Caliu vs Bear
Bear set the standard for calm Markdown writing on Apple platforms, and Caliu is built in that same tradition. The real differences are where your notes can go: Caliu adds a full web app, a REST API and an MCP server, so your notes are never locked to one ecosystem.
| Feature | Caliu | Bear |
|---|---|---|
| Markdown with live formattingBoth format as you type, no preview pane. | ||
| Nested hashtag organizationBoth turn #work/project into nested tags. | ||
| Native Mac, iPhone and iPad apps | ||
| Full web appCaliu's web app is the full editor, works offline as a PWA, and opens without an account. Bear is Apple-only. | ||
| Works fully offlineBoth are local-first. | ||
| REST APIBear offers x-callback-url automation on device instead. | ||
| MCP server for AI agents | ||
| Reminders attached to notes | ||
| Note version history | ||
| Per-note passcode lockBear locks individual notes behind a passcode or Face ID. | ||
| Sketching and handwritingCaliu on iPhone and iPad (Pro); Bear supports sketches on iOS. | ||
| Export to Markdown, PDF, HTML, ePub |
Pick Caliu if
- You want your notes on the web too, not only on Apple devices.
- You automate things: the REST API and MCP server let scripts, Shortcuts and AI agents read and write notes.
- You want reminders and version history built into the notes app.
- You prefer the lower price: Caliu Pro is $1.99/month or $17.99/year, and the free tier is a complete notes app.
- You want to start writing before deciding anything: Caliu opens with no account, on the web included, and signing in later is what turns on sync.
Pick Bear if
- You live entirely on Apple devices and never need browser access.
- You need per-note locking with Face ID today.
- You value Bear's long-polished editor and theme catalog, refined over many years.
Switching from Bear
Caliu imports Bear backups directly: export a .bear2bk file from Bear (File, Export Notes) and drop it into Caliu's import dialog. Notes, hashtags and attachments come across; trying Caliu with your real notes takes about a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my Bear notes into Caliu?
Yes. Caliu reads Bear's .bear2bk backup format natively. Export from Bear, import in Caliu, and your notes and tags arrive intact.
Does Caliu work offline like Bear does?
Yes. Caliu is local-first on every platform: notes live on your device, open instantly, and sync in the background when you're online.
Is Caliu's editor really comparable to Bear's?
Caliu's native editor is built from scratch on Apple's TextKit with live Markdown formatting, code blocks, images and highlights. Bear's editor has years more polish; Caliu's covers the same core writing experience and improves every release.
What does Caliu cost compared to Bear?
Caliu without an account is a complete notes app on that device, and signing in (free) is what syncs it everywhere. The free tier covers unlimited notes, sync and export. Caliu Pro ($1.99/month or $17.99/year) adds version history, voice dictation, drawing and API access. Bear's free tier has no sync; Bear Pro is a separate subscription at a higher price.