Bear vs Obsidian: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Bear and Obsidian 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 need note-taking features specifically
- • Beautiful Markdown notes app for Apple devices with tag-based organization.
- • Features focus mode, nested tags, WikiLinks, and Apple Pencil sketching support.
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need documentation features specifically
- • Private knowledge base with markdown
- • Your notes, fully offline and yours
| At a Glance |  Bear |  Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Documentation |
Rating | 86/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Bear | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingFile Management | DocumentationNote-Taking |
How Bear and Obsidian Compare
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Obsidian
Private and flexible note-taking
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Bear is a note-taking tool. Obsidian is in documentation.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Bear
Want the highest-rated option?
Bear: 86/100. Obsidian: 90/100.
Go with: Obsidian
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Obsidian
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?
Bear is a note-taking tool. Obsidian is in documentation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Obsidian scores higher: 90/100 vs 86/100.
Key Takeaways
Obsidian
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 86
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Bear
- Better fit for note-taking
The Bottom Line
Obsidian (90/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bear or Obsidian better?
Obsidian scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Bear and Obsidian used for?
Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices. Obsidian: Private and flexible note-taking.
What does Bear cost vs Obsidian?
Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Obsidian is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.