Free Alternatives to Evernote
No Subscription Needed
Stop paying $20.83/month for Evernote. These free and open-source alternatives give you the core features without the subscription.
Evernote was the pioneer of digital note-taking, but at $20.83/month for the Professional plan, it has become one of the most expensive note-taking apps available. The free tier has been severely limited, pushing users to alternatives. Obsidian stores everything as local Markdown files with powerful linking and plugin ecosystem. Joplin is open-source with end-to-end encryption and sync via Dropbox, OneDrive, or self-hosted. Notion offers a different paradigm with databases and blocks. For users who valued Evernote's web clipper, Joplin has a similar browser extension. The note-taking space has evolved dramatically — Evernote's early lead has been eroded by tools that are faster, more private, and free.
The following free and open-source alternatives have been evaluated for features, usability, and long-term viability. Each one eliminates the $$20.83/month subscription cost while keeping the core functionality you need.
How Much You Save
Switching to a free alternative saves you $249.96/year — $749.88 over 3 years
Evernote costs
$249.96/yr
3-year cost
$749.88
Free alternative
$0
Free Alternatives Comparison
Free / Open Source
| Tool | Match | Pricing | Platform | Offline | OSS | Ownership | Migration | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Joplin Best free alternative | 75% | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid | ✓ | ✓ | Full ownership | Easy |
Best free alternative
Detailed Alternatives
Best free alternative
An open-source note-taking and to-do app with synchronization capabilities.
Editor's Note
Joplin can import Evernote notes directly, making migration easier.
What you gain
- +Free and open source
- +End-to-end encryption
- +Evernote import
- +Multiple sync options
What you lose
- −Document scanning
- −Some formatting options
- −Mobile app polish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free alternatives to Evernote any good?
Yes, many free alternatives to Evernote are excellent. The top pick is used by millions of people and offers most of the core features that Evernote provides, without any cost.
What is the best free alternative to Evernote?
The best free alternative depends on your needs. GIMP is the most popular free option that can replace Evernote for most users. It has an active community and regular updates.
Is free software safe to use?
Free and open-source software is often safer than proprietary alternatives because the code is publicly auditable. Many of the alternatives listed above are open source, meaning their code is transparent and community-reviewed.
Will I lose features by switching to a free alternative?
You may lose some advanced or niche features, but free alternatives cover the core functionality most users need. The trade-off is worth it for the cost savings — $249.96/year that stays in your pocket.
Can I switch back to Evernote if I don't like the free alternative?
Absolutely. Most free alternatives can export your data in standard formats, making it easy to switch back or try another option. There's no lock-in with free software.
Related Free Alternatives
Ready to stop paying for Evernote?
These free alternatives let you own your tools without spending a dime.