Head-to-head · Writing Apps
Ulysses vs Dabble
Ulysses leads on 0 checks, Dabble on 2, and 4 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 scoreUlysses · 7.4/10
- Free planonly Dabble
- Free trialboth
- Most featuresDabble · 5 of 5
Ulysses scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 7.4 against 3.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #21 and #68.
Dabble offers free plan; Ulysses doesn't. Dabble offers real-time collaboration; Ulysses doesn't. On export formats, Dabble gives you Extensive where Ulysses offers Advanced.
Ulysses is the better fit for writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone. Dabble is the better fit for novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools.
- Ulysses fits best
Writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone
- Dabble fits best
Novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Ulysses 7.4/10 Visit ↗ | Dabble 3.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.4 | 3.0 |
| Ranking | #21 in Writing Apps | #68 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone | Novelists who want planning and co-authoring tools |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $39.99/user/yr | $19/mo |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | 14 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 14 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Ulysses 4/5 · Dabble 5/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | — | ✓ (best) |
| Version history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Advanced | Extensive |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Ulysses is a writing workspace for authors, bloggers, students, and other writers using Mac, iPad, or iPhone. Its markup-based editor supports long-form work such as books and articles, while projects, groups, sheets, and filters help keep… 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
Ulysses — where it wins
- Organizes projects with groups, sheets, and filters
- Checks grammar and style in over 20 languages
- Exports to six formats and publishes to supported platforms
Where it doesn't
- Requires a paid subscription after the 7-day free trial
- Available only on macOS and iOS
- Does not include collaboration features
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.
- Ulysses7.4/10 · 7-day trial
A structured writing workspace for Apple users, with goals, language checks, exports, and publishing.
Visit UlyssesFull 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