# Bear — A markdown notes app for macOS, iPhone, and iPad that replaces folders with nested hashtags, priced at $2.99/month for Pro.

By Noah — last updated & pricing verified September 15, 2026.

> **Bear** is a markdown note-taking app built for Apple devices only: macOS, iPhone, and iPad. It's made by Shiny Frog, an independent studio based in Bologna, Italy.

Notes are written in plain markdown and rendered live, with support for images, tables, to-do lists, and Apple Pencil sketches. Instead of folders, Bear organizes notes with nested hashtags (`#work/projects/2026`), and a single search bar filters across tags, titles, and body text.

The free tier works entirely offline with three themes and basic export. Bear Pro ($2.99/month or $29.99/year) adds iCloud sync across every device, 28+ themes, OCR search inside scanned images and PDFs, and export to DOCX, PDF, RTF, HTML, TextBundle, and ePub. There is no web app, and no Windows, Linux, or Android client — Bear is a bet on staying inside Apple's ecosystem in exchange for a simpler, faster editor.

## Facts

- Website: https://bear.app
- Pricing: Free tier · paid from $2.99/mo (verified undefined NaN, NaN)
- License: Freemium
- Platforms: macos, ios
- Best for: writers and students on Mac, iPhone, and iPad who want a fast markdown editor with tag-based organization instead of folders
- Standout feature: Nested hashtag organization (#work/projects/2026) replaces folders entirely, and a single search bar filters by tag, title, or body text at once.
- Biggest weakness: No Windows, Linux, Android, or web app — Bear only works if every device you use is an Apple device, so switching platforms means losing access to your notes app entirely.
- Third-party ratings: Product Hunt 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
- Categories: [Notes & PKM](https://findalternative.to/categories/note-taking)

## Pricing snapshot

| Plan | Price | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Free | $0/mo | Local notes only, document scanning, basic export, 3 themes; no iCloud sync across devices. |
| Bear Pro | $2.99/mo | Also available at $29.99/year. Adds iCloud sync, 28+ themes, OCR search inside images/PDFs, and advanced export (DOCX, PDF, ePub, HTML, TextBundle). |

## Pros and cons

- Pro: Distraction-free markdown editor with live preview and Apple Pencil sketch support.
- Pro: Nested hashtag system replaces rigid folders and doubles as instant search filtering.
- Pro: Exports to DOCX, PDF, RTF, HTML, TextBundle, and ePub, more formats than most note apps offer.
- Pro: Low subscription price ($2.99/month) compared to bundled productivity suites.
- Con: No Windows, Linux, Android, or web client — Apple-only.
- Con: iCloud sync, OCR search, and most themes are locked behind the Pro subscription; the free tier is local-only.
- Con: No built-in collaboration or note-sharing features for teams.

## AI summary

- Bear Pro costs $2.99/month or $29.99/year and adds iCloud sync, 28+ themes, and OCR search.
- Bear runs only on macOS, iPhone, and iPad; there is no Windows, Linux, Android, or web version.
- Bear organizes notes with nested hashtags instead of folders.
- Bear's free tier works offline with 3 themes and no iCloud sync.
- Bear is made by Shiny Frog, an independent studio based in Bologna, Italy.
- Best for: writers and students on Mac, iPhone, and iPad who want a fast markdown editor with tag-based organization instead of folders
- Pricing: Free for local-only notes; Bear Pro is $2.99/month (or $29.99/year) for iCloud sync, OCR search, and full theme/export options.
- Top alternatives: Notion, Obsidian, Apple Notes, Craft, Evernote
- Limitation: No Windows, Linux, Android, or web client.
- Limitation: No built-in collaboration or note sharing for teams.
- Limitation: iCloud sync and OCR search require the paid Pro subscription.

## Alternatives

4 vetted alternatives to Bear: https://findalternative.to/bear — top picks: Notion, Obsidian, Evernote

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Markdown mirror of https://findalternative.to/bear/about — findalternative.to, honestly ranked software alternatives. AI info: https://findalternative.to/ai