If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in a sea of notes, to-do lists, and random midnight thoughts, you’ve probably wondered: Which notes app will finally get my life together?
Today, we’ve got two big contenders—Bear and Apple Notes—battling for the note-taking crown.
One thrives on Markdown support and sleek organization (hello, nested tags!). At the same time, the other is deeply rooted in the Apple ecosystem, making it ridiculously convenient for speedy handwritten notes with an Apple Pencil.
But which one is better for your workflow? Whether you’re a power user, a casual note-dumper, or someone just trying to keep track of all your quick notes, let’s break down Bear vs. Apple Notes to see which makes the most sense for you.
Finally, we’ll also introduce you to the best alternative to both tools! ClickUp AI Notetaker transcribes your meetings and turns them into perfect summaries and smart insights with zero effort.
Bear vs. Apple Notes: Which Note-Taking App is Better?
⏰ 60-Second Summary
Here’s a quick overview of the key capabilities of Bear Notes and Apple Notes
| Apple Notes is best for | Bear Notes is best for |
| Seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem | Sleek design and highly customizable note-taking |
| Free, built-in solution for all Apple users | Markdown support for advanced formatting |
| Simple folder organization with powerful search (including text in images) | Hashtag-based organization for flexible categorization |
| Reliable iCloud sync across devices at no extra cost | Syncs across devices but requires a PRO subscription |
| Real-time collaboration and easy sharing | Best for solo users who prioritize aesthetics and structure |
- ClickUp takes note-taking even further. Unlike the Bear app or Apple Notes, ClickUp blends note-taking with task management, collaboration, and AI-powered features
- With real-time editing, Mind maps, and automation, it turns simple notes into actionable plans—all in one workspace
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Bear Notes?
Bear Notes is a lightweight and powerful note-taking app that simplifies how you capture, organize, and share your thoughts. Perfect for creative thinkers, busy professionals, and dedicated note-takers, Bear strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality.
Need to jot down quick notes, track daily tasks, or dive into longer-form writing?
Bear’s intuitive design and Markdown support adapt to your workflow smoothly. Plus, with Apple Pencil compatibility, handwritten notes feel natural. From daily notes to in-depth projects, Bear lets you focus on what matters—your ideas.
👀 Did You Know: In the Apple App Store, business and utility apps—which include note-taking applications—are among the most popular categories, accounting for approximately 10.11% and 9.73% of active apps, respectively.
Bear notes features
Bear Notes is a solid choice if you value functionality and aesthetics in a note-taking app. It comes with a desktop app as well as iPhone and iPad-compatible ones.
Here are some standout features that make it a favorite among note-takers:
Feature #1: Markdown formatting made simple
As a third-party notes app built for Apple devices, Bear Notes shines with its clean and intuitive markdown formatting. From writing blog posts and drafting code to organizing lists, Bear keeps formatting simple and powerful—without unnecessary clutter.
It’s perfect for note-takers who love structured, skimmable notes and appreciate the added control. Plus, the live preview feature lets you see formatted text in real-time as you write.
🧠 Fun fact: Bear Notes allows you to export your notes to RTF, PDF, JPG, HTML, DOCX, amongst other formats.
Feature #2: Organize like a pro with tags
If you’re a frequent note-taker, you know the struggle of digging through hundreds of personal notes to find that one specific note. And when you need to hunt for it during a crucial meeting? Awkward.
Bear Notes’s tag-based system improves note organization. Users can assign multiple tags (like #work or #productivity) to a note and access it from either category.
Even better, nested tags let you create subcategories, keeping everything neatly structured and easy to find, no matter how many notes you make.
Feature #3: Sync across devices
Your ideas deserve to follow you wherever you go. Bear Notes syncs effortlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices and iCloud, keeping your notes accessible no matter which Apple device you use.
With iCloud integration, your thoughts stay updated in real-time, so you can start a note on your Mac and finish it on your iPhone without missing a beat. Whether you’re jotting down quick notes, organizing meeting notes, or working on longer-form writing, Bear ensures you always have instant access to your ideas.
