Bear Alternatives for Linux

Bear is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Joplin or Standard Notes. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Bear and loads of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Bear are Google Keep, Simplenote, Zettlr and CherryTree.

Bear alternatives are mainly Note-taking Tools but may also be Todo List Managers or Task Management Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Bear.

This page was last updated

Bear

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

Mac
iPhone
iPad

Bear is a beautiful and flexible writing app for note-taking and prose, both on the go for iOS devices and for the Mac OS...

Learn more about Bear

Obsidian
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
157 alternatives to Obsidian
Powerful knowledge base that works on top of a local folder of plain text Markdown files.
Suggest and vote on features
Obsidian Features
1. Support for MarkDownObsidian supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Works OfflineObsidian can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Obsidian without registration.
4. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsObsidian can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
5. Dark ModeObsidian supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. No TrackingObsidian will not track you or use your personal data.
7. LightweightObsidian consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. PortableObsidian can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
9. Support for LaTeXObsidian supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Knowledge Base structuring
Note organization
Backlinks
Obsidian vs Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Very complicated interface
Negative comment• ago

0
Joplin
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
AppImageHub
Snapcraft
Google Chrome
Flathub
Homebrew
Chocolatey
Termux
Firefox
591 alternatives to Joplin
Joplin is a free, open source note taking and to-do application, which can handle a large number of notes organised into notebooks. The notes are searchable, can be copied, tagged and modified either from the applications directly or from your own text editor.
Suggest and vote on features
Joplin Features
1. Support for MarkDownJoplin supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. End-to-End EncryptionJoplin has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. Privacy focusedJoplin is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Joplin.
6. Works OfflineJoplin can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Ad-freeJoplin doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Joplin.
9. LightweightJoplin consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Local Storage
Android Sync
Encrypted Notes
WebDAV Support
Tagging
Write files in markdown
Synchronization
Multiplatform
Plugin system
Sync with Dropbox
Joplin vs Bear
Most users think Joplin is a great alternative to Bear.
Guest
Not user-friendly at all.
Negative comment• ago

0

ChrisWayg
Free, open source, private notes due to encryption and able to sync with the service of your choice.
Positive comment• ago

1
Standard Notes
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Self-Hosted
F-Droid
466 alternatives to Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a simple and private notes app. It allows you to write and sync your notes across all your devices, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, MacOS, and web browser.
Suggest and vote on features
Standard Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionStandard Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Privacy focusedStandard Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
4. Support for MarkDownStandard Notes supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsStandard Notes can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
6. Works OfflineStandard Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
7. Encrypted BackupStandard Notes uses encryption algorithms to keep your files safe as well as prevent unauthorized access.
8. Ad-freeStandard Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Two-factor AuthenticationStandard Notes supports two-factor authentication (2FA).
Encrypted Notes
Clean design
AES Encryption
Security focused
Minimalistic
Distraction-free Writing
Simple text editor
Sync on many devices
Customizable
Lightweight
Standard Notes vs Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
No subtags in free version
Negative comment• ago

-1
Google Keep
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Chrome OS
Android Tablet
iPad
Google Chrome
Android Wear
329 alternatives to Google Keep
Google Keep has several features including color coding notes, inserting images, creating lists, geo-fencing, shareable notes, and search by color.
Suggest and vote on features
Google Keep Features
1. Handwritten NotesGoogle Keep supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
2. Works OfflineGoogle Keep can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Dark ModeGoogle Keep supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. RemindersGoogle Keep allows you to set reminders for tasks, events or actions, based on parameters of time, place or condition.
6. Sync with Google CalendarGoogle Keep can be synchronized with Google Calendar
7. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Google Keep simultaneously.
Sync on many devices
Visual Organization
Share notes
Web-Based
Multiplatform
Photo notes
Tagging
Html parsing
Real-time sync
Integrated Search
Google Keep vs Bear
This alternative is disputed. Google Keep is still a legitimate alternative to Bear, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
tonyescobar2049
For those who must use google you can use this.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
Keep doesn't have syntax highlighting or markdown formatting.
Negative comment• ago

7

Guest
No inline #tags. Card view, no list view. No Mac app.
Negative comment• ago

0

gallien
google note allows only plain text notes, does not allow markdown formatting
Negative comment• ago

