather than direct insertion, documents must first be uploaded to your Dropbox account and then linked within Paper. The platform compensates for this by offering a small document preview, allowing team members to assess its relevance before incorporating it into their individual Dropbox folders. The user interface is designed with utmost simplicity, and the drag-and-drop functionality ensures an intuitive and fluid user experience.
For those who are already entrenched in Dropbox for file sharing and collaboration within their work environment, Dropbox Paper is an invaluable addition. It seamlessly integrates with your existing Dropbox ecosystem, offering a coherent and comprehensive solution for businesses and teams. In essence, Dropbox Paper shines as a serious contender for those seeking a robust Evernote alternative, especially within the context of collaborative and business-focused endeavors.
