Ulysses vs Bear: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Ulysses 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:
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.
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 |  Ulysses |  Bear |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5.99/monthSubscription | $2.99/monthPro |
Best For | Writing Apps | Note-Taking |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Ulysses or Bear?
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
Choose Bear if
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
- Beautiful design
- Great markdown support
- Fast and lightweight
- Budget matters ($2.99/month vs $5.99/month)
- Your work is note-taking-shaped, not writing apps-shaped
| Feature | Ulysses | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 12 reviews | ★4.5/5 11 reviews |
| Categories | Writing AppsProductivity | Note-TakingWriting & Content |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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: Ulysses vs Bear
| Plan | Ulysses | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5.99 month Subscription | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $49.99 year Annual | $2.99 month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Ulysses pricing and Bear 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ulysses
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Bear
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Ulysses is paid. Bear is freemium. Bear lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Ulysses is a writing apps tool. Bear is in note-taking. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 Ulysses or Bear better?
Bear is rated in our evaluation. Ulysses is paid and Bear is freemium.
What are Ulysses and Bear used for?
Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.. Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices.
What does Ulysses cost vs Bear?
Ulysses is a paid tool. Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.