Published on Apr 29, 2025 5 min read

Notion vs. Evernote: A Clear Comparison for 2025

If you're trying to pick a free note-taking app that also helps you with tasks and planning, you've probably come across the whole Notion vs. Evernote debate. Both are pretty great tools, each with perks, but which one should you go within 2025? Whether you're a student, a freelancer, or managing a team, choosing between these two can influence your productivity. So, let's break down what sets them apart and what features might match your style best.

Understanding how Notion and Evernote work

Let's start with the basics. Notion is more than just a place to store notes — it's also a workspace where you can manage tasks, build databases, plan projects, and much more. On the other hand, Evernote sticks closer to classic notetaking. It focuses on keeping things simple, fast, and organized.

The main idea in this Notion and Evernote comparison is how wide their use cases are. Notion can feel like a full productivity suite, while Evernote stays lightweight and quick to access.

The Notion is more flexible, but it takes longer to learn

Notion gives you freedom. You start with a blank page and build anything from daily journals to content calendars. Its "building blocks" make customization easy — but they can also feel overwhelming initially. You may need time to learn how to build pages, link databases, or embed content.

That said, Notion has plenty of templates to make this easier. If you're new, choose a template that matches your needs and go from there. But the learning curve is still something to keep in mind.

On the other hand, Evernote has always focused on being simple. Open the app, create a note, and save it. That’s it. It's fast and familiar, with little effort needed. This simplicity is why some users prefer it in the Notion vs. Evernote debate.

Evernote's user interface is easier to grasp

Regarding user experience, Evernote feels easier right out of the box. Everything is laid out — from your notebooks and tasks to your calendar and scratchpad. Even if you're using it for the first time, there's not much of a learning curve. You can jump in and start writing instantly.

While more powerful, the Notion can be a bit much at first. Its sidebar shows workspaces, shared pages, and databases — which can confuse someone just looking for a basic note app. In this comparison between Notion and Evernote, Evernote is the winner in ease of use.

Pricing: Notion gives more value on the free plan

Notion and Evernote offer free plans, but what you get in each differs greatly. Notion's free plan is generous. You get unlimited pages, full access to features, and no device limit. You can even invite guests or publish pages publicly.

Evernote's free version is more limited. You can only use it on one device, store 50 notes, and create one notebook. You'll quickly run into its restrictions if you need to switch between your phone and laptop. That's why many users looking for a free note-taking application choose Notion.

Collaboration tools: Notion shines for teams

If you're working with others, Notion has built-in collaboration features. You can tag people, comment on tasks, and edit pages in real-time. Whether you're working in a team or sharing documents with clients, Notion makes this easy.

Evernote also offers shared access, especially with its Teams plan. But collaboration feels more limited. The Notion is built like a modern work platform — better suited for group projects, content creation, or business use.

So, if teamwork is your goal, Notion pulls ahead in the Notion vs. Evernote discussion.

Evernote has a better organization with folders.

One area where Evernote takes the lead is in organization. It uses folders (called notebooks) that you can easily create and manage. You can group similar notes cleanly and clearly.

The Notion doesn't use folders in the traditional sense. Instead, you have to build a note and store others inside it. This can feel like extra work to stay organized. If folder structure is important to you, Evernote may be a better fit for this comparison between Notion and Evernote.

New features in 2025: What's changed?

Notion rolled out some exciting updates recently. You can now send custom emails through Gmail, pull answers from GitHub using Notion AI, and add more automation than ever before. It's turning into a true productivity platform.

Evernote also added some handy features. One of the biggest is accountless collaboration — you can now share notes with anyone via a link, even if they don't use Evernote. They've also added mobile navigation tweaks and made Spaces available for all users, not just Teams.

Still, Notion's updates feel more powerful and geared toward professionals.

Pick Based on What Truly Matters to You

Every user has unique needs. Some prefer simplicity, others want flexibility. If your priority is speed and ease, Evernote is a safe choice. But if you enjoy building your own systems and managing multiple tasks, Notion offers much more. It all comes down to what fits your workflow best.

Final thoughts: Which one is right for you?

So, what's the final call on Notion vs. Evernote?

The Notion is better if you're looking for a free note-taking application that goes beyond notes and helps manage tasks, projects, and teams. It takes time to learn, but it offers more for the price.

However, if your needs are simple — clean notes, quick access, and good organization — Evernote is reliable. It's easier to use and still offers essential features.

Ultimately, the winner depends on your style. Do you want a flexible workspace (go with Notion) or a fast and focused note app (choose Evernote)? With this Notion and Evernote comparison, you now have a clearer picture to help you decide in 2025.