Bear vs Gingko Writer
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Tree-based writing tool for structuring long documents.
The verdict
Both Bear and Gingko Writer are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Bear if you want a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple.
Gingko Writer — Tree-based writing tool for structuring long documents.
Bear vs Gingko Writer: side by side
| Dimension | Bear | Gingko Writer |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $2.99/mo | Free – $7/user/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best for | Writers, Apple Users | Writers, Academics |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Web |
| Rating | 4.7/5Winner | 4.2/5 |
Bear key facts
- Vendor
- Shiny Frog
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $2.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Mac, Ios
- Best for
- Writers, Apple Users
- Editor rating
- 4.7 / 5
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Italy
Gingko Writer key facts
- Vendor
- Gingko
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $7/user/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web
- Best for
- Writers, Academics
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 2013
- Headquarters
- Canada
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear better than Gingko Writer?
Neither is universally better — Bear edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Bear or Gingko Writer cheaper?
Bear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $2.99/mo. Bear starts at free – $2.99/mo; Gingko Writer starts at free – $7/user/mo.
Can Bear replace Gingko Writer?
Yes for most teams — both are note taking tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.