Obsidian Vs Evernote: Which One To Choose?

Research projects can be messy. Consider you’re surrounded by a pile of notes, a laptop teetering on the edge of your desk, and a million thoughts fighting for your attention. The first step in any research project is getting organized. This means figuring out how to gather information and write efficiently and quickly. 

Obsidian and Evernote can help, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. This guide'll compare the two tools to help you with how to start a research project. We'll also give you some tips on how to use them efficiently.

And here’s where Otio comes in. Otio is an AI-powered research and writing partner that can help you get the most out of Obsidian and Evernote. It can help you quickly find and organize information to focus on writing efficiently.

Table Of Contents

• Key Features of Obsidian

• Key Features of Evernote

• Comparison Between Obsidian Vs. Evernote

• Pros and Cons of Obsidian and Evernote

• 7 Best Obsidian and Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking

• Supercharge Your Researching Ability With Otio — Try Otio for Free Today

Key Features of Obsidian

Your Thoughts All Linked Up

Obsidian is like a second brain for your ideas and research. This markdown-based note-taking app lets you connect your notes to mimic how your brain works. It’s perfect for creating a web of interconnected thoughts. As you gather and organize your notes, Obsidian excels at helping you find connections and patterns you might not have noticed before.

Keep It Local with File Vaults

Want to keep your documents close and offline? Obsidian's file vaults let you store your notes wherever you want—locally, on iCloud, or even on Dropbox. This way, you’re not tied to the internet and can access your documents whenever needed.

Map It Out with Canvas

Obsidian's Canvas has you covered if you’re more of a visual thinker. This core plugin allows you to create visual maps and workflows for your notes. It’s like drawing a mind map but within your note-taking app. You can see your thoughts laid out visually, which can help you make connections and understand complex ideas better.

Customization Galore: Plugins, Themes, and Open API

Obsidian is all about making your workflow work. With community plugins, themes, and an open API, you can customize the app to fit your needs. Whether you want to add new features or change the app's appearance, Obsidian gives you the tools to make it happen.

Publish Your Vault with Obsidian Publish

Have you ever wanted to turn your notes into a website? Obsidian Publish is a paid add-on that lets you do just that. With this feature, you can create web pages from your vault and share your work with the world. It’s a great way to showcase your research or share your ideas with others.

Sync Across Devices with Obsidian Sync

Obsidian Sync can help keep everything organized if you're using multiple devices. This paid add-on allows you to sync your notes across platforms so you can access your work from anywhere. Whether using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, you’ll have your notes at your fingertips.

Keep Track of Time with the Calendar Plugin

The Calendar plugin is a must-have for those who like to track their work by date. This feature integrates with Obsidian and visually represents your notes by date. It’s perfect for seeing what you worked on when and keeping your projects on track.

Record Your Thoughts with the Audio Recorder

Sometimes, typing out your thoughts just doesn’t cut it. With the Audio Recorder, you can record voice messages directly in Obsidian. This core plugin is great for capturing ideas on the fly or recording lectures and meetings for later review.

Query Your Notes with Dataview

If you’re a database fan, you’ll love Dataview. This feature provides database functionality within markdown, allowing you to query lists of backlinks, open todos, and more. It’s a powerful way to organize and analyze your notes.

Visualize Connections with Excalibrain

See how your notes are connected with Excalibrain. This feature provides insights into your notes and their connections, allowing you to visualize relationships and highlight notes with two-way links. It’s a great way to see the big picture and understand how your ideas fit together.

Key Features of Evernote

1. Flexible Note-Taking Capabilities  

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that supports nested notebooks. It offers various options for creating notes, including audio notes, presentations, and checklists. A “note” can range from a paragraph of structured text to an entire webpage, a photograph, a voice memo, or even a handwritten entry. You can also add file attachments to your notes for comprehensive documentation.

2. Organizational Tools  

Folders make organizing your notes easy. You can note, alter, comment on, search, and export them as notebooks. While tags can’t be shared across devices, notebooks can offer some flexibility in managing your content.

3. Cross-Platform Flexibility  

Evernote functions differently on each platform but generally maintains the same core functionalities. You can add notes and search for anything you need, and you have the flexibility to format notes in various ways.

4. Storage and Subscription Options  

The free version of Evernote provides unlimited storage with a 60 MB monthly upload limit. If you need more, an Evernote Premium subscription, costing $5 monthly or $45 annually, increases this to 1 GB per month. There’s also a Business Account option for larger teams.

5. Web Clipping with Ease  

Evernote Web Clipper is a digital tool that simplifies the process of saving content from the web. You can save and snapshot any webpage, clipping interesting articles, PDF documents, and crucial email communications.

6. Applying Templates  

You can apply templates to your notes from various choices, streamlining your workflow and keeping everything organized.

7. Collaborative Features  

Evernote allows you to collaborate with others by controlling who has access to view and update the notes and notebooks, perfect for team projects or shared tasks.

