Head-to-head · Markdown Editors
Ghostwriter vs Zettlr
Ghostwriter leads on 0 checks, Zettlr on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGhostwriter · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresGhostwriter · 1 of 3
Ghostwriter scores higher on our rubric for markdown editors: 8.4 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
Ghostwriter is the better fit for free desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility. Zettlr is the better fit for researchers and connected-note writers.
- Ghostwriter fits best
Free desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility
- Zettlr fits best
Researchers and connected-note writers
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Ghostwriter 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Zettlr 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #6 in Markdown Editors | #7 in Markdown Editors |
| Best for | Free desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility | Researchers and connected-note writers |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 6 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Ghostwriter 1/3 · Zettlr 0/3 | ||
| Real-time collaboration | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Local file support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Export formats | HTML, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, commonmark | Not checked yet |
| Publishing workflow | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Markdown flavor | Github_flavored | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Ghostwriter is a free, open-source Markdown editor developed by KDE for writers who want a focused desktop workspace. It works with local files on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and combines a distraction-free interface with live HTML preview,… Read the review → |
Zettlr is a free, open-source desktop application for Markdown-based note-taking, knowledge management, academic research, journalism, and long-form writing. It is designed for researchers and writers who want local files, connected notes,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Ghostwriter — where it wins
- Live preview, focus mode, fullscreen mode, and document navigation
- Supports cmark-gfm, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, Discount, and cmark
- Free, open source, with autosave, backups, and image drag-and-drop
Where it doesn't
- macOS support is community-supported and requires building from source
- Desktop-only workflow with local files rather than a hosted workspace
- Export and processor options depend on installed Markdown processors
Zettlr — where it wins
- Local workspaces keep Markdown files on your computer
- Zettelkasten tools, graph view, links, tags, and full-text search
- Citations, reference managers, LanguageTool, and Pandoc export
Where it doesn't
- Sharing relies on exported formats such as TextBundle and TextPack
- The feature set may feel broader than needed for simple Markdown editing
- Real-time collaborative editing is not part of its stated sharing workflow
- Ghostwriter8.4/10 · Free plan
A capable free Markdown editor for focused local writing across three desktop platforms.
Visit KDEFull verdict → - Zettlr8.2/10 · Free plan
A free local Markdown editor with serious tools for research and connected notes.
Visit ZettlrFull verdict →
More comparisons
- StackEdit vs Ghostwriter
- StackEdit vs Zettlr
- HackMD vs Ghostwriter
- HackMD vs Zettlr
- HedgeDoc vs Ghostwriter
- HedgeDoc vs Zettlr
- Dillinger vs Ghostwriter
- Dillinger vs Zettlr
All markdown editors comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update