BearvsUlysses
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)
Ulysses
- Apple-only: No Windows or Android versions(9/10)
- Slow development despite subscription revenue(6/10)
- Ulysses tables only work in Markdown XL markup(4/10)
- Features poorly explained with hidden menus(5/10)
- Flawed print/formatting for traditional publishing(6/10)
- Ulysses requires macOS 15.4 and iOS 26(6/10)
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)
Ulysses
- Ulysses not syncing between Mac and iPhone (iCloud)(7/10)
- Ulysses sheets disappeared after sync problems(8/10)
Bear
- Limited integrations beyond Apple automation(4/10)
Ulysses
- Ulysses WordPress 'Failed to connect' error(5/10)
Bear
- Why is Bear so slow with large notes?(6/10)
Ulysses
No signals
Bear
- Forgot Bear note password = locked notes are gone(7/10)
Ulysses
No signals
Bear
No signals
Ulysses
- Controversial switch to subscription angered existing users(8/10)
- Why is Ulysses so expensive? $40/year subscription for a writing app(7/10)
- Ulysses perpetual license costs $199.99(5/10)
Bear
No signals
Ulysses
- Poor iPhone experience with cluttered interface(5/10)
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
Ulysses
Users: 1 Apple Account + Family Sharing (up to 5 more)
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Apple devices only, no web version
Users: 1 Apple Account + Family Sharing (up to 5 more)
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Apple devices only, no web version; local prices may differ
Users: 1 Apple Account
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Ulysses does not guarantee new features indefinitely; future updates may need newer macOS/iOS
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Does not auto-renew
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Bundled with other apps you may not need
Feature Comparison
| 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 | ||
| OCR search in PDFs and images Pro only | ||
| Organization | ||
| Tag organization Nested tags instead of folders | ||
| Library organization Groups, filters, keywords | ||
| Bidirectional linking [[Wiki links]] + Backlinks panel | ||
| 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 Local automatic backups (File > Browse Backups); monthly backups kept indefinitely since 41.2 | ||
| Automatic backups Manual File > Backup Notes only | ||
| 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 Free: TXT, MD, TextBundle, RTF; Pro: PDF, DOCX, HTML, JPG, ePub | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Education discount 30% off first year | ||
| Setapp included Part of Setapp bundle | ||
| One-time purchase Perpetual License $199.99 (2026), no trial | ||
| Family Sharing Up to 5 additional family members (not for old Ulysses Mobile purchases) | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Writing goals Word count targets | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Formatting | ||
| Table support Since v27, Markdown XL markup only; no RTF export | ||
| Visualization | ||
| Graph view 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 | ||
| Editing | ||
| Mermaid diagrams Added July 2026 | ||