6 tools compared
Best Ulysses.app Alternatives in 2026
Ulysses.app (A powerful writing tool for Mac, iPad, and iPhone) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 6 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our Ulysses.app profile — iA Writer starts at $29.99/mo if budget is the main driver.
1. 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 →2. Scrivener
Scrivener is a content-generation tool designed for composing and structuring complex documents within the Writing Tools category. It stands out with a robust set of features including Comprehensive Organizational Tools like the binder, corkboard, and outliner, alongside a distraction-free writing mode and a snapshot feature for saving versions before major changes.
Full Scrivener profile →3. 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 →4. Zettlr
Zettlr is a strong option for users in the Note Taking category who need an open-source tool tailored for the Zettelkasten methodology, academic writing, and research. It features built-in citation management, Markdown support, and the ability to export documents to PDF, Word, and LaTeX formats. Users can also utilize tagging and metadata to categorize notes, as well as leverage workflow and time management tools within a comprehensive GUI.
Full Zettlr profile →5. Obsidian
Obsidian is built for users who want a local-first knowledge base operating on a folder of plain text Markdown files. It stands out for privacy and data control since notes are stored directly on your device with full offline access. Key capabilities include bidirectional linking to build a knowledge graph, a visual graph view for discovering insights, and extensive customizability through community plugins and themes.
Full Obsidian profile →6. 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 →