Software SignalStart comparing

Bear

Markdown writing for Apple devices

Profile reviewed 17 Sept 2026 · Documentation comparison checked on 17 September 2026. Official product pages and help articles were read live. No hands-on app trial or speed benchmark was performed. Recommendations are editorial deductions from the documented workflow and constraints.

Compare BearVisit official website (opens in a new tab)

Where it fits

Bear is a native Markdown notes app for Mac, iPhone and iPad with tags, linked notes and a compact writing focus. Free includes local notes and several useful export formats. Pro adds iCloud synchronization, more export choices and individual note encryption. A browser companion exists in public beta, but it should not be confused with full native Windows or Android support. Recent Mac versions also expose optional automation and AI connectors. Bear fits a personal Apple workflow where writing matters more than building a shared company database. Its actual export format and privacy settings deserve attention before importing a large archive.

Consider it for

Know the limits

Prices & plans

Published prices keep their original currency and billing terms. Taxes, promotions and checkout prices can differ.

Bear

Free

Free

No subscription charge

AvailabilityGlobal Apple App Store availability

Local notes with TXT, Markdown, TextBundle and RTF export.

Source 1Source 2

Pro — monthly

USD 2.99/month

App Store recurring subscription

AvailabilityUS base price

One subscription across devices with the same Apple ID. Local prices and taxes vary.

Source

Pro — annual

USD 29.99/year

App Store yearly subscription

AvailabilityUS base price

7-day trial is documented. Introductory promotions are not assumed to be renewal prices.

Source

Features and practical details

10 features

Documented differences. An unverified answer means we do not have enough evidence.

Platforms

Bear

Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps plus a limited browser beta; no native Windows or Android version.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2

Offline use

Bear

Native apps support local notes offline. The web privacy page says notes are not stored locally in the browser.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2

Sync

Bear

Pro synchronizes through Apple CloudKit using the same Apple ID.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2

Export

Bear

Free exports TXT, Markdown, TextBundle, Bear Note and RTF. Pro adds HTML, DOCX, PDF, JPG and ePub.

Vendor documentedSource

Privacy and storage

Bear

Pro can encrypt individual notes; their password cannot be reset by Bear and titles may remain visible.

Vendor documentedSource

Project portability

Bear

The Mac importer brings in vault notes and local attachments. Remote HTTP assets and plugin-generated tags are not imported automatically.

Vendor documentedSource

Free plan limits

Bear

Local editing and basic export are free; official cross-device iCloud sync is a Pro feature.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2

AI features

Bear

Bear 2.8+ on Mac offers a CLI, Claude Connector and MCP server. These require opt-in and cannot read encrypted note content.

Vendor documentedSource

Browser and ADP

Bear

Official pages disagree on whether Bear Web works with Advanced Data Protection enabled.

The web FAQ says ADP prevents use. The privacy page documents ADP login with two-factor authentication. Do not switch security settings based on this comparison.

Sources disagreeSource 1Source 2

Collaboration

Bear

A shared live editing workflow was not established from the reviewed official sources.

Sharing exported notes and syncing one person's devices do not establish multi-person co-editing.

Not yet verifiedSource 1Source 2
Feature comparison
FeatureBear
Platforms

Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps plus a limited browser beta; no native Windows or Android version.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2
Offline use

Native apps support local notes offline. The web privacy page says notes are not stored locally in the browser.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2
Sync

Pro synchronizes through Apple CloudKit using the same Apple ID.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2
Export

Free exports TXT, Markdown, TextBundle, Bear Note and RTF. Pro adds HTML, DOCX, PDF, JPG and ePub.

Vendor documentedSource
Privacy and storage

Pro can encrypt individual notes; their password cannot be reset by Bear and titles may remain visible.

Vendor documentedSource
Project portability

The Mac importer brings in vault notes and local attachments. Remote HTTP assets and plugin-generated tags are not imported automatically.

Vendor documentedSource
Free plan limits

Local editing and basic export are free; official cross-device iCloud sync is a Pro feature.

Vendor documentedSource 1Source 2
AI features

Bear 2.8+ on Mac offers a CLI, Claude Connector and MCP server. These require opt-in and cannot read encrypted note content.

Vendor documentedSource
Browser and ADP

Official pages disagree on whether Bear Web works with Advanced Data Protection enabled.

The web FAQ says ADP prevents use. The privacy page documents ADP login with two-factor authentication. Do not switch security settings based on this comparison.

Sources disagreeSource 1Source 2
Collaboration

A shared live editing workflow was not established from the reviewed official sources.

Sharing exported notes and syncing one person's devices do not establish multi-person co-editing.

Not yet verifiedSource 1Source 2

Compare the alternatives

Obsidian vs Bear: file control or focused Apple writing?

Note-taking · Shortlist Obsidian for direct file access and a mixed Windows, Linux or Apple setup. Shortlist Bear when your daily writing happens on Apple devices and you prefer its focused notes model. Browser access does not erase Bear's native-platform limits.

Sources for this profile