Unfriction vs Bear: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Unfriction 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:
Unfriction
Instant overlay notes for macOS with zero friction and lightning-fast launch.
Best for you if:
- • You need screenshot tools features specifically
- • Instant overlay notes for macOS, launching in under 400ms.
- • Features include OCR from screenshots, clipboard history, and local-first storage.
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.7/10)
- • 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 |  Unfriction |  Bear |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Screenshot Tools | Note-Taking |
Rating | 77/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Unfriction | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 77 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Screenshot ToolsNote-Taking | Note-TakingFile Management |
How Unfriction and Bear Compare
Unfriction
Instant overlay notes for macOS with zero friction and lightning-fast launch.
Paid · 77/100 score
Bear
Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Unfriction is a screenshot tools tool. Bear is in note-taking.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Bear has a free tier. Unfriction is paid only.
Go with: Bear
Want the highest-rated option?
Unfriction: 77/100. 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?
Unfriction is paid. Bear is freemium. Bear lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Unfriction is a screenshot tools tool. Bear is in note-taking. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Bear scores higher: 86/100 vs 77/100.
Key Takeaways
Bear
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 77
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Unfriction
- Better fit for screenshot tools
The Bottom Line
Bear (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unfriction or Bear better?
Bear scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Unfriction is paid and Bear is freemium.
What are Unfriction and Bear used for?
Unfriction: Instant overlay notes for macOS with zero friction and lightning-fast launch.. Bear: Beautiful markdown notes app for Apple devices.
What does Unfriction cost vs Bear?
Unfriction is a paid tool. Bear is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.