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Scrivener alternatives

Top Word Processors like Scrivener

The most popular alternative to Scrivener is Ulysses. Other great alternatives to Scrivener are iA Writer, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Obsidian.

Most alternatives to Scrivener are in the Word Processors category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Scrivener alternatives
AllFree
8 apps

All Scrivener alternatives

  1. Ulysses

    4.6(2.1K) · App Store

    Ulysses is a writing app for Apple devices made by the German company Ulysses GmbH. Texts live in a single library synced through iCloud, are written in a Markdown-based markup and can be exported to PDF, Word or ePub or published directly to WordPress, Ghost and other platforms. It suits bloggers, authors and students and is sold as a subscription after a free trial.

    8 Ulysses alternatives

    Pros

    • Single library synced across Mac, iPhone and iPad via iCloud
    • Publishes directly to WordPress, Ghost and other platforms
    • Distraction-free writing with Markdown-based markup

    Cons

    • Only available on Apple devices
    • Sold only as a subscription
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    MaciPhone
    Features
    Cross-device syncDark modeGrammar and spell checkMarkdown supportOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Ulysses

  2. iA Writer

    4.6(1.5K) · App Store

    iA Writer is a minimalist Markdown editor from the design studio Information Architects. Its Focus Mode, syntax highlighting and style check help tighten prose, and it can mark text pasted from AI tools to keep track of what you wrote yourself. Files stay as plain text, locally or in iCloud and Dropbox, with export to HTML, PDF and Word. It is a one-time purchase per platform, after a free trial.

    9 iA Writer alternatives

    Pros

    • Focus Mode and style check help tighten prose
    • Plain-text Markdown files stored wherever you choose
    • One-time purchase instead of a subscription

    Cons

    • A separate purchase is needed for each platform
    • No real-time collaboration
    • Formatting options are minimal by design
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    Dark modeMarkdown supportOffline modeTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about iA Writer

  3. Microsoft Word

    4.7(3M) · App Store

    Microsoft Word is the word processor in Microsoft 365 and the reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces. It offers styles, track changes, comments, mail merge, references and real-time co-authoring through OneDrive or SharePoint, plus Copilot drafting in eligible plans. Word runs on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web, where a free version is available with a Microsoft account.

    11 Microsoft Word alternatives

    Pros

    • The reference for the .docx format used in many workplaces
    • Powerful styles, track changes, references and mail merge
    • Available on Windows, Mac, mobile and the web

    Cons

    • Full desktop features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
    • Dense interface packed with features most people never use
    • Copilot features are limited to eligible plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantGrammar and spell checkMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Microsoft Word

  4. Google Docs

    4.8(3.3M) · App Store

    Google Docs is Google's online word processor, used for writing and editing documents together in real time. Comments, suggestion mode, version history and sharing links are built in, and files can be edited offline or exported as Word, PDF or OpenDocument. It is free with a Google account, with Gemini AI and business controls available through paid Google Workspace plans.

    11 Google Docs alternatives

    Pros

    • Real-time co-editing with comments and suggestion mode
    • Free with a Google account and accessible from any browser
    • Version history makes every change recoverable

    Cons

    • Fewer layout and formatting options than desktop word processors
    • Offline editing has to be set up in advance
    • Gemini and business controls require paid Workspace plans
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantMicrosoft Office file compatibilityOffline modeReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Google Docs

  5. Obsidian

    4.5(2.8K) · App Store

    Obsidian stores notes as plain Markdown files on your device, links them into a knowledge graph and extends with a large plugin ecosystem.

    17 Obsidian alternatives

    Pros

    • Notes are plain Markdown files stored on your device
    • Large ecosystem of community plugins and themes
    • Graph view and backlinks for connected notes

    Cons

    • Official sync and publishing are paid add-ons
    • Plugin-heavy setups take time to configure and maintain
    • No real-time collaboration on notes
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinuxiPhoneAndroid
    Features
    End-to-end encryptionMarkdown supportOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Obsidian

  6. Pages

    4.6(573.5K) · App Store

    Pages is Apple's free word processor for Mac, iPhone and iPad, also usable in the browser through iCloud.com. It mixes word processing with page layout, offering designed templates for reports, flyers and books, plus EPUB export. Documents sync via iCloud, can be edited with others in real time and can be exported to Word or PDF.

    9 Pages alternatives

    Pros

    • Free on Mac, iPhone and iPad, with well-designed templates
    • Combines word processing and page layout
    • Exports to Word, PDF and EPUB

    Cons

    • Native apps only on Apple devices, others must use iCloud.com
    • Word conversion can lose formatting in complex documents
    • Fewer advanced features than Word for long documents
    Cost / License
    FreeProprietary
    Categories
    Word Processors
    Platforms
    WebMaciPhone
    Features
    Cross-device syncMicrosoft Office file compatibilityReal-time collaborationTemplatesTrack changes
    Visit websiteMore about Pages

  7. Notion

    4.8(90.4K) · App Store

    Notion combines notes, documents, databases and project management in a flexible block-based workspace, with an integrated AI assistant.

    17 Notion alternatives

    Pros

    • Docs, wikis and databases combined in one flexible workspace
    • Large template gallery for roadmaps, trackers and wikis
    • Real-time collaboration with comments, mentions and an API

    Cons

    • Databases and relations take time to master
    • Offline access is limited compared with local-first apps
    • Large workspaces can feel slow to load
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
    Note-taking & Knowledge Bases
    Platforms
    WebWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Features
    AI assistantAPI accessMarkdown supportReal-time collaborationTemplates
    Visit websiteMore about Notion

  8. Sudowrite

    Sudowrite is an AI writing tool made for fiction. It helps novelists brainstorm, expand scenes, rewrite passages, add sensory description and get feedback, while a Story Bible keeps characters, worldbuilding and outlines in one place to guide longer drafts. It can match your prose style and offers a choice of AI models. It runs in the browser, with paid plans after a free trial.

    9 Sudowrite alternatives

    Pros

    • Built specifically for fiction and novel writing
    • Story Bible keeps characters, worldbuilding and outlines together
    • Can match the style of your own prose

    Cons

    • Paid plans only once the trial ends
    • Credit-based usage can run short on long drafts
    • Not designed for nonfiction or business writing
    Cost / License
    Free trialProprietary
    Categories
    AI Writing Assistants
    Platforms
    Web
    Features
    AI assistantParaphrasingTone adjustment
    Visit websiteMore about Sudowrite

Scrivener vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Scrivener, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Scrivener vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsCross-device syncOffline modeTemplates
ScrivenerFree trialWindows, Mac, iPhone
UlyssesFree trialMac, iPhone
iA WriterFree trialWindows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Microsoft WordFreemiumWeb, Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android
Google DocsFreemiumWeb, iPhone, Android
ObsidianFreemiumWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Scrivener alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Scrivener?

The most popular alternative to Scrivener is Ulysses: Distraction-free Markdown writing app for Mac, iPhone and iPad. Other great alternatives are iA Writer, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and Obsidian.

Is there a free alternative to Scrivener?

Yes, 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Obsidian, and Pages.

Is there an open source alternative to Scrivener?

No open source alternative to Scrivener is listed yet.

Is Scrivener free?

Scrivener is a paid app that offers a free trial.

Compare Scrivener with its alternatives

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