Evernote vs Obsidian: Which Note-Taking App Wins in 2025?

Introduction

In the realm of digital note-taking applications, Evernote and Obsidian stand out as two prominent contenders, each catering to different user needs and preferences. Evernote, with its tagline "Remember everything," has been a staple in the industry for years. It offers a robust platform for capturing ideas, organizing notes, and managing tasks across various devices. On the other hand, Obsidian, dubbed "Your second brain," presents a fresh approach to note-taking by emphasizing a personal knowledge management system that allows users to build and connect their thoughts in a more fluid manner. This comparison aims to explore how these two applications stack up against each other across various dimensions, helping users make an informed decision.

This comparison is intended for individuals who are considering which note-taking application best suits their needs, whether they are journalists, researchers, developers, or anyone in between. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of Evernote and Obsidian, readers will gain insights into the features that matter most to them, ultimately guiding their choice based on their specific use cases and preferences.

At a Glance Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

1. Note Organization

Evernote uses a traditional notebook system, allowing users to create multiple notebooks and tag notes for easy retrieval. Its web clipper is particularly useful for journalists and researchers who need to save articles and snippets directly from the web. The search functionality is robust, enabling users to find text within images and PDFs, which is a significant advantage for those who manage a lot of research material.

Obsidian, however, employs a unique approach through a network of linked notes, allowing for a more organic connection between ideas. This method encourages users to think critically about how their notes relate to one another, making it ideal for writers and developers who thrive on building knowledge graphs. While Obsidian lacks a traditional tagging system, its backlinks feature offers a powerful way to weave concepts together.

Winner: Evernote for its intuitive organization, but Obsidian for users who prefer a non-linear, interconnected approach.

2. Collaboration Tools

Collaboration is where Evernote shines, offering shared notebooks and the ability to invite others to view or edit notes. This feature is particularly valuable for teams working on projects, allowing for seamless communication and idea sharing. Evernote's ability to work across devices further supports this collaborative effort.

Conversely, Obsidian does not provide native collaboration features. While users can share their notes by exporting them or using third-party sync solutions, this method can be cumbersome for teams. Obsidian's focus on individual knowledge management means it's better suited for personal use rather than collaborative projects.

Winner: Evernote for its robust collaboration tools.

3. Accessibility and Platforms

Evernote is designed to be cross-platform, available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This versatility allows users to access their notes from virtually anywhere, which is essential for those constantly on the move. Its web app also provides a seamless experience for users who prefer working in a browser.

Obsidian, while also available on multiple platforms, emphasizes offline access and local file storage, meaning users can work without an internet connection. This aspect is particularly appealing to privacy-conscious users who prefer to keep their data on their devices rather than in the cloud.

Winner: Evernote for its seamless cross-platform experience, but Obsidian for offline capabilities.

4. Security and Privacy

When it comes to security, Obsidian has a clear advantage due to its local file storage system, which means users retain full control over their data. This is particularly attractive to privacy-conscious users who are wary of third-party data breaches. Additionally, Obsidian does not require users to connect to the internet to access their notes, further enhancing security.

Evernote, while secure and compliant with various privacy standards, operates primarily in the cloud, which means users' data is stored on external servers. This could be a concern for users who prioritize data privacy above all else.

Winner: Obsidian for its strong privacy focus and local storage.

5. Learning Curve

Evernote is generally user-friendly, making it accessible for individuals of all technical backgrounds. Its straightforward interface and familiar organizational structure allow new users to get started quickly without a steep learning curve.

In contrast, Obsidian presents a steeper learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with knowledge management systems. Its unique features, such as graph view and backlinks, may take time to master. However, once users become accustomed to its capabilities, they often find it to be a powerful tool for organizing thoughts and ideas.

Winner: Evernote for its ease of use, but Obsidian for its depth and complexity once mastered.

6. Syncing and Backup

Evernote offers a built-in syncing feature that automatically updates notes across all devices. This is particularly beneficial for users who work on multiple devices and need constant access to their updated notes. However, the free version limits syncing to just two devices, which can be a drawback for some.

Obsidian requires users to pay for additional syncing features, which can be seen as a disadvantage. However, users can also manually manage their files or use third-party cloud storage services for backup, giving them more control over their data management.

Winner: Evernote for its built-in syncing capabilities, but Obsidian for offering flexibility in data management.

7. Customization and Extensibility

Customization is one of Obsidian's standout features. Users can install plugins, themes, and community-created templates to tailor their workspace to fit their personal workflow. This level of customization makes Obsidian a favorite among developers and power users who want a highly personalized experience.

Evernote, while offering some customization options like note templates and organizational structures, does not match the extensibility of Obsidian. Its focus is more on providing a stable and user-friendly experience rather than allowing intricate custom setups.

Winner: Obsidian for its extensive customization options.

Pricing Breakdown

When evaluating the pricing of Evernote versus Obsidian, it's essential to consider the value each platform provides at its respective tiers. Evernote offers a free plan that is limited, especially in terms of device syncing (restricted to two devices). The Personal plan starts at $10.83 per month, while the Professional plan is $14.17, unlocking additional features like advanced search capabilities and increased upload limits.

Obsidian, on the other hand, provides a free personal plan that is robust enough for many users. For those interested in commercial use, the cost is $50 per year, which is a one-time payment. Additionally, the sync feature is available as a paid add-on at $8 per month, which some may find necessary for collaboration but is not mandatory for users who prefer local storage.

Overall, Obsidian presents a more cost-effective solution for individuals who prioritize privacy and customization, while Evernote may be more appealing for users who need a straightforward and collaborative note-taking experience.

Use Cases

When to Choose Evernote

Evernote is an excellent choice for users who need a reliable, easy-to-use platform for capturing and organizing notes quickly. Journalists and researchers will appreciate its robust web clipper and strong search capabilities, making it easy to gather and retrieve information from various sources. Additionally, its collaboration features make it suitable for teams working on projects, ensuring seamless sharing and communication.

When to Choose Obsidian

Obsidian is ideal for users who are looking for a more flexible and interconnected note-taking system. Writers, developers, and privacy-conscious users will benefit from its local file storage, customization options, and unique linking features. If you prefer to have complete control over your data and enjoy building personal knowledge graphs, Obsidian is the better choice.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between Evernote and Obsidian depends on your specific needs and how you prefer to manage your notes. Evernote excels in ease of use, collaboration, and cross-platform accessibility, making it an excellent option for those who need a straightforward note-taking experience. On the other hand, Obsidian offers unparalleled customization, strong privacy features, and a unique approach to organizing thoughts, making it the preferred choice for users who value flexibility and depth.

If you're looking for a simple, efficient way to take notes and collaborate, Evernote is likely your best bet. However, if you want a powerful tool for personal knowledge management and don't mind investing time to learn its features, Obsidian is the way to go. Ultimately, both applications have their strengths, and the best choice lies in aligning the tool with your personal workflow and objectives.