Bear
iA Writer
Bear
iA Writer
Bear
iA Writer
No signals
Bear
No signals
iA Writer
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited notes
Limits: No iCloud sync, No note encryption, Limited themes
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Apple devices only
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Apple devices only
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Apple devices only, Must not let subscription lapse
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Requires student/educator verification
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Mac only, must buy other platforms separately
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: iOS only
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Windows only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited (your cloud storage)
Limits: Android only, no iCloud (use Dropbox/Google Drive)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Must maintain subscription for access
| Feature | Bear | iA Writer |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Native Apple apps macOS, iOS, iPadOS | ||
| Usability | ||
| Focus Mode Signature feature | ||
| Markdown support Excellent inline preview | ||
| Bear Web Beta, limited features | ||
| Fast search Excellent performance | ||
| WYSIWYG Markdown Shows raw syntax | ||
| Portability | ||
| Plain text Markdown No proprietary format | ||
| Export to multiple formats Pro: PDF, DOCX, HTML, MD | ||
| Organization | ||
| Tag organization Tags instead of folders | ||
| Library organization Flat file structure only | ||
| Smart folders Not available | ||
| Bidirectional linking Not available | ||
| Document merging Not available | ||
| Research management Not available | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform Mac, iOS, Windows, Android | ||
| Windows app Not available | ||
| Android app Not available | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Pro only, some reported issues | ||
| Dropbox sync All platforms | ||
| Google Drive sync Windows/Android | ||
| Security | ||
| Note encryption Pro only | ||
| Customization | ||
| Multiple themes Pro only | ||
| Writing | ||
| Style checker Realtime filler detection | ||
| Syntax highlighting Parts of speech coloring | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Education discount 30% off first year | ||
| One-time purchase Per platform | ||
| Export | ||
| Word export DOCX support | ||
| PDF export Available | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view Not available | ||
| Capture | ||
| Drawing support Not available | ||
| Voice recording Not available | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Third-party integrations Very limited | ||
