Head-to-head · Book Writing Software
LivingWriter vs yWriter
LivingWriter leads on 0 checks, yWriter 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 scoreLivingWriter · 8.7/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly LivingWriter
- Most featuresLivingWriter · 1 of 5
LivingWriter scores higher on our rubric for book writing software: 8.7 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
LivingWriter is the better fit for AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools. yWriter is the better fit for free multi-platform traditional writers.
- LivingWriter fits best
AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools
- yWriter fits best
Free multi-platform traditional writers
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Side by side
| Feature | LivingWriter 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | yWriter 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #6 in Book Writing Software | #7 in Book Writing Software |
| Best for | AI-assisted writers seeking broad tools | Free multi-platform traditional writers |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android | Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features LivingWriter 1/5 · yWriter 0/5 | ||
| Outlining tools | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Manuscript formatting | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Cloud sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Revision history | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Export formats | extensive | extensive |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing application for authors, screenwriters, novelists, students, and professionals who want one workspace for drafting, planning, research, and manuscript organization. Its editor supports chapters and… Read the review → |
yWriter is novel-writing software for authors who prefer building a book from chapters and scenes instead of working in one large document. It combines a built-in scene editor with automatic backups, earlier-project restoration, word-count… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
LivingWriter — where it wins
- Free plan includes a full editor, PDF export, and 3 AI requests monthly
- Planning boards, revision history, autosave, and cloud synchronization
- Exports to DOCX, PDF, EPUB, print, and Amazon KDP
Where it doesn't
- Free plan supports one manuscript and up to 25,000 words
- Free plan limits AI use to 3 requests per month
- Offline mode is not available
yWriter — where it wins
- Free desktop software with Windows support and Linux use through Wine
- Organizes chapters, scenes, characters, locations, and items
- Exports documents, ebooks, HTML, and LaTeX for publishing workflows
Where it doesn't
- Linux use depends on Wine rather than a native desktop version
- Mobile-app prices are one-time regional store prices that vary by country
- Its chapter-and-scene structure may not suit one-document writing workflows
- LivingWriter8.7/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad, AI-assisted writing workspace with planning, collaboration, and publishing tools.
Visit LivingWriterFull verdict → - yWriter8.6/10 · Free plan
A free, structured writing workspace with broad export and mobile editing options.
Visit yWriterFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update