Bear vs Ulysses: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Bear and Ulysses 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.
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 to try before committing
- • 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.
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Best for you if:
- • You need writing apps features specifically
- • Distraction-free writing environment with powerful project management.
- • Built-in grammar and style checker for over 20 languages.
| At a Glance |  Bear |  Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5.99/monthSubscription |
Best For | Note-Taking | Writing Apps |
Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Bear or Ulysses?
Choose Bear if
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
- Beautiful design
- Great markdown support
- Fast and lightweight
- Budget matters (Free vs $5.99/month)
- Your work is note-taking-shaped, not writing apps-shaped
Choose Ulysses if
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
- Great for writers
- Clean writing environment
- Good publishing features
- Your work is writing apps-shaped, not note-taking-shaped
| Feature | Bear | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.5/5 11 reviews | ★4.7/5 12 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingWriting & Content | Writing AppsProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Strengths
- +Beautiful design
- +Great markdown support
- +Fast and lightweight
- +Good organization
- +Apple ecosystem native
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Sync requires subscription
- -Limited collaboration
- -No web app
- -Basic task management
Key features
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Strengths
- +Great for writers
- +Clean writing environment
- +Good publishing features
- +Apple native
- +Markdown support
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Subscription model
- -Expensive
- -No collaboration
- -Overkill for notes
Key features
Pricing: Bear vs Ulysses
| Plan | Bear | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $5.99 month Subscription |
| Tier 2 | $2.99 month Pro | $49.99 year Annual |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Bear pricing and Ulysses pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bear has a free tier. Ulysses is paid only.
Go with: Bear
Want the highest-rated option?
Bear: 4.5/5 (11 reviews). Ulysses: 4.7/5 (12 reviews).
Go with: Ulysses
Value user reviews?
Bear: 11 reviews (4.5/5). Ulysses: 12 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Ulysses
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Bear is freemium. Ulysses is paid. Bear lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Bear is a note-taking tool. Ulysses is in writing apps. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Ulysses is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ulysses
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Larger review base (12 reviews)
- Better fit for writing apps
The Bottom Line
Bear is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bear or Ulysses better?
Bear is rated in our evaluation. Bear is freemium and Ulysses is paid.
What are Bear and Ulysses used for?
Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices. Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience..
What does Bear cost vs Ulysses?
Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Ulysses is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.