Evernote was once the default note-taking app. After years of price increases and a much stricter free plan, many users left. Now it’s fighting back with AI: smarter search, an AI assistant, meeting notes and transcription.
Here’s what Evernote’s AI features actually do in 2026, what they cost, and whether Evernote is still worth paying for.
Quick Verdict
- Worth it for: Long-time Evernote users with years of notes who want AI to search and summarize them.
- Not ideal for: New users on a budget. Cheaper apps offer similar or better value.
- Free plan: Very limited, closer to a trial than a usable free app.
Evernote’s AI Features in 2026
Evernote added a wave of AI features, including a major update early in 2026:
- AI Search (semantic search): Ask questions in plain English instead of hunting for exact keywords.
- AI Assistant: Summarize, rewrite, and get answers from your notes.
- AI Meeting Notes: Record or import meetings and get organized notes.
- AI Transcribe: Turn audio and handwritten notes into searchable text.
- Smart suggestions: Help with tagging, organizing and creating tasks.
Note: Features and policies may vary by plan, region and app version, and can change at any time. Check the official help center for the latest information.
Evernote’s classic strengths are still there too: an excellent web clipper, document scanning and powerful search inside images and PDFs.
Evernote Pricing (2026)
| Plan | Price (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Very limited notes, notebooks and device sync |
| Personal | About $14.99/month | The full core Evernote experience |
| Professional | About $17.99/month | Adds the full AI feature set and more storage |
| Teams | About $24.99 per user/month | Shared spaces and admin controls |
Yearly billing is cheaper, and plan names and prices vary by region. Check Evernote’s pricing page for current details.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- AI search makes large, old note collections useful again.
- Best-in-class web clipper and document scanning.
- Mature apps on every device.
Cons
- Expensive compared with many alternatives.
- Free plan is too limited for regular use.
- The best AI features sit on the higher-priced plan.
- Frequent pricing changes have hurt user trust.
Evernote Alternatives
- Notion AI: Notes, databases and team projects with AI.
- Mem: AI-first notes that organize themselves.
- NotebookLM: Free AI research notebook from Google.
- Microsoft OneNote and Obsidian: Free options with strong note-taking.
Choosing a new notes app? Read how to choose a note-taking app that syncs everywhere.
How to Move Out of Evernote
If you decide to switch, export your notebooks as ENEX files from the Evernote desktop app. Many apps, including Notion and OneNote, can import them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Evernote have AI?
Yes. It offers AI search, an AI assistant, meeting notes and transcription, with the full set on higher plans.
Is Evernote still free?
There’s a free plan, but its strict limits make it suitable only for very light use.
Who owns Evernote now?
Evernote is owned by Bending Spoons, an Italian app company, which bought it in 2023.
The Bottom Line
Evernote’s new AI features are genuinely useful, especially for people with big note archives. But for new users, cheaper alternatives offer better value. Explore more tools on our AI productivity tools page.
Related Guides
- Reflect Notes Review 2026: A Private AI Note-Taking App, Pricing
- Best Note-Taking Apps That Sync Across All Your Devices
Explore more in our AI Productivity Tools hub.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on details available at the time of writing. Prices, plans, features, release dates, policies and availability can change at any time and may vary by country. Please verify the latest information on the official website of the company or product mentioned before making any decision or purchase. Next DigiTech is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the companies mentioned; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. We are not responsible for any loss or decisions made based on this content.
