Head-to-head · Writing Apps
Ulysses vs LivingWriter
Ulysses leads on 1 check, LivingWriter on 2, and 3 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 LivingWriter
- Free trialboth
Ulysses scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 7.4 against 4.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #21 and #51.
LivingWriter offers free plan; Ulysses doesn't. LivingWriter offers real-time collaboration; Ulysses doesn't. Ulysses offers offline mode; LivingWriter doesn't. On export formats, LivingWriter gives you Extensive where Ulysses offers Advanced.
Ulysses is the better fit for writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone. LivingWriter is the better fit for authors wanting AI-assisted drafting.
- Ulysses fits best
Writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone
- LivingWriter fits best
Authors wanting AI-assisted drafting
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Side by side
| Feature | Ulysses 7.4/10 Visit ↗ | LivingWriter 4.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.4 | 4.4 |
| Ranking | #21 in Writing Apps | #51 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Writers working across Mac, iPad, and iPhone | Authors wanting AI-assisted drafting |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $39.99/user/yr | — |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 7 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Integrations | 7 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Ulysses 4/5 · LivingWriter 4/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time collaboration | — | ✓ (best) |
| Version history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Offline mode | ✓ (best) | — |
| 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 → |
LivingWriter is a cloud-based writing application for authors, screenwriters, novelists, students, and professionals who want a single place to plan and draft longer work. Its chapter, scene, and section organization supports drag-and-drop… 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
LivingWriter — where it wins
- Organizes chapters, scenes, research, notes, and story elements in boards
- Revision history supports comparison and restoration of earlier drafts
- Exports manuscripts to DOCX, PDF, EPUB, and Amazon KDP
Where it doesn't
- The Free plan is limited to one manuscript and 25,000 words
- Free and Pro plans limit AI requests to 3 and 25 per month, respectively
- No offline mode limits writing when an internet connection is unavailable
- Ulysses7.4/10 · 7-day trial
A structured writing workspace for Apple users, with goals, language checks, exports, and publishing.
Visit UlyssesFull verdict → - LivingWriter4.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A cloud-based writing workspace with manuscript planning, revision history, exports, and AI tools.
Visit LivingWriterFull verdict →
All writing apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update

