Ulysses vs Bear: Which Should You Choose 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.
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:
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Best for you if:
- • 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 the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • 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 |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Note-Taking |
Rating | 74/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Ulysses | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 74 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingWriting Apps | Note-TakingFile Management |
How Ulysses and Bear Compare
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Paid · 74/100 score
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bear has a free tier. Ulysses is paid only.
Go with: Bear
Want the highest-rated option?
Ulysses: 74/100. 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?
Ulysses is paid. Bear is freemium. Bear lets you start free.
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 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 74
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Ulysses
The Bottom Line
Bear (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ulysses or Bear better?
Bear scores 86/100 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.