Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Evernote vs Goodnotes

Evernote 4.4★ · Free + IAP 60
Winner Goodnotes
Goodnotes 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75

Goodnotes is generally preferred for its core note-taking functionality and user interface, despite recent subscription model changes, while Evernote struggles with significant price increases and performance issues.

Full reviews: Evernote · Goodnotes

Goodnotes, with a higher lifetime rating, is praised for its intuitive interface and comprehensive organization features, though recent subscription changes have frustrated long-term users. Evernote, despite a loyal user base and robust syncing, faces widespread criticism for its escalating prices, intrusive pop-ups, and declining performance.

Head to head

Features edge: GoodnotesR8R10R12R28
Evernote Evernote is valued for its ability to organize various document types, receipts, photos, and to-do lists, with some users appreciating its AI features for summarizing content R8R44. However, others find the AI features poorly implemented and making the app worse R10R12R28. Some long-term users feel the app has become bloated with unnecessary features, making it harder to use for its main purpose .
Goodnotes Goodnotes is praised for its versatility in organizing various aspects of life, from journals and medical records to creative writing and PDF editing . Users appreciate its ability to handle different document types and its overall utility for school and personal organization . However, some users report issues with specific features like photo uploading, drag and drop for stickers, and the scratch erase function .
Ease of Use tieR1R6R7R11
Evernote Evernote users appreciate its quick syncing across devices and its effectiveness for quick note-taking R6. However, many find the app's interface frustrating due to constant promotional pop-ups and update bulletins that interrupt their workflow R6R7. Users also report issues with cursor placement, formatting, and the app not returning to the last viewed position in a note R1R11.
Goodnotes Goodnotes is generally considered easy to use and helpful for organization . However, some users find the writing process cumbersome, requiring multiple steps to start typing . There are also complaints about slow launch times and pop-ups for reviews hindering immediate use . Issues with toolbar accessibility in non-fullscreen mode and difficulties with photo cropping have also been noted .
Reliability tieR1R12R13R21
Evernote Evernote is praised for its reliable syncing across devices . However, many users report significant issues with the app becoming slow, laggy, and crashing frequently R12R13. Specific bugs include problems with cursor placement, search functionality failing to find existing notes, and the scan feature not working correctly R1R21.
Goodnotes Goodnotes users report various reliability issues, including notes disappearing or going blank, especially before exams . Bugs include the app deleting notes as they are being written, frequent crashes and freezing, and issues with iCloud sync . Some users also experience problems with the app when plugged in, leading to glitches .
Price/Value edge: EvernoteR3R4R9R10
Evernote Evernote faces overwhelming criticism for its significant and frequent price increases, with some users reporting annual costs rising to $170, $250, or even $260 R3R4R9R14. Many long-term users feel the price is exorbitant for a note-taking app, especially given the perceived decline in quality and lack of meaningful AI features R10R28. The free version is also seen as increasingly limited and riddled with prompts to upgrade R13.
Goodnotes Goodnotes has recently shifted to a subscription model, which has angered many users who previously purchased the app outright and now find themselves locked out of features or their existing content unless they pay again R64R70R76. The free tier is limited to three notebooks, which some find restrictive R76. Users also report issues with AI credits running out quickly .
Support tieR25R30R98R110
Evernote Evernote users report extremely poor support, with one user detailing a lack of response to multiple requests for help with PDF export issues R30. Another user experienced a lengthy and frustrating process to regain access to their account after losing their multi-factor authentication device, describing the support as "absolutely the worst" R25.
Goodnotes Goodnotes users also report issues with support, particularly regarding account syncing and password recovery. One user mentioned support taking "forever to reply" R110. Another user, locked out of notes due to a forgotten password, found no recovery option and was unable to create new locked notes, highlighting a need for improved password recovery R98. One review mentioned dealing with an AI bot for customer service and ignored emails .
Pick Evernote if

Pick Evernote if you are a long-term user who finds its comprehensive organization features and cross-device syncing invaluable, and you are willing to pay the high subscription cost for its quality . It is also suitable if you appreciate its ability to organize various types of documents, photos, and to-do lists R8.

Pick Goodnotes if

Pick Goodnotes if you need a versatile note-taking app for organizing your entire life, including journals, records, and creative writing, and you prefer a simplified user interface . It is also a good choice if you are a student or professional who relies heavily on digital note-taking and PDF editing, and are comfortable with a subscription model .

