Evernote vs Bear: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Evernote 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.
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:
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Best for you if:
- • Classic note-taking app with web clipper, document scanning, and cross-device sync
- • Organizational features include notebooks, tags, and powerful search across all content
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • 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 |  Evernote |  Bear |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 82/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Evernote | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 82 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingFile Management | Note-TakingFile Management |
How Evernote and Bear Compare
Evernote
The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years
Free tier available · 82/100 score
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Evernote
Want the highest-rated option?
Evernote: 82/100. Bear: 86/100.
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?
Bear scores higher: 86/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Evernote
The Bottom Line
Bear (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evernote or Bear better?
Bear scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Evernote and Bear used for?
Evernote: The original note-taking app, still kicking after all these years. Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices.
What does Evernote cost vs Bear?
Evernote is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.