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Software · head to head

Bear vs Subframe

Bear logo

Bear

Software

Markdown notes for Apple devices

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

Subframe

Software

The AI-native design tool built for code

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Subframe 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; Subframe the free plan is capped at 1 project, 10 pages, and 2 prototypes with limited AI usage and only 24 hour version history, versus unlimited AI on the $29 per editor per month Pro plan, as of August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bear and Subframe actually diverge.

Attributes where Bear and Subframe differ
AttributeBearSubframe
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium
Free tierNoYes

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

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

Subframe

  • The free plan is capped at 1 project, 10 pages, and 2 prototypes with limited AI usage and only 24 hour version history, versus unlimited AI on the $29 per editor per month Pro plan, as of August 2026.

Pricing, plan by plan

Bear

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Bear review.

Subframe

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Subframe review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Bear if

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

Bear review

Choose Subframe if

  • You want to start without paying.
Subframe review

Questions people ask

Is Bear or Subframe better?
Neither clearly leads. Bear starts at On request and Subframe at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bear or Subframe?
Subframe has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Bear and Free for Subframe.
Does Bear or Subframe run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Subframe for free?
Yes. Subframe has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Bear starts at On request.
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