Bear Alternatives

Bear is a Markdown-focused note app with cross-note links, hashtag tagging, powerful search, Focus Mode, iCloud sync, and multiple export options. Users appreciate its clean interface and Apple ecosystem integration, though some seek alternatives with stronger privacy features or cross-platform availability.

Obsidian leads as the top-ranked Bear alternative, extending Markdown note-taking with backlinks, bidirectional links, and graph view for mapping relationships between ideas. Standard Notes adds end-to-end encryption and encrypted backups for privacy-focused users, expanding beyond Bear's iCloud-style syncing. Notesnook focuses on private, encrypted notes with two-factor authentication and reminders for security-conscious users.

Bear alternatives range from local-first vault apps like Obsidian to encrypted sync-first tools like Standard Notes and Notesnook, giving users options across privacy levels and platform support.

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Open source choices like Zettlr suit users who prefer auditable code and community-driven development. Linux users have native desktop apps available through Standard Notes for workflows outside Windows and macOS.

For self-hosting, AFFiNE and Outline can run on your own infrastructure for complete data control. Markdown workflows remain portable with Obsidian keeping notes in plain-text format, while offline functionality works reliably with Anytype during travel or unreliable connections.

Cloud sync becomes essential for multi-device users, with Evernote and Notesnook both including syncing across devices. For WYSIWYG-style editing, Standard Notes, Notesnook, and Anytype all list WYSIWYG support among their notable features for users who prefer rich-text editing over raw Markdown.

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Alternatives list

  1. IdeaLog icon
     1 like

    With IdeaLog, you can easily capture and organize all of your ideas in one place. Add tags to quickly find related ideas, create folders to keep things organized, and add notes to elaborate on your ideas.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
     
  2. Nextcloud Tasks icon
     10 likes

    Once enabled, a new Tasks menu will appear in your Nextcloud apps menu. From there you can add and delete tasks, edit their title, description, start and due dates, reminder times, mark them as important, and add comments on them. Tasks can be shared between users.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Self-Hosted
    • Nextcloud
     
  3. Quilter icon
     1 like

    Quilter is a minimalist, focused writing app for elementary OS .

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • elementary OS
     
  4. NoStash icon
     2 likes

    NoStash is a web app to keep your notes organized and searchable, is indie, ethical and future proof. Indie: developed by a tiny team without funds. Ethical, your privacy and your notes are before everything else. Future Proof: the founder use it.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
  5. P3X OneNote icon
     2 likes

    P3X OneNote Linux is, actually, an independent browser window for the online OneNote. You can use this program without having to clutter your browser. The main functions are:

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Electron / Atom Shell
     
  6. flomo icon
     4 likes

    flomo shapes your way of thinking through quickly capturing ideas and regularly reviewing MEMOs.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  7. Boost your productivity. Take notes, set reminders and save contents and links, all in 1 swipe of the mouse. Attach notes automatically to any window.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. Comma Note icon
     1 like

    A simple, flexible and offline note software.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  9. ExpiNotes icon
     Like

    ExpiNotes is a powerful and intuitive note-taking app designed to help you manage and track your notes and deadlines effortlessly. With ExpiNotes, you can set custom deadlines, monitor time, add various attachments, and track changes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Tablet
     
  10. notetka icon
     Like

    Notetka is a smart note-taking app designed for professionals and students. It offers advanced organization, file attachments, iCloud sync, offline access, and privacy-focused features to streamline productivity.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  11. Plot Factory icon
     4 likes

    A tailor-made writing application for fiction writers that lets you plan, organize, and write stories and series. You can create story outlines from pre-defined templates, create and manage rich and interesting characters, build immersive fictional worlds and more.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
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