8. Annotated Screenshots  

You can take a screenshot of a webpage and then add text, callouts, or annotations to highlight important information, ensuring you remember why you saved it.

9. Google Search Integration  

With Google Search integration, Evernote will search through your notes and clipped websites for results you’ve already saved during an online search.

10. Importing Folders  

One of Evernote’s legacy features, Import Folders, is a time-saver. You can instruct Evernote to monitor a folder on your desktop, and any files saved there will be instantly imported into the notebook of your choice.

11. Tasks and To-Dos  

Evernote’s Tasks feature helps you stay on top of everything by combining your to-dos and notes. Your tasks can live inside your notes, complete with priority flags, due dates, and reminders, helping you easily manage your schedule.

12. Synchronization and Backup Services  

Evernote offers online synchronization and backup services, tightly integrated with other items like a recording system, a camera, and local and cloud storage for expanded capabilities.

13. Customization Options  

You can customize Evernote by changing the background, dragging and dropping widgets, moving widgets, and saving changes. To build the structure and move between different sections of your system, familiarize yourself with note links.

14. Saved Searches  

Evernote allows for saved searches, which are done by entering the search query. This can save you time when you are looking for frequently searched items.

15. Managing Multiple Accounts  

You can manage two or more Evernote accounts, such as a personal and a professional account or a business account separate from your main account. If you wish to merge the accounts, transferring the notebooks from one to another is straightforward.

16. Password Protection  

Evernote allows you to password-protect any text, image, or other file formats within a note. To use this function, pick the text you want to encrypt, right-click it, and choose Encrypt Selected Text from the menu.

Don’t let content overload slow you down. Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner — try Otio for free today!

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Comparison Between Obsidian Vs. Evernote

Storage: Where Do Your Notes Live?

When it comes to storing your notes, Obsidian and Evernote take very different approaches. Obsidian stores your notes locally on your device. You can access them anytime without an internet connection, which is excellent for security since your data isn’t floating around in the cloud. On the flip side, if you want to sync your notes across multiple devices, you must pay $8 for that privilege.

Evernote, on the other hand, saves your notes in the cloud. This allows for easy access from anywhere with an internet connection, which is handy if you like to jot things down on the go. Plus, your notes are automatically synced across all your devices.

File Format: How Do Your Notes Look?

Obsidian and Evernote use different file formats to store your notes. Obsidian uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language with a simple syntax. This allows your notes to be saved as plain text files with a .md extension, which can be opened with any text editor. You can also export your notes to PDF or convert them to formats like .docx and .txt.

Evernote uses Rich Text Format (RTF), a standard file format many word processors use. This makes it easy to exchange files between different software. The Evernote editor is user-friendly, with a layout similar to the word processors you’ve used before. You can format text by changing font size, color, and more.

Linking: Connecting the Dots

Linking your notes is a great way to form connections between them and understand a topic more thoroughly. Obsidian and Evernote both offer linking features, but they work differently.

Obsidian has bidirectional linking, meaning you can see incoming and outgoing links in your notes. To add links, use the square brackets [[ ]] and add the name of the note you want to link between these brackets. Obsidian also has a Knowledge Graph, which visually represents your notes and how they link.

Evernote’s linking feature is a bit more cumbersome. To insert a link to a note that already exists in your library, you have to find that note, copy the link, and paste it into the new note you’re creating. While this feature is useful, it’s more complicated and time-consuming.

Evernote vs. Obsidian on Reddit: What Are Users Saying?

Redditors use both Obsidian and Evernote for different purposes. One user mentioned using Obsidian for projects that benefit from hyperlinking information, while Evernote remains their “dumping ground” for general knowledge and info storage. Another user said they have a good process around Evernote and don’t need to use multiple apps, even though some things could be better.

Obsidian vs Evernote: Do We Have a Winner?

Deciding a winner between Obsidian and Evernote is difficult since both have limitations. Obsidian is an entirely offline notes app, making syncing your notes across devices challenging. Conversely, Evernote is suitable for personal and collaborative use, but your data is hosted on the cloud and is vulnerable to security breaches.

Pros and Cons of Obsidian and Evernote

Obsidian: The Unseen Hero of Note-Taking

Pros

• Flawless Integration Across Devices: Obsidian syncs effortlessly between desktop and mobile, ensuring you have your notes wherever you need them.

• Robust and Feature-Rich: With powerful note-taking and knowledge management abilities, Obsidian is highly customizable and packed with features. Whether you’re organizing daily tasks or managing complex projects, it fits the bill.

• Versatile Content Handling: Obsidian efficiently manages various content types, from markdown to complex equations. Its flexibility makes it a powerhouse for diverse content needs.

• Privacy and Offline Access: Obsidian’s privacy features and offline access mean you’re not tethered to an internet connection, and your data stays where it belongs.

• Community-Driven Enhancements: The community-made plugins elevate Obsidian’s functionality, allowing you to tailor the app to meet your needs.

