AFFiNE vs Bear: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
AFFiNE
Open-Source Workspace for Docs, Whiteboards & Databases
Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad
AFFiNE
Open-Source Workspace for Docs, Whiteboards & Databases
Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad
What are AFFiNE and Bear?
AFFiNE is a workspace application that brings together three main tools in one place: documents for writing and note-taking, whiteboards for visual thinking and drawing, and databases for organizing information. Unlike cloud-first tools, AFFiNE takes a local-first approach, which means your data lives on your computer first and only syncs to the cloud if you choose.
You can switch between document mode and whiteboard mode easily, turning any page into a drawing canvas and back again. This flexibility helps you work the way your mind works, not the way the software forces you to work. AFFiNE is completely open-source, meaning the code is public and can be customized. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and has mobile apps too.
Bear is a writing and note-taking tool that runs on Apple devices. You type notes in plain text and add formatting using simple Markdown commands. This means you can make text bold, create headers, add links, or insert images without reaching for your mouse.
The app organizes notes using tags. Instead of putting notes in folders, you add hashtags anywhere in your text. These tags appear in the sidebar, and you can nest them for deeper organization. For example, you might use tags like work, personal, or ideas.
Bear keeps everything private and stored locally on your device. The free version offers solid features, while Bear Pro adds extras like cloud sync between devices, more export options, and the ability to search text inside images and PDF files.
Features of AFFiNE and Bear
Local-first data storage with offline access
Combined documents and whiteboards in one workspace
Database and table management tools
Real-time team collaboration features
Open-source and fully customizable
Self-hosting available with Docker
Cross-platform apps for all devices
Mind map creation and visualization
Template library for quick starts
Version history and time machine
File import from multiple formats
Privacy-focused design
Markdown text formatting with simple commands
Tag-based organization with nested tags
Cross-device sync with iCloud (Pro)
Apple Pencil sketching support on iPad
Export to PDF, Word, HTML, and more formats
Search text inside images and PDFs (Pro)
28+ beautiful themes to customize appearance
Password and Face ID note encryption
Apple Watch dictation support
No account required to start
Use Cases of AFFiNE and Bear
Pricing of AFFiNE and Bear
AFFiNE offers flexible pricing to match different needs, from individual users to large teams.
The Free Plan (Local FOSS + Cloud Basic) gives you unlimited local workspaces with complete customization, plus 10 GB cloud storage, up to 3 team members, and 7-day file history. This plan is free forever and perfect for personal use.
Pro Plan costs $7.99 monthly (or $6.75 monthly when billed yearly) and includes 100 GB cloud storage, up to 10 team members, 30-day file history, and larger file uploads up to 100 MB.
Team Plan is designed for growing teams at $12 monthly per seat (or $10 per seat yearly). It includes everything in Pro plus 100 GB base storage with 20 GB per additional seat, 500 MB file size limit, unlimited team members, and priority support.
For those who prefer complete control, Self-Hosted options are available starting free for the basic version, with Team plans at the same pricing.
Bear offers both free and paid options to fit different needs. The free version gives you access to all core features including unlimited notes, document scanning, basic export options, and three themes. You can use Bear free forever without paying anything.
Bear Pro costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year, saving you about 15 percent with the annual plan. The 7-day free trial lets you test all Pro features before deciding. Pro adds powerful extras like sync between all your Apple devices using iCloud, more export formats including PDF and Word, over 28 beautiful themes, search inside images and PDFs, and 15 custom app icons.
The yearly price may vary based on your country and local taxes. Whether you choose free or Pro, there are no ads or data collection in Bear.
FAQs: AFFiNE vs Bear
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