Evernote, the popular note-taking app, has announced changes to its free plan, much to the dismay of its users. Starting from December 4, the new free plan will restrict users to only 50 notes and one notebook. Existing free users who surpass these limits will still have access to their notes, but they will need to either upgrade to a paid plan or delete old notes in order to create new ones.
Evernote defended this move by stating that the majority of its free users already fall within these new limits. However, it remains unclear whether this includes long-dormant accounts that may have given the app a try years ago. This ambiguity raises concerns among users who may have lots of old notes stored in their accounts.
The premium plans offered by Evernote, which provide additional features and storage, start at $15 per month. This price tag may be off-putting for some users, prompting them to seek out alternatives with more generous free plans. Notion, Microsoft OneNote, Google Keep, Bear, Obsidian, and SimpleNote are among the popular options that offer ample free storage and features.
In addition to the changes to its free plan, Evernote’s parent company, Bending Spoons, recently made the decision to lay off most of the employees at Evernote and shift operations from the US and Chile to Europe. The company cited years of unprofitability as the reason behind these restructuring measures.
The news of Evernote’s limited free plan has sparked mixed reactions among its user base. While some understand the need for the company to make changes in order to stay afloat, others feel disappointed and betrayed. Many users have already started exploring alternative note-taking apps, hoping to find a better fit for their needs.
As December 4 approaches, Evernote users will need to assess their note-taking requirements and decide whether to upgrade to a paid plan, delete old notes, or switch to a different platform altogether. These changes mark a new chapter for Evernote as it seeks to navigate a challenging path toward profitability.