We’re constantly bombarded with information, tasks, and brilliant (or not-so-brilliant) ideas. It’s no wonder that note-taking apps have become a necessity for all of us.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone who likes to stay on top of their game, having a reliable digital notepad can make a world of difference.
Evernote and Google Keep, two apps have been battling it out for the note-taking crown. While they share some similarities, their approaches and features are as distinct as night and day.
So, which one should you choose? Let’s find out!
Evernote: The Feature-Packed Powerhouse
Evernote has been around since 2004, making it a pioneer in the note-taking world. This app was designed to help you “remember everything,” and it packs a serious punch when it comes to features.
From capturing text, images, and audio to advanced organization tools and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, Evernote is like an OG for your notes.
The Pros of Evernote
Organization Extraordinaire: Evernote allows you to create notebooks, tags, and even nested notebooks, making it a dream come true for the uber-organized among us.
Multimedia Maverick: Not only can you jot down text notes, but Evernote also lets you attach files, images, audio recordings, and even handwritten notes (thanks to its nifty optical character recognition feature).
Web Clipper Wizard: Evernote’s web clipper is a game-changer. With just a click, you can save entire web pages or specific sections to your Evernote account for later reference.
Collaboration Champ: If you’re a team player, Evernote has your back. You can share notebooks and collaborate with others in real time, making it a fantastic tool for group projects or teamwork.
The Cons of Evernote
Pricey Proposition: While Evernote does offer a free version, its premium plans can get a bit steep, especially if you’re an individual user.
Cluttered Interface: With so many features crammed into one app, Evernote’s interface can feel a bit overwhelming, especially for newcomers.
Sync Hiccups: Some users have reported issues with syncing their notes across devices, which can be frustrating when you’re on the go.
Google Keep: The Minimalist Marvel
Launched in 2013, Google Keep is a lightweight and user-friendly note-taking app that’s completely free. While it may not have as many bells and whistles as Evernote, Keep’s simplicity is its greatest strength.
With its seamless integration with Google’s suite of tools and a clean, intuitive interface, Keep is perfect for those who want simplicity as an experience.
The Pros of Google Keep
Easy-Peasy Interface: Google Keep’s interface is as straightforward as they come. No clutter, no fuss, just a clean and user-friendly experience.
Totally Free: That’s right, folks! Google Keep is completely free to use, with no hidden fees or premium plans to worry about.
Google Integration: Being a part of the Google Suite, Keep integrates seamlessly with other Google apps like Gmail, Google Docs, and Google Calendar, making it a breeze to stay organized across multiple platforms.
Voice Notes and Reminders: With Google Keep, you can easily set reminders and even record voice notes on the go, perfect for those moments when you’re too busy to type.
The Cons of Google Keep
Limited Organization: While Google Keep’s simplicity is a selling point, it can also be a limitation. There’s no way to create notebooks or nested categories, which can make it challenging to organize complex projects or extensive note-taking.
Bare-Bones Features: Compared to Evernote, Google Keep is a bit light on features. You won’t find advanced options like optical character recognition or web clipping here.
No Offline Access (Desktop): While the mobile app allows offline access, the desktop version of Google Keep requires an internet connection, which can be a dealbreaker for some users.
Head To Head Comparison Of Evernote Vs Google Keep
Now, that we have gone through the basics of Evernote and Google Keep let’s go through the head-to-head comparison.
Note-Taking Capabilities
When it comes to pure note-taking, Google Keep does the job easily. Its speed and simplicity make it a dream for quickly writing down ideas or creating to-do lists on the fly. With Keep, you can start typing a new note instantly.
One of Keep’s standout features is its checklist function. Creating a checklist is as easy as typing out a bulleted list – no extra steps are required. Plus, you can easily tick off items as you go, making it a fantastic tool for grocery lists or task tracking.
Evernote, on the other hand, can feel a bit clunky when it comes to straightforward note-taking. Creating a new note requires a few extra clicks, and formatting text can be a frustrating experience.
While Evernote offers more advanced note-taking features, such as handwriting recognition and OCR, its complexity can sometimes get in the way of quick and easy note-taking.
Key Takeaway: If you’re looking for a tool to quickly capture ideas or create simple lists, Google Keep is your best bet. Its streamlined interface and effortless note-taking make it a clear winner in this round.
