Bear
An app that keeps your notes in clean markdown on Apple devices.
What Bear does
Bear is a writing-focused notes app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. You write in markdown (simple symbols for bold, headings and lists), organize with #tags instead of folders, and link notes together. It's free on one device, and Bear Pro adds iCloud sync for $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year. It's Apple-only.
Bear is a good fit if you care how your writing looks and feels. The editor is calm and pretty, with extra themes on Pro. It uses markdown, so you type a # for a heading or ** for bold, and the formatting shows up as you go. No account or signup is needed to start.
Instead of folders, you drop #tags anywhere in a note, including nested tags like #work/clients, and they build your sidebar for you. You can link notes to each other to make a personal wiki, add tasks, and sketch on iPad with Apple Pencil. Pro adds iCloud sync, password-locked notes, more export formats (PDF, Word, HTML) and search inside photos and PDFs.
The big limit is that Bear lives only on Apple devices. There's no Android or Windows app, and sync between your iPhone, iPad and Mac needs Pro. If you write a lot and use only Apple gear, it's one of the nicest places to do it. If you need to share notes with a team, look elsewhere.
Alternatives to Bear
Who it's for
Skip it if: Anyone who uses Android or Windows. Teams that need shared notes.
Pricing
Free planBear is free to download and use. Bear Pro is $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year after a 14-day free trial, and adds iCloud sync, themes, locked notes and more export formats.
Prices can vary by country. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Clean, beautiful writing experience
- Flexible tagging and note links
- Affordable Pro plan with a 14-day trial
- No account needed to start
Watch out for
- Apple devices only
- Syncing between devices needs Pro
- Markdown takes a little getting used to
Want a writing space that feels like yours? Build your own.
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Try this idea: “a minimal writing app where I jot notes with #tags, link related ideas together, and pick a calm color theme”
Questions people ask
Is Bear free?
Yes, you can use it free. Sync between devices and some extras need Bear Pro, which is $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year.
Is Bear on Android or Windows?
No. Bear is made for iPhone, iPad and Mac.
Does Bear use markdown?
Yes. You format with simple markdown symbols, and Bear shows the styling as you type.
Can I handwrite in Bear?
You can sketch on iPad with Apple Pencil, but it's a writing app first. Pick a handwriting app for full stylus notes.