Side by side
Archive of Our Own vs Wattpad
Both stand on fanfiction app. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
AO3 offers free fanwork hosting with extensive search, filtering, and download options. Readers should know that account creation requires an invitation and mobile apps are not currently available.
Visit Archive of Our Own Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
Choose Wattpad if you want a free way to read stories across genres, write and share original work, and interact with a reader community. Its offline reading and account sync support reading across devices. Consider the data collection and sharing details if those matter to your choice.
Visit WattpadThe facts
| Archive of Our Own | Wattpad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Android, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Wattpad |
| Website | archiveofourown.org | wattpad.com |
| On fanfiction app | #1 of 8 | #2 of 8 |
Archive of Our Own: what it does well
- Free to use and has no advertisements
- Searches by tags, authors, dates, and more
- Downloads available in five formats
- Site and work skins allow customization
What to know first
- An invitation is required to create an account
- Mobile apps are not currently available
- Downloads cannot be limited to individual chapters
Wattpad: what it does well
- Free plan available.
- Stories span romance, fantasy, mystery, and other genres.
- Readers can download stories for offline reading.
- Writers can share original stories with the community.
- Reading lists can be shared with friends.
What to know first
- Premium and Premium+ prices are not provided.
- The app may share location and device or other IDs with third parties.
- Direct messaging is not available.
Alternatives to Archive of Our Own Alternatives to Wattpad The whole list