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Software · head to head

Bear vs Google Optimize

Bear logo

Bear

Software

Markdown notes for Apple devices

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Google Optimize logo

Google Optimize

Software

A/B testing for Google Analytics

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Google Optimize has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bear built for Apple hardware only, with no Windows, Android or web client; Google Optimize google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bear and Google Optimize actually diverge.

Attributes where Bear and Google Optimize differ
AttributeBearGoogle Optimize
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes
FoundedUnknown1998

Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Bear

Nothing recorded that Google Optimize does not also cover.

Only in Google Optimize

  • A/B testing
  • Google Analytics integration
  • Visual editor
  • Real-time analytics
  • Google Analytics
  • Google Tag Manager
  • Google's security
  • Cloud deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bear

No use cases recorded yet. See the Bear review.

Google Optimize

  • A/B and multivariate testing of web pages tied to Google Analytics goalsnot Bear
  • Personalising page content for defined audience segmentsnot Bear
  • Redirect tests between alternative landing page URLsnot Bear

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Bear

  • Built for Apple hardware only, with no Windows, Android or web client
  • Free tier is limited to 3 themes, 1 app icon and restricted export formats; iCloud sync requires Bear Pro
  • Bear Pro is $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year after a 7 day free trial

Google Optimize

  • Google Optimize and Optimize 360 were sunset and are no longer available as of September 30, 2023
  • Any experiments and personalizations still running on that date were ended by Google
  • Google directs former users to third-party A/B testing tools, naming AB Tasty, Optimizely and VWO, rather than a replacement Google product

Pricing, plan by plan

Bear

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Bear review.

Google Optimize

Free
  • FreeFree
    • A/B testing
    • Google Analytics integration
    • Visual editor

Which should you pick?

Choose Bear if

Nothing in the data separates Bear from Google Optimize on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Bear review

Choose Google Optimize if

  • You need a/b testing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want google analytics integration.
Google Optimize review

Questions people ask

Is Bear or Google Optimize better?
Neither clearly leads. Bear starts at On request and Google Optimize at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bear or Google Optimize?
Google Optimize has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Bear and Free for Google Optimize.
Does Bear or Google Optimize run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Google Optimize for free?
Yes. Google Optimize has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Bear starts at On request.
What can Bear do that Google Optimize cannot?
Google Optimize covers A/B testing, Google Analytics integration, Visual editor, Real-time analytics.
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Related pages

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