Bear Alternatives for Mac

There are many alternatives to Bear for Mac if you are looking for a replacement. The best Mac alternative is Obsidian. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try Evernote or Zettlr. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Bear and loads of them are available for Mac so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Mac alternatives to Bear are CherryTree, Zim, TiddlyWiki and Anytype.

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

Bear alternatives page was last updated

Bear

Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool

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...

More about Bear

Obsidian
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free Personal • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
Android Tablet
iPad
Snapcraft
Flathub
32 Obsidian alternatives
Obsidian is a note-taking app that lets you create a personal knowledge graph with ease. It is designed for non-linear thinking and allows you to easily link your notes together wiki-style.
- - Obsidian is the most popular Windows, Android, Mac & iPhone alternative to Bear.
- - Obsidian is the most popular free alternative to Bear.
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. Syntax HighlightingObsidian supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
9. Ad-freeObsidian doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
Local Storage
Graph view
Bidirectional links
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Backlink
Knowledge Management
Custom themes
Note organization
Knowledge Base structuring
Write files in markdown
Comments about Obsidian as a Alternative to Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
Very complicated interface
Negative comment•
0
Evernote
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Proprietary
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Online
Android
iPhone
Blackberry
Android Tablet
Windows Phone
iPad
Apple Watch
Android Wear
Kindle Fire
30 Evernote alternatives
Evernote is a cross-platform, freemium app designed for note taking, organizing, and archiving.
- - Evernote is the most popular Web-based alternative to Bear.
Suggest and vote on features
Evernote Features
1. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
2. Works OfflineEvernote can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
3. Handwritten NotesEvernote supports writing by hand (or a stylus) and your text will be converted to text.
4. OCRExtract the text from a screen capture or file and paste it into another document for edits.
5. Dark ModeEvernote supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
6. Calendar IntegrationEvernote lets you sync your tasks and events with your calendar application.
7. Support for MarkDownEvernote supports MarkDown for document formatting.
8. IFTTT IntegrationYou can connect different services to automatically trigger actions within Evernote using IFTTT.
9. PDF annotationEvernote support PDF Annotation for highlighting, notes etc
Text formatting
Hyperlinks
Screenshot OCR
Tagging
Folders
Sits in the System Tray
Note organization
Export to HTML
Export to PDF
Protected by Password
Comments about Evernote as a Alternative to Bear
Most users think Evernote is a great Bear alternative.
Guest
Passable alternative, but bloated, no inline #hashtags, expensive.
Negative comment•
0
Zettlr
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Text Editor
File Organizer
Mac
Windows
Linux
145 Zettlr alternatives
Zettlr is a one-stop publication workbench that combines many writing features and collects them in one application. It aims at speeding up your workflow and help you write without any interruptions.
- - Zettlr is the most popular Open Source alternative to Bear.
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. Privacy focusedZettlr is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
5. Ad-freeZettlr doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Syntax HighlightingZettlr supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Dark ModeZettlr supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
8. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Zettlr.
9. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Zettlr without registration.
Zettelkasten note method
Multiple export options
Zotero integration
Note organization
Link files
Built-in themes
Export to LaTeX
Sync with Nextcloud
Interactive tables
Write files in markdown
CherryTree
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
PortableApps.com
21 CherryTree alternatives
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
Internal linking
Tree-style
Customizable
Export to HTML
Comments about CherryTree as a Alternative to Bear
pros, cons and recent comments
Gallien
cherrytree doesn't sync notes
Negative comment•
1
Zim
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
Flathub
Flatpak
286 Zim alternatives
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. Ad-freeZim doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Full-Text SearchZim lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
7. Spell CheckingZim can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
8. File VersioningZim has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
9. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsZim can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
Plain text file
Wiki-like interface
Cross-Platform
Outliner
Wiki
Text formatting
Nested Notes
Export to HTML
LaTeX Equations
Outline folding
Comments about Zim as a Alternative to Bear
Most users think Zim is a great Bear alternative.
Gallien
Zim doesn't enable to sync notes, and is not even meant to take notes, but to write a personnal wiki
Negative comment•
0
TiddlyWiki
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
BSD
Self-Hosted
Xfce
RemoteStorage
170 TiddlyWiki alternatives
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...
- - TiddlyWiki is the most popular Self-Hosted alternative to Bear.
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
Wiki-like interface
Personal Information Manager (PIM)
Offline
Password encryption
Support for NodeJS
Notebook
Anytype
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Task Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Android
iPhone
84 Anytype alternatives
Offline and local first. The most powerful taking notes app. With a fully compatibility across devices. Support Markdown and you will be able to keep your notes, and files, in the same place.
