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

Evernote vs Freenotes®

Evernote 4.4★ · Free + IAP 70
Winner Evernote
Freenotes® 4.7★ · Free + IAP 60

Evernote is better for long-term, comprehensive note-taking with robust features, despite its high cost, while Freenotes® is a strong contender for students and those prioritizing handwriting features, but its recent shift away from being truly free has disappointed many users.

Full reviews: Evernote · Freenotes®

Evernote offers extensive organizational tools and cross-device syncing, appealing to long-term users, though recent price hikes and AI integration issues are significant concerns. Freenotes® excels in handwriting-to-text and overall ease of use for students, but its transition from a free app to a paid model, including limiting notebooks, has led to widespread user dissatisfaction.

Head to head

Features edge: EvernoteR1R8R11R21
Evernote Evernote is praised for its comprehensive features, including organizing documents, receipts, photos, and to-do lists, and its quick syncing across devices R11. Some users appreciate the addition of AI features, such as summarizing internal content R8R47. However, others find the app has become 'bloated and over-full of features,' making it less useful for its main purpose and harder to use . Specific complaints include buggy search, issues with cursor placement, and problems with the 'scan' feature R1R21.
Freenotes® Freenotes® is lauded for its handwriting-to-text conversion, which users describe as fast, accurate, and smooth R62R72. It offers a good variety of writing tools and is considered excellent for studying, with many options available R108. Users also appreciate its ability to edit PDF files and organize notes into categories . However, some find the handwriting beautification feature meh and not suitable for math equations, and stickers do not sync across devices . There are also requests for features like OCR and a shapes tool R108.
Ease of Use edge: Freenotes®R1R6R7R14
Evernote Evernote is generally seen as useful for organizing information and syncing across devices . However, recent updates have introduced frustrations, such as constant pop-ups for updates and promotions, making quick note-taking difficult R6R7. Some users report issues with cursor placement, notes not returning to the same place, and picky formatting R1R14. The app is also criticized for becoming 'overloaded with features' and less intuitive .
Freenotes® Freenotes® is praised for its ease of use, especially for students . Users find it simple to create functional notes and organize them . However, some experience issues with the launch splash screen being too long and annoying, and the tools interface is described as too busy R72. A significant number of users have difficulty logging in or accessing their accounts after updates .
Reliability tieR2R6R12R13
Evernote Evernote has a long history of being a reliable tool for many users, with some having used it for over a decade for work and personal organization R2. It is generally good at syncing quickly between devices R6. However, recent reviews indicate a decline in reliability, with the app becoming slow and laggy, and failing to reliably find documents R12. Users also report frequent crashes and issues with exporting PDFs R13R30.
Freenotes® Freenotes® was initially very reliable for many users over several years . However, recent updates have introduced significant reliability issues, particularly with users losing access to their accounts or premium features they previously had . Stickers not syncing across devices is another reliability concern .
Price/Value tieR3R4R9R10
Evernote Evernote faces overwhelming criticism for its significant and repeated price increases, with some users reporting prices doubling or becoming 7x what they used to be, reaching up to $250-$260 per year R3R4R9. Many long-term users feel the cost is too high for a note-taking app, especially given that they don't use all the features or perceive a decline in quality R9R10R17. Some users are actively seeking free alternatives due to the cost R4. Despite this, a few loyal users still find the quality worth the price .
Freenotes® Freenotes® is heavily criticized for its misleading name and recent shift from a truly free app to a subscription model R64. Many users, especially long-term adopters, are upset because they were promised free lifetime access or features that are now paywalled . The app now limits the number of notebooks or essential note-taking accessories for free users, forcing them to pay $9-10 a month or year R73. Some users find the price adequate for the features .
Support edge: EvernoteR25R30
Evernote Evernote's support is described as 'absolutely the worst,' with users reporting no responses to multiple requests R25R30.
Freenotes® There are no specific reviews mentioning Freenotes® customer support, either positive or negative.
Pick Evernote if

you need a comprehensive note-taking system for work and personal use that syncs across multiple devices, and you are willing to pay a premium for its extensive features and long-term reliability R11.

Pick Freenotes® if

you are a student who prioritizes handwriting-to-text conversion and aesthetic note-taking features, and you are comfortable with a subscription model, especially if you can secure a one-time payment or a reasonable annual fee R62.

Evidence note: Evidence for Freenotes® support is absent, leading to a tie in that dimension based on lack of information. The free vs. paid asymmetry is very strong for Freenotes®, where many negative reviews stem from the app no longer being truly free, despite its name.

Frequently asked

How much does Evernote cost?
Evernote's annual subscription cost has significantly increased, with users reporting prices ranging from $170 to $260 per year, which many consider too high for a note-taking app R17R22R28R49.
Is Freenotes® still free?
Despite its name, Freenotes® is no longer truly free; it has transitioned to a subscription model, limiting free users to a certain number of notebooks or features, with paid plans costing around $9-10 per month or year R64R73R95R99.
Does Evernote have AI features?
Yes, Evernote has added AI features, such as summarizing internal content, which some users find useful, but others criticize the AI integration as weak, buggy, and making the app worse R8R10R12R47.
Can I use Freenotes® for handwriting?
Yes, Freenotes® is highly praised for its fast, accurate, and smooth handwriting-to-text conversion, making it a strong choice for handwritten notes R62R72R108.

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. [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…
  2. [R8] 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!
  3. [R11] 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!
  4. [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.
  5. [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.
  6. [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
  7. [R14] 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
  8. [R2] Evernote 5/5 · US The bestest: I’ve been using this app since I was in nursing school
  9. [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.
  10. [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.
  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. [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.
  15. [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
  16. [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
  17. [R17] 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
  18. [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.
  19. [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 😂
  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] Freenotes® 2/5 · US Not satisfied: The name is free note but I need to pay seriously not satisfied with this app poor application
  22. [R73] Freenotes® 2/5 · US Disappointing: I’ve used this app for years now and at first it was free. Then they added ads, however it end still useable and very nice. Now, they have added a limit on how many notebooks you can have unless u pay 9 dollars a month. I’m personally disappointed and will be uninstalling.
  23. [R95] Freenotes® 1/5 · US No longer free: I’ve been using this app for about 2 years and now they’ve implemented a subscription base where your notes are limited. So I can no longer write notes on this app without paying. The ads were annoying but this makes the app unusable. Don’t waste your time if you plan to use this app long term.
  24. [R99] Freenotes® 1/5 · US not free anymore: Love the app but I won't pay $10 year for it, maybe $10 for lifetime. Until then I'll be using other apps
  25. [R47] 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.
  26. [R62] Freenotes® 5/5 · US Grateful for note taking: Has a lot of features I really like the ink to text feature
  27. [R72] Freenotes® 3/5 · US Pros and cons: Pros: probably the fastest and most accurate and smoothest handwriting-to-text conversion of this sort of app. Cons: - the launch splash screen is a long splash and gets really annoying after the third time and the principles of Apple design discourage that sort of thing. - The Tools interface is too busy with too much stuff in it, which gets confusing. Menus have a lot of choic
  28. [R108] Freenotes® 5/5 · US Best app for talking note: I’ve have been using freenotes for my study and it’s great awesome it has many features that make your notes aesthetic and beautiful and all for free Features request could you please add shapes tool and fountain pen

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