• Great for Transitioning Users: If you’re moving from another note app like Evernote, Obsidian offers a smooth transition with its intuitive interface and powerful features.

Cons

• Mobile Version Glitches on Android: Users report significant issues with the Android version, including random character insertions, malfunctioning keyboard interactions, and various other bugs.

• Reliability Concerns: Persistent problems like corrupted notes and app crashes can be frustrating. Some users face a learning curve, especially if they have basic programming skills.

• Security Risks with Permissions: Extensive permissions are needed to access and manage all files on a phone, posing a potential security risk.

• Lack of Developer Response: Frustration grows when developers do not respond to persistent bugs and user complaints, which can deter potential users.

Evernote: The Classic Note Organizer

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Evernote is simple and easy to use. Its free forever plan is available for individual use, making it accessible for beginners.

• Powerful Search Features: Evernote’s search capabilities make it easy to find notes, saving you time and effort.

• Document Scanner for All Plans: The document scanner is available for all plans and is a handy tool for digitizing physical documents.

• Customizable Home Dashboard for Paid Users: Paid users can enjoy a customizable home dashboard with widgets, enhancing their experience.

• Calendar and Task Management Integration: Available for paid plans, these features keep your schedule and tasks organized, making Evernote a comprehensive productivity tool.

Cons

• Paywall for Features: Many features are confined to higher-tier paid plans. This can frustrate users who want more functionality without the added expense.

• Pricey Paid Plans: Evernote’s paid plans are expensive compared to competitors. This can deter budget-conscious users.

• Limited Device Sync on Free Plan: The free plan allows you to sync only two devices, which may need more for users requiring access to multiple devices.

• Syncing Issues: Some users experience lag or glitches when syncing, which can disrupt their workflow.

7 Best Obsidian and Evernote Alternatives for Note-Taking

1. Otio

Otio simplifies the chaotic world of information overload for researchers. It’s like having an assistant that collects, extracts critical takeaways, and helps you create drafts from various sources—bookmarks, tweets, or videos. It’s all about accelerating your journey from a reading list to a first draft.

2. Mem

Mem is your go-to if you’re tired of seeing your notes spill everywhere. It organizes your notes with hashtags and offers suggestions to refine your library. Mem’s Smart Write and Edit features to maintain your voice while expanding on your thoughts. And when you’re swamped with notes, just chat with them to get what you need.

Pros

• Extensive AI capabilities.  

• Efficient chatbot for note-related inquiries.  

Cons

• There is no free plan.  

3. OneNote + Copilot

Microsoft OneNote with Copilot Pro offers a flexible note-taking experience enhanced by AI. The chat sidebar and text transformation buttons make generating ideas and refining your notes easy. This setup lets you organize and layout content as you wish, making it ideal for creative projects.

Pros

• Flexible and creative note-taking environment.  

• Source-grounded AI responses.  

Cons  

• AI features could be more accessible.  

4. Notion

Notion is a powerhouse for those who want a highly customizable note-taking system. Using AI to generate and edit text, you can create databases to store and connect your notes. However, its flexibility can be both a blessing and a curse.

Pros 

• Highly customizable and collaborative.  

• Strong organizational tools.  

Cons  

• Requires effort to maintain and organize.  

5. Fathom

Fathom is designed to facilitate note-taking during meetings. It captures audio and generates transcripts for review, allowing you to highlight key points. The tool also creates summaries with action items so you know what to do next.

Pros

• Real-time text generation during meetings.  

• Integrates with various platforms.  

Cons

• Requires a software download.  

6. tl;dv

Tl;dv is an AI notetaker that automatically records and transcribes online meetings. It’s simple to use and captures essential discussion points, helping track meeting progression. It also allows you to create clips of important moments to share with your team.

Pros

• Multilingual speaker recognition.  

• Simple sharing of meeting highlights.  

Cons

• Full transcripts are available only after meetings end.  

7. InqScribe

InqScribe is a straightforward transcription tool that detects speech patterns and generates transcriptions. It supports various media formats and allows easy editing within a single window. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners.

Pros

• Easy timestamp editing.  

• Mouse-free control with keyboard hotkeys.  

Cons

• Limited features on the free version.  

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Supercharge Your Researching Ability With Otio — Try Otio for Free Today

The digital age has brought us a flood of information. Researchers and students face content overload daily, with fragmented and complex tools making managing it even harder. Bookmarking, read-it-later, and note-taking apps were supposed to help, but they often feel more like duct tape than solutions. As content creation becomes more accessible, this problem will only grow. Enter Otio, an AI-native workspace explicitly designed for researchers. 

It helps you collect data from diverse sources, extract critical takeaways with AI-generated notes and source-grounded Q&A chat, and create draft outputs using your gathered sources. Otio makes it easier to go from the reading list to the first draft and even helps you write research papers and essays faster. Researchers love features like AI-generated notes on all bookmarks, the ability to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, and AI-assisted writing. 

Let Otio be your AI research and writing partner—try Otio for free today!

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