If you use an iPhone, iPad or Mac, you already have Apple Notes. Bear is one of the most popular alternatives for Apple users. This guide is for anyone wondering whether to stick with the built-in app or switch. We compared both using official sources, with prices checked on 2026-11-01.
1
Markdown writing and tag-based organisingBear
Free; Bear Pro subscription adds sync Bear is a writing and note-taking app for creating notes and documents with Markdown-style formatting. Notes are organised with tags rather than folders, and the app supports attachments, scanning, search, sharing and export. It syncs through iCloud on Apple devices. There is a free basic plan, and Bear Pro unlocks more for a small monthly or yearly fee, with a 7-day free trial.
Pick it if you write a lot, like Markdown, and prefer organising with tags.
2
Everyday notes with zero setupApple Notes
Free with every Apple device Apple Notes is a note-taking app for writing and organising text, checklists, sketches, attachments, scans and links. It supports search, folders and tags, locked notes and collaboration, and it syncs through iCloud. It is free and already installed on Apple devices, and you can reach your notes from a web browser through iCloud, which helps if you sometimes use a non-Apple computer.
Pick it if you want a free, reliable notes app with sketches, scans, shared notes and locked notes, without installing anything.
For most Apple users, Apple Notes is enough: it's free, built in, and covers checklists, scans, sharing and locked notes. Bear is worth a look if writing is a big part of your day and you want Markdown formatting and tag-based organising. Try Bear's free plan first; upgrade to Pro only if you miss its extra features.