Feature #4: Elegant themes and customization
Personalization matters, and Bear Notes delivers 28+ aesthetically designed themes to match your style. Whether you’re a night owl who thrives on dark mode or someone who loves note-taking with vibrant colors, Bear allows you to customize the look and feel of your screen.
The free version lets you access three stylish themes to keep things fresh. It also boasts customizable typography and layout options, so your notes can feel uniquely yours.
Bear notes pricing
Bear Notes offers flexible pricing that caters to different user needs:
- Free Forever
- Bear PRO: $2.99/month
📖 Also Read: How Can Productivity Journaling Boost Your Focus
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Apple Notes?
Apple Notes is Apple’s built-in note-taking app, integrated across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Watch. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, the web app is a tool for anyone who needs to quickly jot down thoughts, create to-do lists, or organize ideas without wrestling with unnecessary features.
What makes Apple Notes stand out? It works straight out of the box, keeping your notes tidy and accessible with folders, smart search, and tagging options.
Do you need to brainstorm your next big project, draft meeting notes, or keep track of daily tasks? Apple Notes adapts to your workflow.
With handwritten notes via Apple Pencil, iCloud sync, and effortless collaboration, it’s a versatile, no-fuss notes app that fits right into your Apple ecosystem.
Apple Notes features
At first glance, Apple Notes may seem simple and unassuming, but it’s packed with valuable features that make note-taking effortless. Here’s what makes it a favorite among millions of users:
Feature #1: Effortless sync across Apple devices
One of Apple Notes’ biggest perks is its flawless syncs across all your Apple devices. Whether you’re typing on your Mac, editing on your iPad, or reviewing the same notes on your iPhone, everything stays in perfect harmony via iCloud.
Updates happen in real-time, so your meeting notes, to-do lists, and personal thoughts are always up to date.
Plus, offline access allows you to view and edit notes without an internet connection. Your ideas remain within reach no matter where you are.
Feature #2: Rich media and collaboration
If you think Apple Notes is just about plain text, you’re only scratching the surface. It lets you add photos, sketches, scanned documents, and even web links directly into your notes, transforming jottings into dynamic, multimedia-rich documents.
Need to brainstorm with colleagues or share meeting notes? Real-time document collaboration makes teamwork effortless—simply share a note, and everyone can edit or contribute instantly. It’s a powerful yet simple tool for both everyday users and professionals.
Feature #3: Organizational simplicity
Nobody likes cluttered notes, and Apple Notes excels at keeping things organized and accessible. You can sort notes into folders, use pinned notes to keep essential ideas front and center, and even tag notes for quicker access.
Need to find something fast? The powerful search function goes beyond text—it can recognize keywords in handwritten notes, scanned documents, and even attachments. Whether you’re managing meeting notes, project details, or personal reminders, Apple Notes ensures everything stays tidy, searchable, and right where you need it.
Feature #4: Secure your private notes
With Apple Notes, privacy isn’t an afterthought—it’s a priority.
As a built-in Apple app, it offers robust security features to keep your confidential information safe. You can lock sensitive notes using a password, Face ID, or Touch ID, ensuring that only you have access. Your data stays protected and private, whether it’s a digital journal, financial details, or business documents.
Plus, since everything syncs through iCloud with end-to-end encryption, your notes remain secure across all your Apple devices, giving you peace of mind no matter where you access them.
Feature #5: Smart integrations with the Apple ecosystem
Being part of the Apple family comes with some perks. Apple Notes integrates effortlessly with Siri, letting you create notes hands-free whenever inspiration strikes. Need to save an article or snippet from Safari?
Just share it directly to Notes without switching to other apps.
With Universal Clipboard, you can copy text on one device and paste it onto another, making multitasking feel effortless.
Whether you jot down ideas on your iPhone, refine them on your Mac, or sketch with an Apple Pencil on your iPad, Apple Notes keeps your workflow intuitive across all devices.
Apple Notes pricing
Apple Notes is free.
