Notion vs Evernote: Which One You Go With
If you have ever tried to get your notes or your life a bit more organized you have probably come across Notion and Evernote. Notion and Evernote are everywhere. People swear by both Notion and Evernote.
When it comes to actually choosing one it is not that simple. Used both Notion and Evernote at times. I switched back and forth too. I thought I found the one changed my mind again a few weeks later. So if you are confused that is normal.
Let us just talk about Notion vs Evernote in a real way. No overthinking.
So what is the difference between Notion and Evernote?
At a level:
- Notion is like a blank workspace. You can build anything inside Notion. Notes, task lists, project boards, whatever you want.
- Evernote is more straightforward. Evernote is mainly for writing notes and keeping them organized.
That is of the core difference between Notion and Evernote:
- Notion feels like you are building your system with Notion.
- Evernote feels like it is already built for you with Evernote.
Getting Started
This part matters more than people admit when it comes to Notion and Evernote.
Evernote is easy. You open Evernote create a note start typing. That is it.
Notion is not much.
The time opened Notion I just sat there for a minute thinking okay what am I supposed to do here with Notion? Notion is very empty at the start. Which is nice but confusing with Notion.
Once you get used to Notion it is fine with Notion.. There is a bit of a learning curve with Notion.
Flexibility
This is where Notion kind of takes over with its features and flexibility.
With Notion you can:
- Create pages inside pages with Notion
- Build task trackers with Notion
- Make databases with Notion
- Plan projects with Notion
- Set up dashboards with Notion
Notion is not a notes app. Notion is like a full system if you want it to be with Notion.
Evernote keeps things with Evernote:
- Notes with Evernote
- Notebooks with Evernote
- Tags with Evernote
- Web clipping with Evernote
And honestly Evernote does these things really well with Evernote. Evernote just does not try to be everything with Evernote.
So it depends on what you’re looking for with Notion and Evernote.
If you like simple then Evernote is the way to go.
If you like control then Notion is the way to go.
Writing Notes
This is important if you write a lot with Notion and Evernote.
Evernote feels quick and smooth with Evernote. You open a note. Just start typing with Evernote. No distractions with Evernote.
Evernote is great for:
- Quick ideas with Evernote
- Meeting notes with Evernote
- stuff with Evernote
Notion is more flexible with Notion. You can add headings, lists, checkboxes, tables, all in one page with Notion.
Sometimes Notion feels a bit slower with Notion. Like you are setting things up of just writing with Notion.
Personally if I just want to jot something down I lean toward Evernote.
How They Organize Things
Notion and Evernote take different approaches when it comes to organizing things.
Evernote is simple with Evernote:
- Notebooks with Evernote
- Tags with Evernote
That’s it with Evernote. Easy to understand with Evernote.
Notion is more layered with Notion:
- Pages inside pages with Notion
- Databases with Notion
- Custom layouts with Notion
Notion is powerful with Notion. It can get messy if you overdo it with Notion.
If you enjoy organizing things your way Notion is great with Notion.
If you do not want to think much Evernote is easier with Evernote.
Saving Stuff from the Internet
This is one area where Evernote really shines with Evernote.
You can save articles, web pages, research and Evernote keeps everything with Evernote.
Notion can do it too with Notion. It is not as smooth with Notion.
If you are someone who saves a lot of content Evernote just feels better with Evernote.
Speed and Feel
This is something you only notice after using both Notion and Evernote.
Evernote feels faster with Evernote. Open Evernote, write something done with Evernote.
Notion can feel a bit slower with Notion especially if your pages are heavy or full of content with Notion.
It is not an issue with Notion but you notice it with Notion.
Free Plans
Both Notion and Evernote have versions.
Notions free plan is more generous overall with Notion.
Evernotes free version is a bit limited with Evernote.
So if budget matters Notion might give you room to play around with Notion.
So Which One Should You Pick?
Honestly, it depends on how your brain works with Notion and Evernote.
Go with Notion if:
- You want everything in one place with Notion
- You like building your setup with Notion
- You are managing projects, tasks and notes with Notion
Go with Evernote if:
- You just want a simple note app with Evernote
- You do not want to set things up with Evernote
- You mostly take notes with Evernote
For me I kind of use both Notion and Evernote depending on what I am doing.
I use Notion, for planning and organizing things with Notion.
I use Evernote for notes when I do not want to think too much with Evernote.