10 tools compared
Best Caret Alternatives in 2026
Caret (Better Markdown Editor for Mac / Windows / Linux) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 10 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Caret profile — iA Writer starts at $29.99/mo if budget is the main driver.
| # | Tool | Pricing | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VS Code | Open source | |
| 2 | Office Online | — | — |
| 3 | Typora | Open source | |
| 4 | iA Writer | $29.99/mo | |
| 5 | MacDown | Open source | |
| 6 | Dillinger | Open source | |
| 7 | PolyEdit | — | |
| 8 | Nimble Writer | — | — |
| 9 | Big Huge Labs Writer | — | |
| 10 | Bear | — |
1. VS Code
VS Code is built by Microsoft as a developer tool for building and debugging modern web and cloud applications. It is well-suited for developers who want a lightweight solution that maintains good performance on systems with limited resources compared to full-fledged IDEs. Key features include IntelliSense for advanced code completion and refactoring, built-in Git integration for version control management, out-of-the-box debugging tools, and cross-platform support across Windows, macOS, and Linux. The software is completely free to use and open-source, making it accessible for both individual developers and organizations.
Full VS Code profile →2. Office Online
Office Online is a practical choice for teams and individuals looking for a web-based suite to view, edit, and share Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files directly from a browser. Because it requires no software installation and is accessible from any internet-connected device, it provides an economical option for everyday tasks. Real-time collaboration features also allow multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, making it well-suited for group projects alongside its integration with OneDrive and other Microsoft services for cloud storage.
Full Office Online profile →3. Typora
Typora is a minimal Markdown reading and writing app that offers a real-time Live Preview of Markdown syntax, allowing users to see formatted output as they type. It is well-suited for academic and technical users who need Math Support through LaTeX and MathJax, alongside automatic Table of Contents generation and an Integrated File Tree for project navigation. The app features a clean, distraction-free Minimalistic Interface and Customizable Themes, with Cross-Platform Compatibility spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Full Typora profile →4. iA Writer
iA Writer is a Writing Tools application designed for users who want a minimalistic interface and a clutter-free environment for content creation. It stands out with features like Focus Mode to dim everything except the current sentence or paragraph, Markdown support, and syntax highlighting to differentiate parts of speech. The software is available for $29.99 with a one-off payment, and it includes a free trial and open source tags.
Full iA Writer profile →5. MacDown
MacDown is an open-source Markdown editor designed for OS X and released under the MIT License, making it a strong choice for users looking to write and edit Markdown with a clean interface. It stands out with a live preview feature that renders Markdown output alongside the editor for immediate visual feedback, customizable themes and styles for personalized aesthetics, and keyboard shortcuts that enhance productivity for both novice and experienced users.
Full MacDown profile →6. Dillinger
Dillinger is an open-source tool well-suited for users who need a web-based Markdown editor with real-time side-by-side rendering and cloud storage integrations like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and GitHub. Its user-friendly interface accommodates both beginners and experienced users, while export options let you save documents as Markdown, HTML, and PDF.
Full Dillinger profile →7. PolyEdit
PolyEdit is a multi-purpose word processor and text editor designed for Windows and available on the Web. It is a lightweight application that operates efficiently without consuming significant system resources, making it suitable for older machines. Users benefit from a clean and intuitive user-friendly interface that accommodates non-technical users alongside advanced capabilities.
Full PolyEdit profile →8. Nimble Writer
Nimble Writer is a general-purpose tool designed for writing stories, ranging from short fiction to larger projects. It stands out with a lightweight and fast performance that handles large projects without lag, paired with an intuitive and clean user interface for a distraction-free writing experience. Writers can also utilize customization options like themes, layouts, and font settings, along with built-in writing tools such as word count tracking, project goals, and organization features.
Full Nimble Writer profile →9. Big Huge Labs Writer
Big Huge Labs Writer is a free online distraction-free writing environment provided by Big Huge Labs. It is well-suited for users who need a focused writing experience within the Project Management category, featuring a user-friendly and intuitive interface that remains accessible for beginners and efficient for experienced writers alike. The tool provides essential basic functionality without overwhelming users with too many features, alongside online access that lets users reach their writing from any device with an internet connection.
Full Big Huge Labs Writer profile →10. Bear
Bear is a note-taking and content writing app in the Office & Productivity category designed for users who want a clean, intuitive design. It stands out with Markdown support for efficient formatting, a powerful tagging system using hashtags, and a Focus Mode that hides distractions during writing. Users can also export notes in formats like PDF, HTML, and DOCX.
Full Bear profile →