AppFlowy vs Bear: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
AppFlowy
Open-Source Workspace for Notes, Tasks & Projects

Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad

AppFlowy
Open-Source Workspace for Notes, Tasks & Projects

Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad

What are AppFlowy and Bear?
AppFlowy is a workspace application that brings together your notes, tasks, wikis, and projects. Unlike cloud-only tools, you can run AppFlowy entirely on your own computer or host it yourself for complete data control.
The tool uses AI to help you write, organize information, and find what you need quickly. You can create databases, calendars, task boards, and rich documents all in one place. Everything syncs across your devices when you want it to.
AppFlowy is open-source, which means anyone can see how it works and customize it. You get features like tables, boards, calendars, and a rich text editor. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices, giving you flexibility in how and where you work.
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 AppFlowy and Bear
Multiple database views (grid, board, calendar, list)
Built-in AI assistant with local or cloud options
Rich text editor with markdown support
Real-time team collaboration
Offline mode with local storage
Self-hosting capabilities
Cross-platform support (desktop and mobile)
End-to-end encryption available
Custom templates and themes
Open-source and community-driven
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 AppFlowy and Bear
Pricing of AppFlowy and Bear
AppFlowy offers flexible pricing to fit different needs. The free plan includes one workspace for up to two members, unlimited pages and blocks, 5 GB storage, and 10 AI responses monthly. This is perfect for individuals or small groups getting started.
The Pro plan costs $10 per month when billed yearly or $12.50 monthly. This plan includes unlimited storage, up to 50 workspace members, 100 guest editors, unlimited AI responses, 50 AI images per month, and unlimited file uploads. You also get a custom namespace for your workspace.
For those who want complete control, AppFlowy can be self-hosted for free. This means you can install it on your own server and avoid any subscription costs while keeping full ownership of your data and privacy.
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: AppFlowy vs Bear
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