Premium markdown-focused note-taking app for iOS, macOS, and web with advanced organization.
Professional writers, students, researchers, and power users who need advanced markdown editing and cross-platform syncing

Free, lightweight note-taking app integrated into iOS and macOS with call recording and document scanning.
Casual users, Apple ecosystem fans, students, and professionals who want a simple, free note-taking solution without advanced features
Bear is a premium, feature-rich note-taking app designed for power users who want advanced organization and markdown support, while Apple Notes is a free, lightweight option built into iOS that prioritizes simplicity and seamless iCloud integration. Bear edges out Apple Notes in user satisfaction with a 4.7/5 rating versus 4.5/5, though both excel in their respective markets.
Bear is the superior choice for serious note-takers and writers who need advanced formatting, cross-platform access, and powerful organization tools, justified by its higher user ratings. Apple Notes remains unbeatable for casual users seeking a free, integrated solution within the Apple ecosystem with features like call recording transcription added in 2026. The choice depends on whether you prioritize features and flexibility (Bear) or simplicity and cost (Apple Notes).
Choose Bear if
Professional writers, students, researchers, and power users who need advanced markdown editing and cross-platform syncing
| Metric | Bear | Apple Notes | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Rating(stars) | 4.7 | 4.5 | +4% |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.
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Choose Apple Notes if
Casual users, Apple ecosystem fans, students, and professionals who want a simple, free note-taking solution without advanced features
Bear
Freemium ($2.99/month or $27.99/year)
Apple Notes
Free🏆
Bear
4.7/5 (318 reviews)🏆
Apple Notes
4.5/5 (390 reviews)
Bear
Full markdown editor🏆
Apple Notes
Limited formatting options
Bear
iOS, macOS, web browser🏆
Apple Notes
iOS, macOS only
Bear
Advanced search with syntax🏆
Apple Notes
Basic search functionality
Bear
Third-party app integrations
Apple Notes
Apple ecosystem integration🏆
Bear
Basic scanning
Apple Notes
Advanced document scanning with OCR🏆
Bear
Moderate (more features)
Apple Notes
Minimal (very intuitive)🏆
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Bear is worth the $27.99/year subscription if you need markdown support, cross-platform access, advanced search, or third-party integrations. For casual users and Apple ecosystem devotees, free Apple Notes is sufficient.
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| Attribute | Apple Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Price(USD/year) | $27.99/year | Free |
| User Rating(stars) | 4.7 | 4.5 |
| Number of Reviews(count) | 318 | 390 |
| Markdown Support | Full support | Limited |
| Document Scanning | Basic scanning | Advanced with OCR |
| Call Recording & Transcription (2026) | Not available | Available (iPhone 12+) |
| Third-Party Integrations | Extensive | Apple ecosystem only |
| Platforms Supported(count) | iOS, macOS, Web (3) | iOS, macOS (2) |
Apple NotesSide-by-side comparison of numeric attributes
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