Evidence note: The evidence for Goodnotes' support is somewhat limited, with only a few direct mentions of poor support experiences. For Evernote, the pricing complaints are overwhelmingly numerous and specific, indicating a major user pain point. Both apps have a free tier, but many negative reviews for both stem from limitations or changes to these free/paid models, suggesting a free-vs-paid asymmetry where users expect more for less or are frustrated by changes to previously free or one-time purchase features.

Frequently asked

How much does Evernote cost?
Evernote's annual subscription cost has seen significant increases, with users reporting prices ranging from $150 to $260 per year R14R22R49.
Can I still access my old notes in Goodnotes if I don't pay?
No, many users who previously purchased Goodnotes outright report being locked out of their existing content or limited to only three notebooks unless they subscribe to the new paid model R64R70R76R109.
Do these apps have AI features?
Yes, Evernote has added AI features, which some users find useful for summarizing content, but others describe them as poorly implemented, making the app worse, and lacking meaningful external AI integration R5R10R12R44. Goodnotes also has AI features, but users report issues with limited AI credits for transcription .

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R8] Evernote 5/5 · US My most useful app: I use Evernote frequently on my phone and my computer for work and personal use, Evernote helps me organize my documents, receipts, photos, to do lists, etc. Very useful. Love it!
  2. [R10] Evernote 2/5 · US Pricey, Weak AI Support: I’ve been a user since 2008. Unfortunately, the combination of the huge pricing increase plus the lack of meaningful AI tools is sending me elsewhere. No .md file support, weak AI integration, and no meaningful way to connect to the most powerful external AI models.
  3. [R12] Evernote 3/5 · US Horrible AI: I used to love Evernote and used it for everything, but in the past year or so, it’s gotten slow, laggy, and can no longer reliably find documents when you look for them. They’ve done all in one AI and guess what, it doesn’t work. Every AI feature they’ve added has made it worse. Whoever decided this simple little app needed AI should lose their job.
  4. [R28] Evernote 1/5 · US Unreasonable rate hikes: It used to be a nice app. Now that it has been bought out several times, it’s riddled with AI and they want to charge me $250/yr. For a notes app 😂
  5. [R1] Evernote 1/5 · US Typing problem: When I pull up an existing note I am unable to place my curser in the title or body of the note to type? Why is that happening and how can I correct? With the increase in annual subscription cost there should be no issues…
  6. [R6] Evernote 3/5 · US Unnecessary blocking with promos: I like the app because it syncs quickly. I don’t like it when I try to open it on the fly and the screen covered with bulletins telling me about new updates. It seems like they roll them out a couple of times a week.
  7. [R7] Evernote 2/5 · US Pop ups: I love this app It dose almost everything perfectly. But I use this app primarily for quick jotting down of my thoughts. I hate that I have lost many thoughts before because I have to dig through seven pop-ups before I can see my notes! that is ridiculous. I can’t tell you how many times in a quick moment where I need to write something down. I lose it because I’m interrupted while diggin
  8. [R11] Evernote 4/5 · US Fine but not awesome: Evernote has several good features and is generally good. Folders work well for organizing notes. Two significant frustrations are: 1. It doesn’t give you an opportunity to return to the same place. You leave your note for an hour, you end up at the front door. Frustrating if you’re trying to get work done! 2. Formatting is picky, idiosyncratic, and doesn’t play well with
  9. [R13] Evernote 1/5 · US Garbage: Between dwindling down the free version to drive people to pay for items that should be there and more devices and crashing frequently, not that impressed anymore. Used the app for 5 yrs and it's gotten progressively worse, but many of the alternatives including one note are just worthless.
  10. [R21] Evernote 3/5 · US Scan sucks: I’ve been using this purchased app for more than 10 years. I don’t use all the features but I’m amazed that Evernote keeps adding more features. I used the ‘scan’ feature and I really like it but Recently the ‘scan’ seems to have a flaw. It does not take flat images anymore and I hope this ding gets fixed soon. Otherwise I’ll have to continue giving this a 3 stars rating. Please fix.
  11. [R3] Evernote 3/5 · US Pricey: The app is good, but the cost is high. The monthly cost for this app is way too high for something that just holds your notes. They act like it’s the only app you’re paying for.