2
Simplenote
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Kindle Fire
399 alternatives to Simplenote
Made by the company behind WordPress, Simplenote enables users to take notes, lists, and ideas. These notes are stored on the cloud and are accessible across multiple devices.
Suggest and vote on features
Simplenote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Support for MarkDownSimplenote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
3. Full-Text SearchSimplenote lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. No TrackingSimplenote will not track you or use your personal data.
5. Ad-freeSimplenote doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. LightweightSimplenote consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
7. File VersioningSimplenote has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
8. Distraction-freeSimplenote has a distraction-free mode for when you need to focus.
9. PortableSimplenote can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Cross-device syncing
Search by tags
Protected by Password
Clean design
Simple text editor
Android Sync
Notes synchronisation
Text Based Format
Tagging
Tag based
Simplenote vs Bear
Most users think Simplenote is a great alternative to Bear.
Guest
Passable alternative (that I do actually use), but markdown isn't WYSIWYG or user-friendly, no inline #hashtags, sync and cloud storage aren't secure. I like it for what it is, but it's definitely not comparable to Bear.
Negative comment• ago

0

Guest
Same as Bear but syncs for free.
Positive comment• ago

-11

beneathemoon
Simplenote has a clean interface, markdown support, and iCloud sync.
Positive comment• ago

3
Zettlr
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
130 alternatives to Zettlr
Zettlr is a supercharged markdown editor that combines many writing editor features and collect them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
Suggest and vote on features
Zettlr Features
1. Support for MarkDownZettlr supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. File TaggingZettlr can organize and highlight your files with tags and labels.
3. Live PreviewInstantly see what your files and documents look like as you create them.
4. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
6. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
7. Pomodoro TimerPractice the Pomodoro Technique in Zettlr to stay focused and productive.
8. LightweightZettlr consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
9. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Link files
Integrated Search
Sync with Nextcloud
Tasklists
CherryTree
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
Mac
496 alternatives to CherryTree
A hierarchical note taking application, featuring rich text and syntax highlighting, storing data in a single xml or sqlite file.
Suggest and vote on features
CherryTree Features
1. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with CherryTree.
2. Syntax HighlightingCherryTree supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
3. Support for MarkDownCherryTree supports MarkDown for document formatting.
4. Code FormattingCherryTree supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
5. PortableCherryTree can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Tree structure
Infinite hierarchical depth
Includes images in notes
Outliner
Tree view
Text-manipulation
Tree-style
Customizable
Internal linking
Support for Android Things
CherryTree vs Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
gallien
cherrytree doesn't sync notes
Negative comment• ago

1
TiddlyWiki
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
Xfce
RemoteStorage
168 alternatives to TiddlyWiki
TiddlyWiki is a single html file with all the characteristics of a wiki - including all of the functionality (including editing, saving, tagging and searching) and the style sheet. Because its a single file, its very portable - you can email it, put it on a web server or share...
Suggest and vote on features
TiddlyWiki Features
1. Support for MarkDownTiddlyWiki supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. PortableTiddlyWiki can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
Customizable
Standalone
Cross page linking
Wiki
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Wiki-like interface
0data
Offline
Password encryption
Support for NodeJS
Zim
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flatpak
Flathub
299 alternatives to Zim
Zim brings the concept of a wiki to your desktop. Store information, link pages and edit with WYSISYG markup or directly typing some lightweight markup syntax and see it previewed as-you-type. Creating a new page is easy by either clicking on the "Create new note"...
Suggest and vote on features
Zim Features
1. Works OfflineZim can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zim.
3. WYSIWYG SupportZim integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
4. PortableZim can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
5. File VersioningZim has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
6. LightweightZim consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
Plain text file
Wiki-like interface
Cross-Platform
Outliner
LaTeX equations
Export to HTML
Note organization
Wiki
Text formatting
Outline folding
Zim vs Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
gallien
Zim doesn't enable to sync notes, and is not even meant to take notes, but to write a personnal wiki
Negative comment• ago

0
Trilium Notes
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Google Chrome
Cloudron
Firefox
358 alternatives to Trilium Notes
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.
Suggest and vote on features
Trilium Notes Features
1. End-to-End EncryptionTrilium Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
2. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
3. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Trilium Notes.
4. Dark ModeTrilium Notes supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. No TrackingTrilium Notes will not track you or use your personal data.
6. Privacy focusedTrilium Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
7. Ad-freeTrilium Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Knowledge base
Tree of notes
Note organization
Encrypted Notes
Electron based
Customizable
Tag based
REST API
Notebook