Evernote, once a beloved tool for digital note-taking, has made significant changes to its free plan that users should be aware of before committing. The current free offer, effective since December 2023, severely limits functionality compared to its previous versions. Users are now restricted to a maximum of 50 notes and one notebook, making the free plan feel more like a trial than a fully usable version of the app. While existing users will retain access to their old content, they won't be able to edit it unless they upgrade to a paid plan
The Traps of Evernote's "Free" Plan
Severe Note Limits: Limiting free users to just 50 notes and one notebook is a drastic downgrade, especially for those who were accustomed to Evernote's previously generous free-tier offerings. This essentially forces anyone who needs more than minimal note-taking to upgrade.
Device Sync Limitations: Another significant constraint is that free users can only sync Evernote to one device. If you work across multiple platforms—say, your phone, laptop, and tablet—you'll need a paid plan
Reduced Collaboration: Features like real-time collaboration, available in paid plans, are missing from the free tier, making it less attractive for team projects. Additionally, basic features such as task management and even the calendar function are locked behind paywalls
A History of Greed?
Many long-time Evernote users feel the company has grown greedy. Over the years, they’ve continuously stripped down the free version, pushing users toward paid plans. What used to be a feature-rich free service is now a very limited version, often seen as a tactic to nudge users into subscriptions. Evernote's new pricing structure, which can cost over $100 annually for premium features, has left many wondering if the service is worth the price
Best Evernote Alternatives in 2024
If the new free plan feels restrictive or overpriced, several other apps can serve as great alternatives:
Microsoft OneNote: Free with generous features, OneNote allows unlimited notebooks and notes across multiple devices. It also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products.
Notion: A flexible all-in-one workspace for note-taking, databases, and task management. The free version of Notion offers robust capabilities without major limitations, making it a solid alternative for both personal and team use.
Google Keep: A simple but effective app, Google Keep is great for quick note-taking and syncing across devices. Though not as feature-rich as Evernote, it's free and integrates with Google Workspace.
Zoho Notebook: Free and beautifully designed, Zoho Notebook offers note syncing across unlimited devices and notebooks, with no storage or usage limits.
In summary, while Evernote’s free plan is still an option for light note-takers, its aggressive limitations and expensive upgrades make it less appealing for most users. Exploring alternatives like OneNote, Notion, or Google Keep could offer you more flexibility without the hefty price tag.
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