Evernote vs Notion
A source-aware comparison of pricing, documented capabilities and workflow fit.
Short answer
- Price: not directly comparable — Evernote is free tier available, Notion is from $8/user/mo.
- How to start: Evernote is free tier available, Notion is from $8/user/mo.
- Where they differ: on what we checked they match — both offer public api, mobile app and sso (saml).
These lines are generated from the pricing we track, not from a paid placement. How we score tools.
What Evernote is
Evernote stores notes, web clippings and documents with search that reaches inside images and PDFs.
What Notion is
Notion is a modular workspace that combines notes, projects, wikis, and databases into a single, highly flexible interface. Its 'block-based' architecture allows you to build a system that fits your exact needs—from a simple personal journal to a complex corporate product roadmap. Notion serves as the 'collective brain' for teams, ensuring knowledge is centralized and accessible. With relational databases, formulas, and custom views (Kanban, Calendar, Timeline), it allows you to build custom software without ever writing code.
Side by side
| Evernote | Notion | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| How to start | Free tiernot a monthly price | $8/user/moverified |
| Public API | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Open source / self-hostable | No | No |
| SSO (SAML) | Yes | Yes |
| Visit | Evernote ↗ | Notion ↗ |
What Notion is built to do
- Relational Databases
- Connect different tables to manage complex data networks like a pro.
- Notion AI
- Summarize notes, draft text, and get insights from your page data automatically.
- Synced Blocks
- Update content in one location and have it reflect across all pages instantly.
- Web Publishing
- Turn any Notion page into a professional-looking website with one click.
Choose Evernote if
- People with years of notes already inside it.
Choose Notion if
- Founders, Writers, Creators, and Modern Product Teams.
Evidence and freshness
Where a claim on this page comes from a vendor page, it is linked here.
Evernote: pros & cons
- Search inside attachments and images
- Web clipper remains excellent
- Mature apps on every platform
- Price rose sharply while free tier shrank
- Performance complaints persist
- Ownership changes unsettled users
Notion: pros & cons
- Infinite Flexibility: Build the exact system your team needs from the ground up.
- Aesthetic Design: A clean, minimalist UI that encourages deep focus and organization.
- Massive Community: Thousands of free templates and guides are available for instant setup.
- Advanced Databases: Create intelligent systems by linking different data sets together.
- Learning Curve: Mastering advanced database and formula features can take time.
- Mobile Performance: Large or complex pages may load slowly on mobile devices.
- Offline Mode: Still limited compared to native apps like Evernote or Obsidian.
Our verdict on Evernote
Hard to recommend for a new user today. Existing archives are the main reason to stay.
Our verdict on Notion
The ultimate solution for centralizing scattered notes and projects into one smart hub.