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Head-to-head · Writing Apps

LyX vs WriterDuet

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score LyX #6 in Writing Apps 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 5 features Visit LyX
WriterDuet #8 in Writing Apps 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit WriterDuet

LyX leads on 0 checks, WriterDuet on 0, and 6 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 scoreLyX · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresWriterDuet · 5 of 5

LyX scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 8.9 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

LyX is the better fit for technical authors needing structured documents. WriterDuet is the better fit for screenwriters working with co-writers or teams.

  • LyX fits best

    Technical authors needing structured documents

  • WriterDuet fits best

    Screenwriters working with co-writers or teams

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 LyX 8.9/10 Visit ↗ WriterDuet 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.7
Ranking #6 in Writing Apps #8 in Writing Apps
Best for Technical authors needing structured documents Screenwriters working with co-writers or teams
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Integrations 7 integrations 2 integrations
Features LyX 0/5 · WriterDuet 5/5
Publishing tools Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Real-time collaboration Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Version history Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Offline mode Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Mobile apps Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Export formats Not checked yet Extensive
Our review
Pros
  • Free, open-source desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Strong tools for mathematics, references, indexes, and document structure
  • Broad import and export, with Git, Subversion, BibTeX, and LaTeX support
  • Real-time collaboration includes comments, mentions, chat, and video chat.
  • Outlining combines cards, sequencing, and mind maps.
  • Exports cover script formats and common document formats.
Cons
  • Not designed for real-time simultaneous collaboration
  • WYSIWYM editing may suit technical authors better than general writers
  • Desktop-only deployment provides no browser-based editing
  • The Free plan is limited to three projects.
  • Offline writing, auto-sync, and real-time collaboration start with Plus.
  • Revision and production tools are split across paid tiers.
Our verdict

LyX is a free, open-source desktop document processor for structured and technical writing. Its WYSIWYM interface works with TeX/LaTeX typesetting and supports academic articles, theses, books, letters, scripts, and technical…

Read the review →

WriterDuet is screenwriting software for solo writers, co-writers, and writing teams. It supports screenplay, stageplay, sitcom, podcast, book, graphic novel, and other templates, with industry-standard script formatting and customizable…

Read the review →
  1. LyXWriting Apps 8.9Free plan
  2. WriterDuetWriting Apps 8.7Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • LyX — where it wins

    • Free, open-source desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Strong tools for mathematics, references, indexes, and document structure
    • Broad import and export, with Git, Subversion, BibTeX, and LaTeX support

    Where it doesn't

    • Not designed for real-time simultaneous collaboration
    • WYSIWYM editing may suit technical authors better than general writers
    • Desktop-only deployment provides no browser-based editing
  • WriterDuet — where it wins

    • Real-time collaboration includes comments, mentions, chat, and video chat.
    • Outlining combines cards, sequencing, and mind maps.
    • Exports cover script formats and common document formats.

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan is limited to three projects.
    • Offline writing, auto-sync, and real-time collaboration start with Plus.
    • Revision and production tools are split across paid tiers.
  • LyX8.9/10 · Free plan

    A focused desktop tool for technical documents, mathematics, references, and typesetting.

    Visit LyXFull verdict →
  • WriterDuet8.7/10 · Free plan

    A screenwriting workspace with collaboration, outlining, revision tools, and broad exports.

    Visit WriterDuetFull verdict →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update