🧠Fun Fact: Leonardo da Vinci was the original note-taking power user. He filled thousands of pages with sketches, observations, and ideas, often using mirror writing (writing backward) to keep his notes private!
Summarize this article for me pleaseBear vs. Apple Notes: Features Compared
Bear and Apple Notes are great note-taking apps that cater to different needs.
Bear is ideal for users who appreciate sleek design, Markdown support, and deep customization, making it a favorite among writers and power users.
On the other hand, Apple Notes is a no-fuss powerhouse, offering simplicity, seamless Apple ecosystem integration, and robust collaboration tools—perfect for everyday note-takers.
So, which one fits your workflow best? Let’s break it down side by side and see how they compare.
| Feature | Bear | Apple Notes |
| Organization | A tag-based system with nested tags for flexibility | Traditional folder system with pinned notes |
| Formatting | Supports Markdown for structured writing | Rich text formatting, no Markdown support |
| Syncing | Requires a PRO subscription for cross-device sync | Free iCloud sync across all Apple devices |
| Customization | 28+ themes, typography options | Minimal customization, dark mode available |
| Collaboration | No real-time collaboration features | Shared notes with real-time collaboration |
| Handwriting and Apple Pencil | No direct support | Supports handwriting and Apple Pencil |
| Multimedia Support | Supports images and links, but no document scanning | Supports images, scanned documents, and drawings |
| Privacy and Security | Password protection for notes | Lock notes with Face ID, Touch ID, or password |
| Integration | Limited third-party integration | Deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem |
| Pricing | Free version available; PRO subscription unlocks premium features | Completely free with Apple devices |
Feature #1: Organization and search
Apple Notes keeps things simple with a folder-based system, pinned notes, and an intelligent search that even recognizes text in images and scanned documents. It’s clean, efficient, and perfect for those who prefer a structured, no-fuss approach.
Bear, meanwhile, takes a more flexible route with a hashtag-based system. You can tag notes with multiple categories, create nested tags for better organization, and retrieve notes quickly—without the constraints of traditional folders.
🏅 Winner: Bear for its versatility in organization. If you’re a power user who handles a large volume of notes and needs advanced categorization, you will appreciate notes in Bear.
Feature #2: Sync and accessibility
Apple Notes is tough to beat if you’re fully invested in the Apple ecosystem. It syncs effortlessly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac via iCloud, keeping your notes instantly accessible. The syncing is fast, reliable, and completely free—making it a seamless part of your workflow.
On the other hand, Bear also offers cross-device syncing, but it’s locked behind a PRO subscription. While the sync is smooth and reliable, the paywall could be a dealbreaker. If free, automatic syncing is a priority, Apple Notes takes the lead.
🏅 Winner: Apple Notes, for offering free syncing.
Feature #3: Customization and aesthetic appeal
Bear is a dream for design enthusiasts. With its elegant themes, refined typography, and clutter-free interface, note-taking feels enjoyable and creative. Markdown support gives you complete control over formatting, while the live preview ensures your notes look just right as you write.
Apple Notes, on the other hand, prioritizes function over form. Its clean, straightforward design is easy to use but lacks the personalization Bear offers. If you prefer a note-taking experience that feels uniquely yours, Bear takes the lead.
🏅 Winner: Bear, for its emphasis on aesthetics and personalization.
Ultimately, the right app depends on your needs—whether you prioritize creative control or seamless functionality. No matter which you choose, both apps offer powerful tools to keep your thoughts organized and accessible.
📮ClickUp Insight: 92% of knowledge workers risk losing important decisions scattered across chat, email, and spreadsheets. Without a unified system for capturing and tracking decisions, critical business insights get lost in the digital noise.
With ClickUp’s Task Management capabilities, you never have to worry about this. Create tasks from chat, task comments, docs, and emails with a single click!
Summarize this article for me pleaseBear vs. Apple Notes on Reddit
We explored Reddit threads to see what users think about Bear vs. Apple Notes, and it’s clear that both apps have strong followings. The choice often comes down to personal preferences and workflow needs.
A Reddit user praises Bear, saying:
On the other hand, Apple Notes has dedicated fans.
