What is Evernote?​

Evernote started as a note-taking app designed for iPhone, and later expanded to macOS. It was once a native app for iOS and macOS, but eventually switched to Electron to become a multi-platform tool. Unfortunately, this shift has affected its quality, and the price has skyrocketed in recent years.

1. ConniePad - Best overall​

The pricing is sustainable. For a note-taking app, we’ll likely use it for several years. In just one year, you could save 80% compared to using Evernote. After a one-time purchase, there’s no need to keep paying, and in three years, you’ll end up spending less than 1% of what you would pay for Evernote.

Your notes are safe and secure. Since everything is stored locally, it’s easy to back up your data without worrying about losing anything. The app also features an auto-backup function, which automatically creates snapshots of your files—a fantastic safety net.

The editor is both powerful and user-friendly compared to other markup-based editors. You don’t need to learn any syntax, so even if you’re not tech-savvy or a developer, it’s simple to use. It supports text highlighting, text color, custom layouts, and tables—features that many other apps don’t offer.

Notes are organized in folders, making it easy to navigate and familiar to most users.

I believe these features make it one of the best note-taking apps out there.

2. Obsidian - Best in customise​

Obsidian is priced at $50 per year, making it about 70% cheaper annually compared to Evernote. However, if you need syncing, it’ll cost an additional $4 per month, and the publish feature is $8 per month. Keep in mind, new features might come as add-ons in the future.

The biggest pro—and con—of Obsidian is its high level of customization. If you’re a developer or tech-savvy and know your way around CSS and web tools, you can do a lot with it, changing the app's appearance and adding features through plugins. However, for those who aren’t as tech-inclined, the sheer number of plugins can feel overwhelming, and there's even the risk of unknowingly installing a malicious plugin.

Obsidian is perfect for users who enjoy deep customization and want to tailor the app to their specific needs.

3. Bear - Minimalism for small note​

Bear is simple and minimalist, with an affordable price of $30 per year. However, over the long term, it can end up being more expensive than ConniePad.

Bear organizes notes with tags instead of folders, which may take some getting used to if you're accustomed to the folder system.

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Conclusion​

I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there. That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to 3 options to give you a clearer idea of what might work best for you. Take your time to try each one and see which one clicks for you.