Notes · Head to head
Obsidian vs Evernote: which is better?
Short answer
Obsidian costs less in the first year ($48 vs $99). Pick Obsidian for local-first Markdown notes with plugins; pick Evernote for personal note capture with web clipper.
| Fact | Obsidian | Evernote | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Local-first Markdown notes with plugins | Personal note capture with web clipper | — |
| Free plan | Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons | Yes, 50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device | Tie |
| Entry plan | Sync Standard: $4 / mo | Starter: $8.25 / mo | Obsidian |
| Mid plan | Sync Plus: $8 / mo | Advanced: $20.83 / mo | Obsidian |
| Top plan | Publish: $8 / mo | Flexible: $10 / mo | Obsidian |
| 1st year | $48 | $99 | Obsidian |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Tie |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Obsidian or Evernote?
Obsidian costs less in the first year ($48 vs $99).
| 1st year | Obsidian | Evernote |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $48 | $99 |
| Mid | $96 | $249.96 |
| Top | $96 | $120 |
Which has the better free plan, Obsidian or Evernote?
Neither stands out: Obsidian: Yes, app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons; Evernote: Yes, 50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device.
Should you pick Obsidian or Evernote?
Pick Obsidian if
- you want local-first Markdown notes with plugins
- the free plan is enough (app free; sync and publish are paid add-ons)
Pick Evernote if
- you want personal note capture with web clipper
- the free plan is enough (50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 device)
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Obsidian pricing | obsidian.md/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Evernote pricing | evernote.com/compare-plans | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare