Notion vs. Evernote: Differences and Selection Criteria All at Once

In the era of 'productivity tools' beyond simple note-taking, Notion and Evernote entice users with their distinct appeals. From managing complex projects beyond simple memos to managing personal knowledge, which tool will satisfy your need for 'value for money'?

To be honest, many of you are likely debating between Notion and Evernote. Given the significant cost involved, it is common to be confused about which tool is more suitable for you. However, as of 2024, the features and pricing policies of the two tools have changed considerably. I have thoroughly compared them after personally using both tools for about three months. Based on the latest information from 2024, this article aims to provide a comparative analysis of Notion and Evernote from the perspective of an actual user, helping you choose the tool that is right for you.

Choose this for situations like this

If your budget is 300,000 won or less, there will be quite a good option. Notion offers plenty of features even with its free plan. However, if you want to collaborate with team members or utilize more complex functions, you can consider a paid plan. That said, you should be mindful of block limits as the number of team members increases.

On the other hand, if you already store a large amount of data in Evernote and web clipping or Optical Character Recognition (OCR) features are important to you, Evernote might be a better choice. Of course, you should consider this carefully, as it has a history of price hikes and another increase is expected in 2026.

Things that change after actually using it

Ease of use

Notion can feel a bit complex when you first encounter it. You need to invest some time to learn how to utilize its various features. However, once you become familiar with it, it has the advantage of allowing you to create your own workflows more flexibly than you might expect. On the other hand, Evernote has a relatively intuitive interface, giving you the feeling that you can use it immediately. Evernote can be particularly more convenient when you need to quickly capture notes.

function

Notion has the strength of being an all-in-one workspace. Its appeal lies in the fact that various functions, such as document creation, database management, and project management, can be used within a single tool. In particular, utilizing the database function allows for the systematic management of diverse information. Evernote specializes in note organization and search functions. Its web clipping feature helps users easily save and manage articles of interest. However, it is unfortunate that its collaboration and project management features are limited compared to Notion.

price

Notion offers quite a few features in its free plan. However, if you need to subscribe to a paid plan for team collaboration, the cost can be a burden. Evernote's free plan is limited to 50 notes and 1 notebook, and it has a history of price increases for paid plans, with another hike expected in 2026. You must choose carefully based on the features you need and your usage patterns.

Things you must not give up

Data ownership

Data ownership is a very important issue. Notion offers cloud storage and minute-by-minute backups, and also allows for manual backups. If you want to keep your important data safe, Notion might be a better choice.

Concerns regarding data ownership are being raised regarding Evernote's terms. If you are sensitive about data security, you should consider other tools.

Interoperability

You must consider compatibility with other tools you are currently using. Notion supports SAML SSO, SCIM provisioning, and audit logs on Business plans and above, and offers integration with various tools. Evernote provides centralized account management and user activity history on its Enterprise plan. It is important to check compatibility with your existing tools and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Practical Checkpoints

• Check the amount and type of data currently in use (notes, documents, images, files, etc.).
• Check data export/import compatibility from existing tools to Notion or Evernote. (Notion supports Markdown, CSV, HTML, and PDF export. Evernote supports ENEX and HTML export.)
• Define the requirements for permission settings and sharing features needed for team collaboration.
• Check whether SSO/SAML and API/webhook integration are required, as well as the support scope of each tool. (Notion supports SAML SSO, SCIM provisioning, and audit logs on the Business plan and above. Evernote provides centralized account management and user activity history on the Enterprise plan.)
• Please check the data ownership and backup policies. (Notion offers cloud storage, minute-by-minute backups, and manual user backups. Evernote raises concerns regarding data ownership in accordance with its terms.)

Which tool is right for me?

Notion and Evernote each have different strengths and weaknesses. Notion offers excellent flexibility and scalability, but it has a high initial learning curve and may raise concerns regarding data ownership. Evernote excels in ease of use and boasts powerful search and web clipping capabilities, but its collaboration features are limited, and it has a history of price hikes. If data security and ownership are important to you, Notion is the best choice; if you prioritize speed and web clipping, Evernote is the better option.

In conclusion, it is difficult to definitively say which tool is better. You should make a careful choice by considering your usage purpose, budget, team size, data security, and other factors. Since both tools offer free plans, I recommend trying them out yourself to select the one that best suits your needs.

reference

This article was written as of May 15, 2024, and the information is subject to change.