BearvsObsidian
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Bear
- Apple-only: No native Windows or Android apps(9/10)
- No folders - Bear only organizes with tags(6/10)
- No collaboration features(6/10)
- No graph view for linked notes(5/10)
- No voice recording; sketches lag in heavy notes(4/10)
- Bear Web doesn't work with Advanced Data Protection(5/10)
Obsidian
- Plugin overload and management headaches(7/10)
- No real-time collaboration features(7/10)
- No web version - desktop app required(5/10)
- No native task management; databases only arrived with Bases(6/10)
- Plain interface lacks visual appeal(4/10)
- Search and index miss new notes in large vaults(5/10)
Bear
- Bear notes not syncing between devices(7/10)
- Duplicate 'conflicted' notes after editing on two devices(6/10)
- Evernote import crashes and lost images(6/10)
- Backups are manual and restoring wipes all notes(7/10)
Obsidian
- Free sync alternatives have corruption issues(7/10)
- Obsidian Sync restores deleted files and creates conflict copies(8/10)
- Obsidian stuck on 'Loading cache' or slow to start on desktop(6/10)
Bear
- Limited integrations beyond Apple automation(4/10)
Obsidian
No signals
Bear
- Why is Bear so slow with large notes?(6/10)
Obsidian
No signals
Bear
- Forgot Bear note password = locked notes are gone(7/10)
Obsidian
No signals
Bear
No signals
Obsidian
- Steep learning curve intimidates new users(7/10)
Bear
No signals
Obsidian
- Obsidian Sync costs $48-60/year just to use notes on your phone(6/10)
- Sync Standard's 1 GB and 5 MB file cap push users to Sync Plus(5/10)
Bear
No signals
Obsidian
- Obsidian mobile app slow to open with large vaults(6/10)
Pricing Comparison
Bear
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited local notes (one device)
Limits: No iCloud sync, no encryption, no OCR search in PDFs/images, no PDF/DOCX/HTML/ePub export
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: Not available to new customers; resubscribing after a lapse is not guaranteed to keep the old price
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Request a code from support with school email/ID; not valid with an active subscription or trial; codes expire
Obsidian
Users: Unlimited
Storage: Unlimited (local)
Limits: No built-in sync, no web version, you manage your own backups
Users: 1 user
Storage: 1 GB total, 5 MB per file
Limits: 5 MB file cap and 1 GB total are tight for PDFs, audio and images
Users: 1 user
Storage: 10 GB (upgradable to 100 GB), 200 MB per file
Limits: Per-user pricing; no real-time co-editing
Users: 1 site
Limits: One-way publishing, not collaborative editing
Users: 1 user
Limits: Supporter license; unlocks no extra features in stable builds
Users: Per user
Limits: Optional - not required for work use
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Bear | Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Native Apple apps macOS, iOS, iPadOS | ||
| Security | ||
| Local-first storage Plain Markdown files you own | ||
| Note encryption Pro only | ||
| End-to-end encrypted sync Obsidian Sync only (from $4/mo billed annually) | ||
| Usability | ||
| Markdown support Excellent inline preview | ||
| Bear Web Beta, limited features | ||
| Fast search Excellent performance | ||
| Web version No browser access | ||
| OCR search in PDFs and images Pro only | ||
| Organization | ||
| Tag organization Nested tags instead of folders | ||
| Bidirectional linking [[Wiki links]] + Backlinks panel | ||
| Native database views Bases core plugin (since 1.9, 2025); Dataview still more flexible | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Pro only, some reported issues | ||
| Offline access Full offline by default | ||
| Automatic backups Manual File > Backup Notes only | ||
| Customization | ||
| Community plugins Thousands available, quality varies | ||
| Custom themes Extensive theme marketplace | ||
| Multiple themes Pro only | ||
| Portability | ||
| Export to multiple formats Free: TXT, MD, TextBundle, RTF; Pro: PDF, DOCX, HTML, JPG, ePub | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Publish to web Obsidian Publish ($8/mo annual, $10 monthly) | ||
| Mobile | ||
| Mobile apps iOS and Android, basic experience | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Education discount 30% off first year | ||
| Free personal use No feature restrictions | ||
| Platform | ||
| Windows app Not available | ||
| Android app Not available | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Templates Core and Templater plugin | ||
| Built-in task management Requires plugins | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Canvas/whiteboard Built-in canvas feature | ||
| Graph view Not available | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not available | ||
| Capture | ||
| Drawing support Inline sketcher (Apple Pencil/finger); ruled, dotted, grid backgrounds | ||
| Voice recording Not available | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Third-party integrations x-callback-url, Shortcuts, BearCLI, MCP server, Claude Connector (2026); no Zapier | ||
| AI | ||
| AI features Requires third-party plugins | ||
| Editing | ||
| Mermaid diagrams Added July 2026 | ||