Bear
Ulysses
Bear
Ulysses
Bear
Ulysses
No signals
Bear
No signals
Ulysses
Bear
No signals
Ulysses
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 (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited (iCloud)
Limits: Apple devices only, No web version
Users: 1 user (all Apple devices)
Storage: Unlimited (iCloud)
Limits: Apple devices only, No web version
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Must maintain educational status
Users: 1 user
Storage: Unlimited
Limits: Bundled with other apps you may not need
| Feature | Bear | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Native Apple apps macOS, iOS, iPadOS | ||
| Usability | ||
| Distraction-free writing Core strength | ||
| Markdown support Excellent inline preview | ||
| Bear Web Beta, limited features | ||
| Fast search Excellent performance | ||
| Organization | ||
| Tag organization Tags instead of folders | ||
| Library organization Groups, filters, keywords | ||
| Bidirectional linking Not available | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac/iPad/iPhone apps Native Apple apps | ||
| Windows app Not available | ||
| Android app Not available | ||
| Web version Not available | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Pro only, some reported issues | ||
| Version history Available | ||
| Security | ||
| Note encryption Pro only | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Direct publishing WordPress, Medium, Ghost | ||
| ePub export Excellent quality | ||
| PDF/DOCX export Multiple format support | ||
| Customization | ||
| Multiple themes Pro only | ||
| Portability | ||
| Export to multiple formats Pro: PDF, DOCX, HTML, MD | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Education discount 30% off first year | ||
| Setapp included Part of Setapp bundle | ||
| One-time purchase Subscription only | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Writing goals Word count targets | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Formatting | ||
| Table support Not available | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view Not available | ||
| Capture | ||
| Drawing support Not available | ||
| Voice recording Not available | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Third-party integrations Very limited | ||