Organization and Search
When it comes to organizing your notes and finding what you need, Evernote reigns supreme. This app offers a robust system for categorizing your notes into notebooks and stacks, making it easier to keep everything neatly sorted.
Evernote’s search function is also a powerhouse. With advanced search operators and syntax, you can quickly find specific notes or text across your entire collection. Plus, Evernote’s OCR capabilities mean that you can even search for text within images and handwritten notes – talk about efficiency!
Google Keep, on the other hand, takes a more minimalist approach to organization. While you can use labels to categorize your notes and pin important ones to the top, Keep lacks the robust notebook system and advanced search capabilities of Evernote.
Key Takeaway: If you have a lot of notes to manage or need to find specific information quickly, Evernote is the way to go. Its organization tools and powerful search function make it an excellent choice for power users and those with extensive note collections.
Ease of Use and User Experience
As a matter of fact no one wants to spend hours figuring out how to use a note-taking app. That’s where Google Keep shines. Its clean and intuitive interface is a breeze to navigate, even for tech novices.
Creating and editing notes in Keep is a seamless experience. Plus, its tight integration with other Google apps like Docs and Sheets means you can easily move content between them without any hassle.
Evernote, on the other hand, can be overwhelming at times. Its desktop app, in particular, has been criticized for its inconsistent user experience and confusing menus. While Evernote packs a ton of features, it can sometimes feel like you need a PhD to figure out how to use them effectively.
Key Takeaway: If you value simplicity and a user-friendly experience, Google Keep is the clear choice. Its intuitive design and seamless integration with Google’s suite of tools make it a joy to use.
Integrations and Compatibility
In the world of note-taking apps, integrations and compatibility with other tools are crucial. After all, you don’t want your notes to be trapped in a silo, do you?
Both Evernote and Google Keep offer impressive integration capabilities, making this round a tie.
Evernote boasts a wide range of integrations with popular productivity tools like Gmail, Outlook, Google Drive, Slack, and Salesforce. This makes it a fantastic choice for those who want to seamlessly incorporate note-taking into their existing workflows.
On the other hand, Google Keep’s tight integration with Google’s suite of apps (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) is a game-changer. With just a few clicks, you can move content between Keep and other Google apps, making collaboration and note-sharing a breeze.
Key Takeaway: When it comes to integrations and compatibility, both Evernote and Google Keep offer excellent options. Choose the one that best fits your existing tech ecosystem and workflow.
Cost and Pricing
Now, no one likes spending money if they don’t have to. And so, when it comes to cost, Google Keep is the clear victor. Google Keep is completely free to use, with no limits on the number of notes you can create or the amount of storage you can use. It’s a fantastic option for those on a tight budget or those who simply don’t want to pay for a note-taking app.
Evernote, on the other hand, can get quite pricey. While it offers a free version, it’s severely limited in terms of features and storage. To unlock Evernote’s full potential, you’ll need to subscribe to one of their paid plans, which can cost anywhere from $14.99 to $24.99 per month.
Key Takeaway: If you’re looking for a free and feature-rich note-taking app, Google Keep is your best bet. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more powerful tool and don’t mind paying a premium, Evernote’s paid plans might be worth considering.
The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Now, let’s get to the million-dollar question: which note-taking app should you go with? The answer actually is it, depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re someone who values simplicity and seamless integration with other Google apps, Google Keep is likely the way to go. It’s a straightforward, no-frills solution that’ll help you jot down quick notes, set reminders, and stay organized without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
On the other hand, if you’re a power user who needs advanced features, collaboration tools, and robust organization capabilities, Evernote might be the better choice for you. It’s a more comprehensive solution that can handle complex projects, multimedia notes, and team collaboration with ease.
However, it’s important to note that Evernote’s premium plans can add up, especially for individual users. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider sticking with Google Keep or free alternatives like Microsoft OneNote or Joplin.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, both Evernote and Google Keep are fantastic note-taking tools, each catering to different preferences and needs. The key is to choose the one that aligns best with your workflow and requirements.
If you’re a minimalist who values speed and simplicity, Google Keep is your best bet. But if you’re a power user who needs a versatile and feature-rich note-taking tool, Evernote might be the way to go.
No matter which app you choose, just remember – the key to staying organized and productive is finding a note-taking tool that works for you and sticking with it. So, go forth and conquer your ideas, tasks, and to-do lists with the ultimate note-taking companion by your side!
