Apple Notes vs Bear
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
The verdict
Both Apple Notes and Bear are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Apple Notes — Simple notes, built into Apple devices.
Bear — Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple.
Apple Notes vs Bear: side by side
| Dimension | Apple Notes | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | Free – $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Best for | Apple Users, Individuals | Writers, Apple Users |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Mac, Ios |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Apple Notes key facts
- Vendor
- Apple
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Apple Users, Individuals
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Cupertino, CA, USA
Bear key facts
- Vendor
- Shiny Frog
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $2.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Writers, Apple Users
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Italy
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Notes better than Bear?
Neither is universally better — Bear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Apple Notes or Bear cheaper?
Apple Notes is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Apple Notes starts at free; Bear starts at free – $2.99/mo.
Can Apple Notes replace Bear?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.