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Bear
Free · $3/mo · ranked #23 of 30
★ 4.7 / 5 · 6.7k user reviews
· App Store, cross-referenced · display-only, not part of the SoftwareScore
57
SoftwareScore · ranked #23
An elegant Apple-only markdown notes app, a joy to write in, best for people living in the Apple ecosystem.
Value (price vs features) 6
Ease of use 8
Feature depth 6
Cross-platform & sync 6
Data ownership / privacy 6
Collaboration 2
AI capability 3
Bear pros and cons
Pros
- First-class Markdown editor with inline preview renders raw syntax cleanly alongside over 20 customizable typography themes
- Comprehensive export pipeline converts notes into Markdown, PDF, HTML, DOCX, JPG, and ePub
- Flexible nested hashtag framework lets users create fluid visual hierarchies without manual folder structures
Cons
- Strict ecosystem exclusivity locks the app to Apple platforms, with no Windows, Android, or web support
- Multi-device cloud sync is gated behind a paid Bear Pro subscription at $2.99 monthly or $29.99 annually
- Workspace lacks real-time team collaboration, built-in AI, and image or PDF OCR scanning
Best for Solo writers, developers, and researchers fully committed to Apple devices who want a premium, aesthetic Markdown workspace.
Skip it if You operate across non-Apple hardware or require multi-user collaboration and built-in AI capabilities.
On the SoftwareScore, Bear is strongest on Ease of use (8/10) and weakest on Collaboration (2/10). That's what drives its 57/100.
Compare Bear head-to-head
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Goodnotes 56
The market-leading handwriting and PDF note-taking app for tablets, with rich pen tools, templates, and handwriting search, now well beyond the iPad.
Noteshelf 56
A polished handwriting and PDF note app for tablets with audio recording, templates, and a natural pen feel, on iOS, Android, and Mac.