Enote vs Bear: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Enote and Bear 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:
Enote
Capture ideas instantly and organize your thoughts with lightweight desktop sticky notes.
Best for you if:
- • Instant note creation with global shortcuts and floating windows.
- • Supports image notes, Markdown, and cross-device syncing (Mac, iPhone, iPad).
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Best for you if:
- • Beautiful Markdown notes app for Apple devices with tag-based organization.
- • Features focus mode, nested tags, WikiLinks, and Apple Pencil sketching support.
| At a Glance |  Enote |  Bear |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | 4.5/5 |
Choose Enote or Bear?
Choose Enote if
Capture ideas instantly and organize your thoughts with lightweight desktop sticky notes.
- Digital sheet music platform
- Smart music notation features
- Large music library access
Choose Bear if
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
- Beautiful design
- Great markdown support
- Fast and lightweight
| Feature | Enote | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.5/5 11 reviews |
| Categories | Note-TakingProductivity | Note-TakingWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
Enote
Capture ideas instantly and organize your thoughts with lightweight desktop sticky notes.
Strengths
- +Digital sheet music platform
- +Smart music notation features
- +Large music library access
- +Page turning and annotations
- +Useful for musicians and students
Weaknesses
- -Subscription for full library
- -Specialized for musicians only
- -Device compatibility requirements
- -May not replace physical scores for all
- -Premium content costs extra
Key features
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
Pricing: Enote vs Bear
| Plan | Enote | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $2.99 month Monthly | $2.99 month Pro |
| Tier 3 | $19.99 year Yearly | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Enote pricing and Bear pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Enote
Want the highest-rated option?
Bear is rated 4.5/5. Enote has no ratings yet.
Go with: Bear
Value user reviews?
Enote: no ratings yet. Bear: 11 reviews (4.5/5).
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?
Bear is rated 4.5/5; Enote has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Enote
- Choose if you want capture ideas instantly and organize your thoughts with lightweight desktop sticky notes
The Bottom Line
Bear is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Enote or Bear better?
Bear is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Enote and Bear used for?
Enote: Capture ideas instantly and organize your thoughts with lightweight desktop sticky notes.. Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices.
What does Enote cost vs Bear?
Enote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.