Evernote vs Obsidian
Updated 2026-09-03
Verdict
Evernote ($99/month with a free tier) — pick for powerful text-in-image ocr and pdf search across notes. Obsidian (free) — pick for free for personal use with no limits.
| Pricing | Evernote | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | 99 USD | 0 USD |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Evernote — Pros
- Powerful text-in-image OCR and PDF search across notes
- Sync across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Web
- AI Edit, Semantic Search and Transcribe on Advanced plan
Obsidian — Pros
- Free for personal use with no limits
- Notes stored locally as plain Markdown
- Large community plugin ecosystem
Evernote — Cons
- Free plan is limited to 50 notes and 1 notebook
- Starter is $99/year and Advanced $249.99/year — among the most expensive in the category
- Pricing restructured under Bending Spoons ownership since 2023
Obsidian — Cons
- Sync costs $4/mo and Publish $8/mo (optional)
- No built-in real-time collaboration on free tier
Read the full reviews
FAQ
Is Evernote cheaper than Obsidian?
Evernote starts at 99 USD (checked 2026-09-03); Obsidian starts at 0 USD (checked 2026-09-03). Check the current pricing page for the latest tiers.
Do Evernote and Obsidian have a free plan?
Both Evernote and Obsidian offer — see the comparison table above.
What platforms does Evernote vs Obsidian support?
Evernote is available on Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android. Obsidian is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
Are Evernote and Obsidian in the same category?
Yes. Both Evernote and Obsidian are classified as productivity tools.