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. Note hero icon
     1 like

    A free online notepad with auto-save, formatting, and sharing features. Create, edit and save notes directly in your browser without login.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  2. MixNote is a mobile note taking app, like a memo pad or notepad. Take note of every deserved thing, with text, ToDo, voice and picture.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
     
  3. WeiNote icon
     1 like

    Keep a note just like post a weibo.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    • Docker
     
  4. Reflectr icon
     3 likes

    Freely express your thoughts, ideas, and observations without the pressures of social media and sharing. Leverage AI-generated insights, including mood indicators, tags, emojis, comments, daily recaps, and writing tips to reflect, grow and be more productive.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
  5. Note Yourself icon
     3 likes

    Note yourself is an easy to use message-themed notes app which allows you to save and view notes as if they were chat messages.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
     
  6. Unit icon
     2 likes

    Unit is a modern note-taking app that provides a completely new experience of creating, organizing and managing all your notes.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  7. Focuslify icon
     Like

    Focuslify is a Workspace for Notes, Tasks, Meetings, and Bookmarks. It's a simple note-taking app with Calendar to boost your performance while working remotely.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
  8. Klara icon
     1 like

    Our memory is not digital so we keep forgetting our ideas, achievements and repeating mistakes over and over again. Klara helps you to keep all of them in one place.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  9. Ephe icon
     2 likes

    An ephemeral Markdown paper for today. Less but handy features for plain Markdown lovers.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  10. NoteGen icon
     2 likes

    A cross-platform Markdown note-taking application dedicated to using AI to bridge recording and writing, organizing fragmented knowledge into a readable note.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
     
  11. Noted icon
     1 like

    A note-taking app for the menu bar.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  12. Braindump icon
     1 like

    The digital notebook for developers, and makers. Ultra fast fuzzy search. Mouse or Keyboard only navigation. Pure markdown with auto formatting and indentation. Offline.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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