Evernote users accustomed to accumulating numerous notes over the years
Evernote, owned by Milan-based Bending Spoons, is exploring a potential shift in its free plan structure, aiming to encourage users to opt for paid subscriptions. The company has recently conducted a small-scale test, imposing restrictions on the number of notes free users can create. Although this adjustment is not finalized, it could significantly impact long-time Evernote users accustomed to accumulating numerous notes over the years.
A user brought this experiment to light after encountering a pop-up message upon logging in. The message conveyed that, without upgrading to a paid plan, users would now be confined to just one notebook and a maximum of 50 notes. Notably, this change was not reflected on Evernote’s pricing plans page, creating an impression of a hidden fee adjustment that the company was not eager to publicize. The existing limitations for free users, such as 60 MB of monthly uploads and a maximum note size of 25 MB, are explained on the website.
While the Evernote website hasn’t been updated with this information due to the test’s ongoing nature, the company clarified that less than 1% of its free users are currently part of the trial. If the new plan is implemented, Evernote will communicate the changes through various customer touchpoints.
The proposed limit, if enforced, will not hinder free users from managing, editing, viewing, exporting, or deleting their existing notes, even if surpassing the designated threshold. However, it will impede the creation of new notes unless the user opts for a paid subscription.
For long-time Evernote users relying on the app for lightweight notetaking on a single device, this change could be a substantial adjustment. It essentially puts them in a position where they must either become paying customers or consider alternative note-taking applications like Microsoft OneNote or Notion, the latter of which offers a free plan for individual users.
Evernote, once valued at nearly a billion dollars, faced financial challenges before its acquisition by Bending Spoons. The company underwent leadership changes, layoffs, and attempts to expand into physical goods, but struggled to keep pace with newer competitors like Notion. Bending Spoons’ acquisition in 2022 was followed by significant layoffs, with the spokesperson citing Evernote’s long-term unprofitability as a driving factor.
If the proposed changes materialize, it raises questions about Evernote’s sustainability in offering a free plan, potentially prompting users to explore alternatives in the note-taking landscape.
