Can I open-source Bear Pro?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. AppFlowy (75k stars), AFFiNE (71k stars), Joplin (56k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Bear Pro — self-host with docker and stop paying $2.99/mo.
People still pay for Bear Pro because people keep paying when the note system is trusted across every device and disappears into their daily capture habits. The recurring cost buys file watching, conflict handling, indexing, mobile apps, encryption, backups, and migrations, not just the visible interface.
xnative Apple polish, encrypted iCloud sync, mobile capture, and typography
xfrictionless mobile capture
xreal-time team editing
xhosted publishing
xproprietary AI memory
These projects already replace it, free.
JJoplinTagged Markdown notes with real sync choices and rather less Apple polish.open source↗FFSNotesBear's tagged Markdown heart, minus the house style and subscription.open source↗AAppFlowyAI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutteropen source↗What each one is, in full: Joplin · AppFlowy
all 8 open-source alternatives to Bear Pro →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Bear Pro pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/user | $0/user | Core local note-taking and free TXT, Markdown, TextBundle, Bear Note and RTF exports; no numeric note/storage cap published; 0 native cross-device sync |
| bear pro | $2.99/user | $2.50/user | 1 subscription covers all devices on the same Apple ID; iCloud sync, encryption, OCR attachment search and advanced export |
free tierFree core app; no numeric note or storage cap is published; native cross-device sync requires Pro
billingmonthly + annual; both include a 7-day trial and auto-renew through Apple
hidden costsPrices, taxes and refunds are controlled by Apple's storefront. Students and scholars can receive 30% off the first annual year, then renew at full price. Legacy subscribers keep the old price only while subscription continuity is maintained.
price historyBear Pro monthly: $1.49 → $2.99 (2023-07) · Bear Pro annual total: $14.99 → $29.99 (2023-07)
verified 2026-08-13 · source ↗
Can I open-source Bear Pro?
Yes. Joplin replaces Bear Pro today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Bear Pro cost?
Bear Pro costs about $2.99/month (Pro, checked 2026-07-31), which is $35.88 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Bear Pro?
Honestly: native Apple polish, encrypted iCloud sync, mobile capture, and typography; frictionless mobile capture; real-time team editing; hosted publishing; proprietary AI memory. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Bear Pro?
Yes: Joplin (Tagged Markdown notes with real sync choices and rather less Apple polish.) FSNotes (Bear's tagged Markdown heart, minus the house style and subscription.) AppFlowy (AI-powered workspace with docs, wikis, and kanban boards built in Rust/Flutter) All 8 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/bear-pro/alternatives.