Bear vs Microsoft OneNote
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Your digital notebook.
The verdict
Both Bear and Microsoft OneNote are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Bear if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple.
Choose Microsoft OneNote if you'd rather have broader platform coverage. Your digital notebook.
Bear vs Microsoft OneNote: side by side
| Dimension | Bear | Microsoft OneNote |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $2.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Best for | Writers, Apple Users | Students, Microsoft 365 Users |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Web, Windows, Mac, Ios, AndroidWinner |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.5/5 |
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
Microsoft OneNote key facts
- Vendor
- Microsoft
- Pricing
- Free — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Windows, Mac, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Students, Microsoft 365 Users
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2003
- Headquarters
- Redmond, WA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear better than Microsoft OneNote?
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 Bear or Microsoft OneNote cheaper?
Bear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $2.99/mo. Bear starts at free – $2.99/mo; Microsoft OneNote starts at free.
Can Bear replace Microsoft OneNote?
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.