Bear vs Notion: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Bear and Notion comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Beautiful Markdown notes app for Apple devices with tag-based organization.
- • Features focus mode, nested tags, WikiLinks, and Apple Pencil sketching support.
Notion
All-in-one workspace
Best for you if:
- • Notion is an AI-powered all-in-one workspace that consolidates productivity tools and team collaboration.
- • It features built-in AI agents for automation, search, writing, and more, aiming to reduce busywork.
| At a Glance |  Bear |  Notion |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 86/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Bear | Notion |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 164 |
| Categories | Note-TakingFile Management | Note-TakingTask Management |
How Bear and Notion Compare
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Notion
All-in-one workspace
Free tier available
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Bear
Want the highest-rated option?
Bear scores 86/100. Notion is unrated.
Go with: Bear
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Bear
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are note-taking tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Notion
- More community upvotes (164)
The Bottom Line
Bear (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bear or Notion better?
Bear scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Bear and Notion used for?
Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices. Notion: All-in-one workspace.
What does Bear cost vs Notion?
Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Notion is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.