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. Roughbook icon
     3 likes

    RoughBook is an online note-taking chrome extension. It is a productivity tool that helps in quickly capturing important information and set reminders. A productivity tool to quickly capture, organize and share important notes.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Chrome OS
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
  2. TreeTime icon
     2 likes

    TreeTime lets you organize notes, tasks, and projects using linked hierarchical trees. Perform recursive calculations on your data and explore your information visually through a lightweight, view-only local web interface — all while keeping your data private and portable.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Python
     
  3. Notah AI icon
     2 likes

    AI executive assistant that records Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, Webex; transcribes and makes instant summaries: decisions, action items, minutes, smart titles. Search/tag, jump to quotes, export/share.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Google Chrome
     
  4. Cardfile icon
     6 likes

    Cardfile is a personal information manager, based on index cards, that was distributed with Microsoft Windows starting from the original version 1.01 until Windows NT 4.0 Server. Cardfile is also included with Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition, but has to be installed...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  5. Easy Notes - Notepad, Notebook, Free Notes App? is a brand new easy-to-use free notes app for Android. With this easy notepad app, You can make quick notes with colorful backgrounds and checklists to help organize your tasks and life easily.

    104 Easy Notes alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
     
  6. NOTEx icon
     1 like

    Notex is a platform where you can search or take notes on YouTube videos and share them with friends and the community.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
     
  7. FastEver 3 is the note-taking app to create Evernote notes quickly. As it goes to the entry screen right after startup, it's perfect for jotting down ideas and memos. Notes you save while offline are automatically uploaded when you go online.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  8. Focused icon
     3 likes

    Focused offers a distraction-free writing experience with Markdown support and keyboard-focused design to help you relax, stay focused and get work down in the most efficient way possible.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  9. FuzPad icon
     1 like

    A minimalistic note management solution. Powered by fzf.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Homebrew
    • Linux
     
  10. Dabble icon
     8 likes

    Craft your story. Write your novel. Dabble is software for writing novels for the desktop (Mac and Windows) and browser, syncing between computers.

    70 Dabble alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
     
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