Final Draft vs Bear: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Final Draft 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:
Final Draft
The industry-standard screenwriting software for film, TV, and theater.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 8.6/10)
- • You need writing apps features specifically
- • Industry-standard screenwriting software with automatic formatting.
- • Comprehensive tools for planning, writing, and revising scripts, including collaboration.
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.
| At a Glance |  Final Draft |  Bear |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Writing Apps | Note-Taking |
Rating | 87/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Final Draft | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Writing Apps | Note-TakingWriting Apps |
Understanding the Differences
Both Final Draft and Bear solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Final Draft positions itself as "the industry-standard screenwriting software for film, tv, and theater." while Bearfocuses on "beautiful markdown notes app for apple devices". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Final Draft
Final Draft makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 87/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Bear
Bear is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Bear won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Bear
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Final Draft handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Final Draft
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Final Draft is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Final Draft
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Bear has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Final Draft higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Bear more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Final Draft Does Better
- Higher overall score (87/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Bear If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Final Draft (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Final Draft scores higher in our analysis, but Bear might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Final Draft or Bear better?
Based on our analysis, Final Draft scores higher with 87/100. Final Draft ispaid while Bear is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Final Draft to Bear easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Final Draft and Bear offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Final Draft is paid with potential trial.Bear is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.