Scrivener vs Beat

Scrivener9.3Visit Beat3.0Visit

Higher score Scrivener #2 in Writing Apps 9.3/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Scrivener

vs

Beat #87 in Writing Apps 3.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Beat

• Scrivener fits best

  Novelists and other long-form authors

• Beat fits best

  Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app

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Side by side

Feature	Scrivener 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Beat 3.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	3.0
Ranking	#2 in Writing Apps	#87 in Writing Apps
Best for	Novelists and other long-form authors	Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$23.99 one-time	€12.99 one-time
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	macOS, Windows, iOS	macOS, iOS
Integrations	4 integrations	3 integrations
Features Scrivener 4/5 · Beat 4/5
Publishing tools	✓	✓
Real-time collaboration	—	Not checked yet
Version history	✓	✓
Offline mode	✓	✓
Mobile apps	✓	✓
Specs
Export formats	Extensive	Standard
Our review
Pros	Organizes drafts and research in a binder-style project structure Snapshots, targets, and progress tracking support revision Compiles manuscripts, screenplays, and ebooks for export	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.
Cons	Separate perpetual licences are required for each platform No Google Docs-style real-time collaboration Its extensive project structure may be unnecessary for short-form writing	The iOS companion app costs €12.99 one time. Version control is available on macOS only. The app is limited to macOS and iOS.
Our verdict	Scrivener is a writing application for novelists, screenwriters, academics, journalists, and other long-form writers. Its binder-style structure lets authors divide a project into sections, rearrange them, and keep research alongside the… 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

• Scrivener — where it wins

  • Organizes drafts and research in a binder-style project structure
  • Snapshots, targets, and progress tracking support revision
  • Compiles manuscripts, screenplays, and ebooks for export

  Where it doesn't

  • Separate perpetual licences are required for each platform
  • No Google Docs-style real-time collaboration
  • Its extensive project structure may be unnecessary for short-form writing

• 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.

• Scrivener9.3/10 · 30-day trial

  A structured workspace for drafting, organizing, and compiling long-form work.

  Visit ScrivenerFull verdict →
• Beat3.0/10 · Free plan

  A capable free Mac screenwriting app, with a one-time purchase for iPhone and iPad.

  Visit BeatFull verdict →