7 Reasons Why OneNote Is Better Than Evernote for Windows Users

The rivalry between Evernote and OneNote has been going on for decades. Evernote has seen significant improvements in recent months since being acquired by Italian company Bending Spoons. Nevertheless, for Windows users, Microsoft OneNote remains my top recommendation. In addition to its robust features, the company's note-taking application integrates seamlessly into the Windows ecosystem and is well worth considering for anyone looking to increase their productivity.




In this post, I will go into more detail about the main reasons why you should abandon the green elephant in favor of Microsoft's digital note-taking solution for Windows.

7 Sticky Notes Integration

OneNote integration with sticky notes

Microsoft recently revamped Sticky Notes on Windows with new features and a new user interface. In addition, the software giant has integrated Sticky Notes into OneNote. If you often jot down quick thoughts and ideas using Sticky Notes, they will now sync with your OneNote account and be accessible on your phone and other devices.

For example, if you use an Android phone or iPhone, you can simply download OneNote from their respective stores, sign in with your Microsoft account details, and access your sticky notes in a snap. If you use Mac or Linux as a secondary device, go to OneNote on the web to review your sticky notes.


6 Universal quick note function

OneNote Quick Notes on Windows

Unlike Evernote, OneNote offers a quick note feature with a handy keyboard shortcut. When OneNote is running in the background, you can simply click the Windows + Alt + N Keys to open the Quick Notes window. The company has done a great job with Quick Notes on Windows. It is packed with essential formatting and drawing tools and even allows you to insert a screenshot with just one click.

It's an essential convenience feature for researchers and productivity seekers who want to jot down a few notes quickly and without thinking. Evernote also offers a basic quick note feature, but it's not as feature-rich as OneNote's solution.


OneNote in the Start menu under Windows

Like all Microsoft 365 apps, OneNote is seamlessly integrated into the Windows Start menu. If you access a specific notebook on your phone, the web, your Mac, Windows, or another device, Microsoft recommends having the same in the Windows Start menu so you can easily access it.

You can simply press the Windows key to check and access your most recently used notebook with a single click. No more opening OneNote and selecting a notebook from the sidebar. Aside from your OneNote notebook, the Start menu also syncs your previously used documents, presentations, spreadsheets, images, and more. It goes without saying that Evernote on Windows doesn't have this advantage.


4 A native app experience

Native OneNote app on Windows

After updating to version 10, Evernote replaced its old native apps with an Electron framework. In simpler terms, these are essentially web wrappers that act as native apps on your desktop. Although Evernote has fixed syncing and performance issues as a result of this drastic change, the overall experience still can't compete with a native solution from OneNote, Craft, and others.

Microsoft has a native OneNote app that offers fast syncing and fits perfectly with the rest of Windows' design elements.


While Evernote offers drawing tools like highlighter, pen, different colors and backgrounds, they don't match the inking capabilities of OneNote. First of all, you don't need to open a separate interface to access your drawing tools. You can switch to the Drawing tab and see all the relevant tools in action.

OneNote is also flexible enough to format the existing text with drawing tools. If you own a 2-in-1 Windows device like a Surface Pro, you'll really appreciate the drawing tools available in OneNote.

2 Protect your personal notes from prying eyes

Protect OneNote section with password


It's 2024, and Evernote still doesn't offer a way to lock individual notes or notebooks. You can only encrypt selected text. That's a major oversight, and it can leave your personal notes visible on the desktop (after all, there's no way to lock the desktop app either).

OneNote offers the ability to lock the entire notebook space with a password. The same password protection also works across all your devices. If you often need to store confidential notes, you will definitely prefer OneNote.

1 A robust free plan

Copilot summary from handwritten notes

Source: Microsoft

Evernote recently increased its subscription prices. The Personal plan now starts at $15 per month. In contrast, OneNote is completely free to download and use. Unlike other Office apps, it also doesn't require you to sign up for a Microsoft 365 plan. Just download OneNote on Windows, sign in with your Microsoft account, and start jotting down notes with all the features at your disposal.


Evernote users, you are missing out

Because of its obvious (or, some would argue, unfair) advantages, OneNote is the clear winner for Windows users. It's a native app with seamless integration with Windows apps and services, offers more generous free features compared to its well-known competitor, and keeps your personal thoughts away from others.

If you're not sure whether to switch from Evernote to OneNote yet, read our dedicated comparison guide and find out all the details.

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