Suggest and vote on features
Anytype Features
1. Works OfflineAnytype can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Privacy focusedAnytype is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. End-to-End EncryptionAnytype has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
4. DecentralizedAnytype is based on a decentralized infrastructure with no single entity controlling it.
5. Ad-freeAnytype doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
6. Support for MarkDownAnytype supports MarkDown for document formatting.
7. WYSIWYG SupportAnytype integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
8. Dark ModeAnytype supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
9. No TrackingAnytype will not track you or use your personal data.
Visual Organization
Synchronization
Knowledge Management
Wiki
Bookmarks
Local Storage
Cross-Platform
Graph view
Graph database
Cloud Sync
Trilium Notes
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Mac
Windows
Linux
Self-Hosted
Google Chrome
Cloudron
Firefox
345 Trilium Notes alternatives
Trilium Notes is a hierarchical note taking application.
Suggest and vote on features
Trilium Notes Features
1. Dark ModeTrilium Notes supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
2. End-to-End EncryptionTrilium Notes has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. No TrackingTrilium Notes will not track you or use your personal data.
4. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
5. Works OfflineTrilium Notes can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
6. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Trilium Notes.
7. Ad-freeTrilium Notes doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
8. Privacy focusedTrilium Notes is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
9. Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Trilium Notes simultaneously.
Knowledge base
Tree of notes
Note organization
Encrypted Notes
REST API
Customizable
Electron based
Command line interface
Notebook
WYSIWYG Support
Manuskript
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Novel Authoring Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Flathub
100 Manuskript alternatives
Manuskript is an open-source tool for writers, with outliner, character management, plot development, distraction-free editor, etc.
Suggest and vote on features
Manuskript Features
1. Works OfflineManuskript can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. Ad-freeManuskript doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
3. Dark ModeManuskript supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
4. Support for MarkDownManuskript supports MarkDown for document formatting.
5. File VersioningManuskript has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
Outliner
Tree structure
Tracking of plots
Distraction-free Writing
Tracking of characters
Plot visualisation
Track Characters
Visual timeline
Tracking of locations
Visual Organization
Scrivener
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Proprietary
Novel Authoring Tool
Note-taking Tool
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
iPhone
iPad
PlayOnLinux (PlayOnMac)
Wine
97 Scrivener alternatives
Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines everything you need to craft your first draft, from nascent notion to final full stop.
- - Scrivener is the most popular commercial alternative to Bear.
Suggest and vote on features
Scrivener Features
1. Support for scriptingScrivener supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
2. Support for LaTeXScrivener supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
Corkboard
Integrated Search
Document compiler
Multi-document View
Split files into sections
Visual Organization
Scene Management
Character database
Folders
Export to PDF
Comments about Scrivener as a Alternative to Bear
Almost everyone thinks Scrivener is a great Bear alternative.
thunder987
Bear is for notes, Scrivener for books. Two totally different worlds.
Comment•
0
Notesnook
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Todo List Manager
Project Management Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Online
Android
iPhone
iPad
Google Chrome
Flathub
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Flatpak
F-Droid
Android Tablet
175 Notesnook alternatives
Notesnook is a simple and cross-platform private notes app that keeps your notes organized and synced on your phone, tablet and computer. Take notes, capture ideas, create to-do lists, keep a journal, write your assignments and manage projects, we have got you covered.
Suggest and vote on features
Notesnook Features
1. Works OfflineNotesnook can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
2. End-to-End EncryptionNotesnook has E2E Encryption, for entire or parts of the app.
3. Privacy focusedNotesnook is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
4. Dark ModeNotesnook supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
5. Support for MarkDownNotesnook supports MarkDown for document formatting.
6. No TrackingNotesnook will not track you or use your personal data.
7. Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
8. Ad-freeNotesnook doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
9. Web ClipperSave any page or content from the web with a single click with Notesnook.
Encrypted Notes
Private notes
Note organization
Reminders
Two-factor Authentication
Unlimited storage
Lightweight
WYSIWYG Support
Distraction-free
Hierarchical Structure
Dendron
Is this is a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Note-taking Tool
Mac
Windows
Linux
Visual Studio Code
198 Dendron alternatives
Dendron is an open-source, local-first, markdown-based, note-taking tool built on top of VSCode. It supports all the usual features you would expect like tagging, backlinks, a graph view, split panes, and so forth.
Suggest and vote on features
Dendron Features
1. Support for MarkDownDendron supports MarkDown for document formatting.
2. Hierarchical StructureOrganize your notes, pages, documents, etc., hierarchically with Dendron.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsDendron can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Privacy focusedDendron is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
Local Storage
Block reference
Graph view
VSCode
Backlinks
Quick reference lookup
Publishing
Tagging
Bidirectional links
Built-in themes