One Redditor says:
Summarize this article for me pleaseMeet ClickUp—The Best Alternative to Bear vs. Apple Notes
Exploring alternatives to Apple Notes or Bear but haven’t found the perfect fit?
Meet ClickUp, the everything app for work. While it’s best known as a productivity powerhouse, it also excels as a feature-rich note-taking app—combining the best of Bear and Apple Notes while offering even more.
Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, managing tasks, or organizing your thoughts, ClickUp streamlines it all in one place. It’s more than just a note-taking tool—it’s a complete workspace designed to take your productivity to the next level.
Friendly Reminder: If you have ever struggled with the thought: where are all my notes and didn’t have a notes database handy to go to, ClickUp will change that. With ClickUp, notes live and breathe under one roof!
ClickUp’s One Up #1: Docs that go beyond notes
ClickUp Docs isn’t just for jotting down ideas—it transforms them into actionable plans. With unlimited nesting, rich formatting, and direct task integration, it’s perfect for everything from quick memos to full-fledged project management outlines.
Unlike Bear or Apple Notes, ClickUp Docs offers real-time collaboration, allowing teams to edit and share notes easily. You can embed links, videos, or even tasks directly into your docs, making it a dynamic workspace that goes beyond simple note-taking.
ClickUp’s One Up #2: AI Personal Assistant at your service
Why manually jot down scribbles when AI can take meeting notes for you?
ClickUp Brain revolutionizes note-taking by summarizing, brainstorming, and speeding up your workflow with AI-powered note-taking templates.
Whether you’re capturing meeting highlights or drafting detailed documents, ClickUp Brain keeps everything clear, concise, and structured—something neither Bear nor Apple Notes offers.
ClickUp’s One Up #3: Built-in notepad for quick ideas
For those sudden “lightbulb moments,” ClickUp Notepad is a game-changer. Integrated seamlessly into the platform, it lets you jot down notes, reminders, or to-dos without disrupting your workflow.
Unlike traditional note-taking apps, ClickUp Notepad instantly converts ideas into tasks, making it a powerhouse for productivity.
ClickUp’s One Up #4: AI Note-taker that ups the game
Unlock the true potential of your meetings. ClickUp’s AI Notetaker provides 10x more actionable insights from your notes
And let’s be honest, sometimes meetings are a blur. AI Notetaker fixes that:
- Records every decision, so you can tell the people who weren’t there (or were there but daydreaming) exactly what they missed
- Turns those vague ‘we’ll get to that’ statements into actual tasks, and assigns them to relevant folks
- Links all the bits and pieces, so you don’t have to relive the entire meeting whenever you need to find one tiny detail. Basically, It prevents meeting-induced Groundhog Day
Bonus features that make ClickUp a star
ClickUp’s Mind Maps help it go beyond basic note-taking.
With Mind Map note-taking templates, you can visually structure ideas, making it ideal for brainstorming sessions or mapping out complex projects.
Finally, with knowledge management tools, you can centralize important information, while ClickUp’s task and collaboration features ensure your notes are more than static text—they become actionable steps with your entire team.
💡Pro Tip: Leverage ClickUp Mind Map templates to jumpstart your project planning. These customizable templates can help you structure complex ideas efficiently, seamlessly turning brainstorming sessions into actionable tasks.
Whether you’re working solo or with a team, ClickUp transforms note-taking into a dynamic, organized workflow—all within one intuitive workspace.
Summarize this article for me pleaseMake Your Work Note-Worthy With ClickUp
Note-taking has come a long way—shouldn’t yours evolve too? While these apps do the job, they come with their limitations. So, what are the best Bear app alternatives or stand-ins for Apple Notes?
No surprises here—it’s ClickUp.
More than just a note-taking app, ClickUp is a complete productivity powerhouse.
Whether you’re jotting down ideas, summarizing with AI, or turning notes into actionable plans, it’s built to support every step of your workflow. You get all the perks of traditional note-takers—without the drawbacks—plus much more.
Ready to take smarter notes? Sign up for ClickUp today—it’s free!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
