Head-to-head · Writing Apps
LivingWriter vs Beat
LivingWriter leads on 0 checks, Beat on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreLivingWriter · 4.4/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly LivingWriter
LivingWriter scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 4.4 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #51 and #87.
Beat offers offline mode; LivingWriter doesn't. On export formats, LivingWriter gives you Extensive where Beat offers Standard.
LivingWriter is the better fit for authors wanting AI-assisted drafting. Beat is the better fit for mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app.
- LivingWriter fits best
Authors wanting AI-assisted drafting
- Beat fits best
Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app
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Side by side
| Feature | LivingWriter 4.4/10 Visit ↗ | Beat 3.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 4.4 | 3.0 |
| Ranking | #51 in Writing Apps | #87 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Authors wanting AI-assisted drafting | Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | €12.99 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | macOS, iOS |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Features LivingWriter 4/5 · Beat 4/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Version history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | — | ✓ (best) |
| Mobile apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Extensive | Standard |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing application for authors, screenwriters, novelists, students, and professionals who want a single place to plan and draft longer work. Its chapter, scene, and section organization supports drag-and-drop… Read the review → |
Beat is a screenwriting app for macOS and iOS, aimed at writers who want screenplay-specific formatting and outlining tools rather than a general-purpose word processor. On Mac, it automatically formats screenplay elements, offers… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
LivingWriter — where it wins
- Organizes chapters, scenes, research, notes, and story elements in boards
- Revision history supports comparison and restoration of earlier drafts
- Exports manuscripts to DOCX, PDF, EPUB, and Amazon KDP
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to one manuscript and 25,000 words
- Free and Pro plans limit AI requests to 3 and 25 per month, respectively
- No offline mode limits writing when an internet connection is unavailable
Beat — where it wins
- Free, open-source macOS app supports offline writing.
- Outlining combines scene cards, a timeline and an outline view.
- Exports to PDF and Final Draft; tracks revisions and versions on macOS.
Where it doesn't
- The iOS companion app costs €12.99 one time.
- Version control is available on macOS only.
- The app is limited to macOS and iOS.
- LivingWriter4.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A cloud-based writing workspace with manuscript planning, revision history, exports, and AI tools.
Visit LivingWriterFull verdict → - Beat3.0/10 · Free plan
A capable free Mac screenwriting app, with a one-time purchase for iPhone and iPad.
Visit BeatFull verdict →
All writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update