The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both cover 1 of the 1 features we compared.
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Evernote starts lower, at $8.25/mo against $8.33/mo.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our HR ranking, Evernote places 10 and Otter.ai 5 of 27.
Side by side
| 5 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $8.25/mo | $8.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| AI summary + action items | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Evernote
- Free50 notes, 1 notebook, 1 GB storage.Free
- Starter1,000 notes, 20 notebooks, 5 GB storage.$14.99/mo
- AdvancedUnlimited notes, notebooks and storage.$24.99/mo
Otter.ai
- BasicFree: 300 monthly transcription minutes, 3 lifetime file imports, includes the Otter MCP server.Free
- ProPer user: 1,200 monthly minutes, 90 minutes per meeting. Annual billing shown as $8.33 per user per month.$16.99/mo/seat
- BusinessPer user: unlimited meetings, 4 hours per meeting, admin features. Annual billing shown as $19.99 per user per month.$30/mo/seat
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Evernote if…
Individuals and small teams who want one place to capture notes, scans, web clippings and voice memos, then find them again years later through search.
Choose Otter.ai if…
Sales, recruiting, education and media teams who spend a lot of time in calls and want transcripts, summaries and action items they can search later.
Other options worth a look
ToolCreates a shared workspace and wiki for team documentation, knowledge, and collaboration with built-in AI.HR
From $5.42/moFree plan
ToolBring teams together on an infinite whiteboard to brainstorm, diagram and run workshops in real time.HR
From $8/mo yearlyFree plan
ToolOrganise team communication through channels, direct messages, huddles and file sharing in one place.HR
From €8.25/moFree plan
ToolWrite and edit documents collaboratively in the browser with instant sharing and version history.HR
From €6.80/moFree plan
ToolCentralises standard operating procedures, quizzes and onboarding materials in a searchable knowledge base.HR
From $3/mo yearlyAffiliate link- ToolThe Bloom Growth Operating System: scorecard, meetings, goals and issues on one platform, the software half of the EOS/Traction category.
HR
From $299/mo