  12. [R4] Evernote 2/5 · US Farewell Evernote: I’ve been using this for 10-15 years and it’s been the lil note taker I love to complain about. I won’t be paying and subsiding their AI upgrades this time around. This is a YUGE price increase. Too expensive and other free tools will be fine to use.
  13. [R9] Evernote 3/5 · US Price Increase: Love Evernote. Long term customer. Price increase outrageous. I am not using many of features. iPad APP not working with message to pay for a second copy? Really ?
  14. [R25] Evernote 1/5 · US Absolutely the worst support: I thought I would come back to the app after almost a decade, not using it hoping that perhaps it would be a useful addition to my life. Unfortunately, in the past 10 years, I have replaced my phone. That means I no longer have access to the app that the code for my multifactor authentication is in. I open a ticket with support thinking that this should be a fairly ea
  15. [R30] Evernote 3/5 · US Still can not export PDF: Despite following instructions precisely, evernote no longer allows me to export a note as a pdf Zero responses from my multiple requests for support
  16. [R98] Goodnotes 5/5 · US Great app,but password recovery needs improvement: i’ve been using Goodnotes as my primary note taking app, but I’ve hit a major block. I forgot the password to my locked notes and didn’t enable biometric unlocking as a result I’m currently locked out of my important Notes and for some reason, the app also prevents me from creating any new locked notes. it would be incredibly helpful if you could
  17. [R110] Goodnotes 5/5 · US Major issues with login and account syncing: I have encountered numerous issues with syncing Apple accounts, Google accounts, Microsoft, you name it. Just poorly designed account management system. Imagine being unable to edit your notes and documents at any random update or change of credentials, with support taking forever to reply. The app itself is okay, but no good if you can’t use it.
  18. [R14] Evernote 4/5 · US No middle ground for solo reference & note users?: I've had Evernote for years, and I was more than happy to sign up for the paid version, originally. Then, the price went up to $170, and'sI grimaced but went ahead, now the price is going up to $250 a year. But there if a longtime user "up yours" choice. I use this for keeping my own records, my own notes, various reference materials and curiosit
  19. [R22] Evernote 1/5 · US Price gouging: This used to be a great app. As user for 15 years it has been my digital brain, just as it promised. But now they have more than doubled the fee two years in a row. It is now $260 per year and that is just mind boggling for my use. It’s unfortunate that they raised the price this much. I have now moved all my notes to another product.
  20. [R49] Evernote 1/5 · US Stop!!!!!: Note/update - in an attempt to make this use by use review pop up stop, I deleted the app and reinstalled it. No luck. I’ve been using Evernote since around 2010. It’s had improvements over the years. Been bought and sold by different owners. Changes made. Price has gone up as has the price for everything else. Features come. Features go. This year the price went from $150 a year to $
  21. [R64] Goodnotes 1/5 · US Subscription model SUCKS: I already paid for this app years ago and it was amazing. But now it locked me out of ALL features stating I need to start paying subscription. It was a great app but now it is the literal worst due to being a completely unusable app when I’ve already paid money to download it to begin with. This app is going straight in my virtual trash.
  22. [R70] Goodnotes 1/5 · US Not What I Purchased: Purchased this app years ago and have only lost features since then. Can no longer access content I've already created unless I purchase a subscription. Dissapointing change to what was previously my most used app.
  23. [R76] Goodnotes 1/5 · US Lifetime isn’t lifetime: I purchased lifetime subscription but they don’t honor that. They force updates that require paid subscriptions or the app limits you to 3 notebooks.
  24. [R109] Goodnotes 1/5 · US Disappointed with subscription model: I was disappointed to login to my account to discover that I have to repay for notebooks that I already had access to, due to whatever new subscription model you all have decided to change to. I paid a one time fee which means I should still have access to all of my notebooks that I originally had access to, not just 3. I will NOT be paying to upgrade and will
  25. [R5] Evernote 5/5 · US Have used this for years now…: And quite simply it must gets better and better, especially with the addition of AI features as of late!
  26. [R44] Evernote 5/5 · US Still Using Evernote: Happily “entangled” on Evernote via multiple devices, calendar and tasks. Given the volume of detailed notes is 300+, the “in-app-AI” functionality of summarizing from my internal content has been really useful. Yes… you pay for this.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store