Head-to-head · Writing Apps
Novlr vs Dabble
Novlr leads on 1 check, Dabble on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNovlr · 5.8/10
- Lowest starting priceNovlr · $8/mo
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Dabble
- Most featuresDabble · 5 of 5
Novlr scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 5.8 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #37 and #68.
Novlr is cheaper to start at $8/user/mo against $19/user/mo. Dabble offers mobile apps; Novlr doesn't.
Novlr is the better fit for goal-driven novelists. Dabble is the better fit for novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools.
- Novlr fits best
Goal-driven novelists
- Dabble fits best
Novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Novlr 5.8/10 Visit ↗ | Dabble 3.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 5.8 | 3.0 |
| Ranking | #37 in Writing Apps | #68 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Goal-driven novelists | Novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $8/mo (best) | $19/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 14 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Novlr 4/5 · Dabble 5/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Version history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Extensive | Extensive |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Novlr is a browser-based creative writing workspace for novelists and other writers who want their drafting, planning and progress tracking in one place. It combines a fullscreen focus mode with project and chapter organization, notes,… Read the review → |
Dabble is a writing application for novelists and fiction authors, combining a manuscript editor organized around books, chapters, and scenes with planning and drafting tools. Its Plot Grid, character profiles, story notebook, focus mode,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Novlr — where it wins
- Free plan includes focus mode, writing goals, planning and two projects.
- Studio adds unlimited projects, version history and proofreading tools.
- Novlr Sites and cloud backups support author publishing workflows.
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to two projects.
- Starter limits projects to 10 and version history to 30 days.
- Mobile access is through browsers rather than a native app.
Dabble — where it wins
- Plot Grid, character profiles, and story notes support novel planning.
- Real-time co-authoring includes roles and synchronized edits.
- Offline-first writing syncs automatically and offers version restore.
Where it doesn't
- Full writing projects require a subscription or active trial.
- Monthly plans range from $19 to $49.
- Mobile access is a browser-installed progressive web app.
- Novlr5.8/10 · Free plan
A browser-based novel-writing workspace with planning, goals and publishing tools.
Visit NovlrFull verdict → - Dabble3.0/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
A novel-focused writing app pairing story planning with co-authoring and version history.
Visit DabbleFull verdict →
All writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update