Standard Notes vs Bear: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad
Bear
Beautiful Markdown Note-Taking App for Mac, iPhone & iPad
What are Standard Notes and Bear?
Standard Notes is a note-taking tool that protects your data with strong encryption. When you write a note, it gets locked with a secret code that only you have. This means even the company that runs Standard Notes cannot read what you write. Your notes sync across all your devices automatically, so you can start writing on your phone and continue on your computer.
The app offers both free and paid plans. The free version includes basic note-taking with full encryption, while paid plans add features like rich text formatting, file storage, and advanced editors for different types of content. It works on web browsers, desktop computers, and mobile devices, giving you access everywhere.
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 Standard Notes and Bear
End-to-end encryption for complete privacy
Unlimited devices and notes with free plan
Offline access to all downloaded notes
Tag-based organization system
Password lock for individual notes
Two-factor authentication support
Daily encrypted email backups
Open source and audited code
Cross-platform support (web, desktop, mobile)
File storage with paid plans
Multiple note types (markdown, code, spreadsheets)
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 Standard Notes and Bear
Pricing of Standard Notes and Bear
Standard Notes offers three plans to fit different needs. The Standard plan is completely free forever and includes end-to-end encryption, unlimited device sync, basic text notes, offline access, tags, password protection for notes, full data export, two-factor authentication, and daily email backups.
The Productivity plan costs $90 per year and adds powerful features like Super note type for markdown and rich text, spreadsheet creation, Daily Notebooks for journaling, authenticator for other services, folder organization, web clipper tool, one-year note history, and dedicated support.
The Professional plan is $120 per year and includes everything from Productivity plus 100GB encrypted cloud storage for files, subscription sharing with up to five accounts, unlimited file size, offline file access, local file backups, Moments photo capture, unlimited note history, and hardware security key support.
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: Standard Notes vs Bear
Reviews: Standard Notes vs Bear
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