Bear vs Reflect
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Bear and Reflect are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Bear if you want a lower starting price (free – $2.99/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple.
Choose Reflect if you'd rather have a longer free trial (14 days) and broader platform coverage. Networked notes with AI.
Bear vs Reflect: side by side
| Dimension | Bear | Reflect |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $2.99/moWinner | From $10/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 14 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Writers, Apple Users | Knowledge Workers |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Web, Mac, Windows, IosWinner |
| 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
Reflect key facts
- Vendor
- Reflect
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $10/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (14 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Mac, Windows, Ios
- Best for
- Knowledge Workers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2021
- Headquarters
- Remote
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear better than Reflect?
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 Reflect cheaper?
Bear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $2.99/mo. Bear starts at free – $2.99/mo; Reflect starts at from $10/mo.
Can Bear replace Reflect?
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.