Free and open first

Best Text App in 2026

Text apps help with drafting, editing, formatting, and managing written work across desktop, mobile, and web devices. This list is for people who want a writing tool while keeping costs in view.

24 apps
Research read 7 Oct 2026
How the order is worked out

1

FocusWriter

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

Choose FocusWriter if you want a free Linux or Windows word processor with hidden controls, writing goals, and automatic return to your last position.

9.0 Open source Visit site
2

StackEdit

Free plan Open source Web

StackEdit combines browser-based Markdown editing with offline access, collaboration, sync, and publishing workflows.

8.3 Free plan Visit site
3

Google Docs

Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+1

Google Docs combines document editing, collaboration, offline access, and compatibility with Word and PDF files.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $7/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
4

Ghostwriter
by Ghostwriter
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Ghostwriter offers Markdown editing with focus modes, preview, statistics, and several export formats. Linux and Windows have listed installation options; macOS requires compiling the source.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
5

LivingWriter
by LivingWriter
Free plan WebWindowsMac+2

7.4 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
6

Dillinger

Free plan Web

Dillinger combines a live Markdown preview with file import, export, and supported storage integrations at no cost. Note that offline work uses local drafts, while cloud sync depends on connectivity.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
7

MarkText

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

MarkText combines multiple Markdown editing modes with support for diagrams, math, and common writing features.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
8

novelWriter
by novelWriter
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

novelWriter offers structured document organization and manuscript export for fiction projects across Linux, Windows, and macOS.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
9

Novlr

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Novlr combines manuscript work, planning, publishing tools, and multiple export formats.

7.1 Free plan · paid from $8/mo (annual) Visit site
10

Zoho Writer

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+5

Zoho Writer combines document editing and review with offline desktop apps and automation tools.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
11

Microsoft Word

Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Word covers document editing across web, mobile, and desktop, with offline editing and collaboration. The free plan is web-based; desktop Word and additional storage appear in paid plans.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $7/user/mo (annual) Visit site
12

Reedsy Studio
by Reedsy Studio
Free plan Web

Reedsy Studio provides a free web-based starting point, with Craft and Outlining adding distinct writing tools. Consider its web-only access and basic export formats when choosing it.

6.8 Free plan · paid from $4.99/mo · 30-day trial Visit site
13

WriteMonkey

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose WriteMonkey 3 if you want a free, offline-capable desktop editor with tools for navigating and preparing longer Markdown documents.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
14

Zettlr
by Zettlr
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Zettlr combines Markdown writing, citation support, linked notes, and publication-oriented exports in a free desktop app.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
15

Dabble

Free trial AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

Dabble brings fiction planning, drafting, editing, and collaboration tools together for novelists.

6.6 Free plan · paid from $19/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
16

Write.as
by Write.as
Free plan Self-hosted

Choose Write.as if you want ad-free publishing with multiple reading channels, post scheduling, and options to export or self-host.

6.6 Free plan · paid from $6/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
17

Final Draft
by Final Draft
Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

Pick Final Draft if you need screenplay formatting alongside story planning and production tools. The Suite adds Cloud storage and asynchronous collaboration, with a 5-day trial.

6.5 From $8.33/mo (annual) · 5-day trial Visit site
18

Scrivener
by Scrivener
Free trial iPhoneMacWindows

Scrivener combines structured long-form drafting with research, screenwriting, non-fiction, publishing, and offline features.

5.9 From $23.99 · 30-day trial Visit site
19

TextFree

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

5.9 Free plan · paid from $9.99/mo Visit site
20

Byword

Paid iPhoneMac

Byword focuses on plain-text Markdown writing with export, publishing, and synchronization options. It covers Mac and iOS workflows, but has no free plan and requires separate listed purchases.

5.8 Visit site
21

Typora

Free trial LinuxMacWindows

Typora provides a focused Markdown workspace with live preview, extensive format support, and offline files.

5.8 From $14.99 · 15-day trial Visit site
22

iA Writer
by iA Writer
Paid MacWindowsiPhone

iA Writer combines offline writing, export options, publishing tools, and version history across its listed desktop and mobile platforms.

5.7 7-day trial Visit site
23

Ulysses
by Ulysses
Free trial MaciPhone

Ulysses is a paid, Apple-platform writing app with publishing, export, history and offline capabilities.

5.6 From $39.99/user/yr · 7-day trial Visit site
24

MWeb
by MWeb
Paid iPhoneMac

MWeb combines Markdown editing with structured note management, publishing connections, exports, and image-hosting integrations.

5.4 From $34.99 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free-plan limits, trial terms, paid starting prices, Markdown support, collaboration, version history, offline access, and supported platforms. If reading or changing code matters, check the licence for the tool you choose.

Questions

Do Text Apps on this list have free plans?

The list includes tools marked with a free plan, as well as free and open-source options. Check the current plan details for the tool you are considering.

Are free trials available?

A free trial is offered by tools on this list. Check the trial length, included features, and billing terms before starting.

Which platforms do these Text Apps support?

Platforms represented here include macOS, Windows, iOS, the web, Linux, and Android. Check the platform field for a specific tool.

Can I use a Text App offline?

Offline access is one of the comparison fields for this list. Check the tool's details to see whether it supports your offline workflow.

Why does Markdown support matter?

Markdown lets you format text with plain-text symbols. If that fits your writing process, compare Markdown support before choosing.

Can I read or change the source code?

Open-source code is offered by tools on this list. Read the licence for the tool to confirm what inspection, changes, and redistribution it permits.

Questions

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