Bear vs Roam Research
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
A note-taking tool for networked thought.
The verdict
Both Bear and Roam Research are credible note taking tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Bear if you want a lower starting price (free – $2.99/mo), a free plan to start on and a higher overall rating (4.7/5). Beautiful Markdown notes for Apple.
Choose Roam Research if you'd rather have a longer free trial (31 days). A note-taking tool for networked thought.
Bear vs Roam Research: side by side
| Dimension | Bear | Roam Research |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $2.99/moWinner | From $15/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Free trial | — | 31 daysWinner |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Writers, Apple Users | Researchers, Writers |
| Platforms | Mac, Ios | Web, Ios, Android |
| 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
Roam Research key facts
- Vendor
- Roam
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $15/mo
- Free tier
- Free trial (31 days)
- Platforms
- Web, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Researchers, Writers
- Editor rating
- 4.2 / 5
- Founded
- 2019
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Bear better than Roam Research?
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 Roam Research cheaper?
Bear is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $2.99/mo. Bear starts at free – $2.99/mo; Roam Research starts at from $15/mo.
Can Bear replace Roam Research?
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.