WriterDuet vs Beat

WriterDuet8.7Visit Beat3.0Visit

Higher score WriterDuet #8 in Writing Apps 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit WriterDuet

vs

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

• WriterDuet fits best

  Screenwriters working with co-writers or teams

• Beat fits best

  Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app

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Side by side

Feature	WriterDuet 8.7/10 Visit ↗	Beat 3.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	3.0
Ranking	#8 in Writing Apps	#87 in Writing Apps
Best for	Screenwriters working with co-writers or teams	Mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	€12.99 one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	macOS, iOS
Integrations	2 integrations	3 integrations
Features WriterDuet 5/5 · Beat 4/5
Publishing tools	✓	✓
Real-time collaboration	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Version history	✓	✓
Offline mode	✓	✓
Mobile apps	✓	✓
Specs
Export formats	Extensive	Standard
Our review
Pros	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.	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	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.	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	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 →	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

• 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.

• 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.

• WriterDuet8.7/10 · Free plan

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

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

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

  Visit BeatFull verdict →