Evernote vs Notion: A Quick Comparison for Productivity Enthusiasts
Introduction
Evernote and Notion are both digital tools that help you keep your thoughts, tasks, and projects in order. Evernote has been around for a while, known for its note-taking prowess, while Notion is a newer, all-in-one workspace that's gained popularity for its versatility. Whether you're a student juggling assignments, a researcher managing vast information, or a project manager coordinating a team, comparing these tools can help you find the perfect fit.
Key Takeaways
- Evernote and Notion are both productivity tools for note-taking and organization, but they cater to different needs.
- Research suggests Evernote is better for individual note-takers and researchers, while Notion seems likely to suit teams and project managers.
- Pricing varies: Evernote has a free plan and paid plans starting at $14.99/month, while Notion offers a free plan and team plans from $10/seat/month.
- The evidence leans toward Notion for its flexibility and collaboration features, but Evernote excels in search functionality.
Feature Comparison
Note-taking Capabilities
| Feature | Evernote | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Content Types | Text, images, audio, scans, PDFs, documents | Rich text, images, files with block-based system |
| Web Clipper | Yes, powerful for research | Yes, basic functionality |
| Search | AI-powered, searches within images and PDFs | Standard search, better for structured data |
| Organization | Notebooks and tags | Block system with flexible structure |
Evernote's strength lies in its comprehensive search and variety of content types, while Notion's block system offers unexpected versatility, allowing you to transform notes into different formats with ease.
Task Management
| Feature | Evernote | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| To-Do Lists | Yes, with Tasks feature | Yes, highly customizable |
| Calendar Integration | Google Calendar | Multiple calendar views available |
| Task Assignment | Limited | Robust, ideal for teams |
| Project Views | Basic | Kanban boards, timelines, calendars |
Notion's task management feels like a mini-project management tool, making it ideal for collaborative projects and complex workflows.
Collaboration Tools
| Feature | Evernote | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing | Notebook sharing | Page and workspace sharing with permissions |
| Real-time Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Comments | Limited | Extensive commenting system |
| Team Features | Basic | Designed for team collaboration |
Notion's collaboration features are more dynamic, especially for larger teams, which might be a game-changer if you work with others frequently.
Integration and Customization
| Feature | Evernote | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| App Integration | Google Calendar, limited others | Slack, Google Drive, and many more |
| AI Features | Search-focused | More extensive with add-ons |
| Customization | Limited to notebooks and tags | Highly flexible block system |
| Layout Options | Standard | Create custom layouts, databases, wikis |
Notion's integrations and customization options provide greater flexibility for adapting to various workflows.
Pricing Comparison
Evernote Plans
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic features, limited storage |
| Personal | $14.99/month or $129.99/year | 10GB monthly uploads, offline access, task management |
| Professional | $169.99/year | 20GB monthly uploads, task assignment, multiple Google Calendar connections |
Notion Plans
| Plan | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited pages/blocks for individuals, limited for teams |
| Plus | $10/seat/month | Unlimited pages/blocks, 30-day page history, larger file uploads |
| Business | $15/seat/month | 90-day page history, advanced analytics |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Advanced security, dedicated support |
Notion offers a student discount, making the Plus plan free for students and educators with a school email.
User Interface and Experience
Evernote
- Traditional note-taking interface
- Familiar layout with notebooks and notes
- Easy to learn for new users
- Mobile apps available on iOS and Android
Notion
- Modern, block-based interface
- Highly customizable but steeper learning curve
- Visually appealing with flexible layouts
- Mobile apps with full functionality
Best Tool for Different Use Cases
For Students
Best Choice: Notion
- Free Plus plan with school email
- Excellent for organizing class notes and assignments
- Great for group projects and study groups
- Flexible layout for different courses and projects
For Researchers
Best Choice: Evernote
- Powerful search functionality
- Excellent handling of various file types
- AI-powered search for finding specific details
- Better for managing large amounts of unstructured information
For Project Managers
Best Choice: Notion
- Robust project management features
- Kanban boards and task assignment
- Better for team coordination
- Integrations with tools like Slack
Conclusion
Evernote is a solid choice for individual note-takers and researchers who value powerful search and straightforward note management. Notion, on the other hand, is better for teams, project managers, and students who need a highly customizable and collaborative workspace.
Consider your specific needs when choosing between these tools:
- If you're managing a team or need flexibility, Notion might be your go-to
- For deep note organization and powerful search, Evernote could be the better choice
Both tools offer free plans, so you can try them out before committing to see which fits your workflow best.