Video Transcript: Choosing Between Obsidian and Bear for Note-Taking

Introduction

• Presenter: Matt Giaro
• Audience: Content creators looking to monetize their ideas
• Key Offers:
  • Free PDF with tips to enhance note-taking
  • Focus of video: Compare Obsidian and Bear note-taking apps, especially within the Apple ecosystem

Shared Features of Obsidian and Bear

• Cross-Platform Availability
  • Obsidian: Available on Windows, Android, Apple
  • Bear: Only available on Apple
• Offline Mode
  • Access notes without internet
• Performance
  • Fast app launch and use
• Cloud Syncing
  • Both support cloud sync; Bear requires paid plan for syncing
• Attachments
  • Can add audio files, PDFs, images
• Export Options
  • Easy note export

Key Differences: Obsidian vs Bear

Note Organization

• Obsidian
  • Uses folders and tags
  • Tags can be searched but not inherently organized
• Bear
  • No folders, only tags
  • Tagging system is user-friendly with icons

Storage and Sync Options

• Obsidian
  • Offers multiple cloud options and local storage
  • Obsidian Sync service available (paid)
• Bear
  • Uses iCloud; no other cloud options
  • No sync if not using iCloud

Integrations

• Limited direct integrations with external apps
• Bear
  • Utilizes iOS shortcuts for automation
• Obsidian
  • More plugins and templates for added functionality
  • Recent Readwise feature for Kindle note export

User Interface

• Obsidian
  • Powerful but complex, especially on mobile
  • Two modes: Edit and Preview
  • Markdown support
• Bear
  • Seamless integration of editing and preview
  • Better user experience on mobile

Pricing

• Obsidian
  • Free and open source
  • Paid options for Obsidian Sync and Publish feature
• Bear
  • Annual subscription required for full features

Note Linking and Backlinks

• Obsidian
  • Strong focus on backlinks and linking between notes
  • Supports Zettelkasten method
• Bear
  • Limited linking features; more manual

Conclusion

• Obsidian
  • Best for users needing cross-platform support, customization, and strong linking features
• Bear
  • Best for users valuing simplicity, aesthetics, and mobile use
• Recommendation: Try both apps to determine personal fit

Call to Action

• Download the free PDF for notes tips
• Subscribe for more content on monetizing ideas
• Invite viewers to comment on their note-taking app experiences and preferences