Ulysses alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Ulysses: apple devices only, and subscription pricing. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Ulysses, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. iA Writer currently ranks first.
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Show all 5 alternativesThe best Ulysses alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Ulysses alternative for most people
iA WriterOne-time purchase with plain-text files and a Windows version.
Best Ulysses alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
ObsidianFree Markdown editor with local files and cross-platform support.
Best Ulysses alternative for Mac
ScrivenerStronger for book-length projects, with a one-time license.
Best Ulysses alternative for Windows
iA WriterOne-time purchase with plain-text files and a Windows version.
Best Ulysses alternative for Linux
ObsidianFree Markdown editor with local files and cross-platform support.
Best Ulysses alternative for iPhone and Android
ObsidianFree Markdown editor with local files and cross-platform support.
Best Ulysses alternative for working in the browser
Apple PagesFree on Apple devices when you need page layout rather than pure writing.
Ulysses alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Ulysses?
iA Writer ranks first right now. One-time purchase with plain-text files and a Windows version. Scrivener and Obsidian follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Ulysses?
Yes. Obsidian (free plan + paid), Bear (free plan + paid) and Apple Pages (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Ulysses?
None of the 5 alternatives in this list is open source.
Which Ulysses alternatives work on Linux?
Obsidian runs on Linux.
Why do people switch from Ulysses?
The complaints we hear most: apple devices only; subscription pricing; library storage is less portable than plain files.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Ulysses, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.