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Apple Notes vs Bear: catalog facts
Apple Notes	Bear
Free Free, bundled with macOS and iOS.	Freemium Free tier available; Bear Pro subscription adds sync and export options.
macOS, iOS	macOS, iOS, Browser extension
Comes preinstalled and free on every Apple device OCR lets you search text inside scanned images and photos	Tag-based organization is flexible compared to rigid folder structures Polished, native Apple design
Tied to the Apple ecosystem with no native Windows or Android app Lacks the structured databases and linking found in dedicated knowledge-base apps	Apple platforms only, no Windows or Android version Advanced features like export options require a subscription
Downloadable app	Downloadable app, Browser extension
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.