Side by side
Amplenote vs Bear
Both stand on notes apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+5
Choose Amplenote if you want notes, tasks, and calendar scheduling with offline access, collaboration, and calendar connections. Check the plan requirements if you need the native desktop app, larger uploads, calendar syncing, or publishing; also note that standard notes are not end-to-end encrypted by default and attachments are not encrypted.
Visit Amplenote
Free plan APIExtensioniPhone+2
Bear offers a capable free local-note option and a Pro tier for sync, security, OCR, and extra exports. Its strongest fit is for users working within Apple’s ecosystem.
Visit BearThe facts
| Amplenote | Bear | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | API, Extension, iPhone, Mac, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $5.84 a month | Bear Pro (yearly): $29.99 a year |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | amplenote.com | bear.app |
| On notes apps | #1 of 83 | #4 of 83 |
Amplenote: what it does well
- Combines Jots, Notes, Tasks, and Calendar modes.
- Supports offline access and real-time collaboration.
- Connects with Google, Outlook, and Apple calendars.
- Available on web, mobile, and desktop platforms.
- Unlimited includes publishing notes as web pages.
What to know first
- Personal file uploads are limited to 5 MB.
- Personal is for non-commercial use and has no customer support.
- The native desktop app requires Pro, Unlimited, or Founder.
- Attachments are not encrypted, including those associated with Vault Notes.
Bear: what it does well
- Offline note access
- Markdown editor with photos, tables, and to-do lists
- Flexible tags and foldable sections
- Free local notes and document scanning
- Pro offers OCR and expanded exports
What to know first
- Free plan has no iCloud sync
- OCR search requires Bear Pro
- Browser clipper requires the Bear app
- Note titles and tag names remain unencrypted
Alternatives to Amplenote Alternatives to Bear The whole list