Side by side
Etherpad vs Tolstoy Compose
Both stand on writing apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+5
Etherpad combines collaborative editing, detailed revision history, and self-hosting with broad app and API support. Its installation and server responsibilities matter for organizations deploying it themselves.
Visit Etherpad Free plan WebWindowsMac+3
Tolstoy Compose combines broad platform support with offline documents, publishing tools, and version history. Compare the Free limits with Pro’s annual cost and export additions, especially if collaboration is important.
Visit Tolstoy ComposeThe facts
| Etherpad | Tolstoy Compose | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Pro: £60 a year |
| Plans published | None | 3 |
| Maker | Etherpad | Tolstoy Compose |
| Website | etherpad.org | tolstoycompose.com |
| On writing apps | #22 of 135 | #18 of 135 |
Etherpad: what it does well
- Real-time collaborative editing
- Character-level revision history
- Self-hosted deployment
- Apache 2.0 open source
- HTTP API and authentication plugins
What to know first
- Installation requires Git and Node.js 24+
- Maintained by a small volunteer team
- Self-hosting requires a controlled server
Tolstoy Compose: what it does well
- Available across web, desktop, and mobile platforms
- Includes offline mode and version history
- Free plan available with stated document limits
- Pro adds PDF and editable Word export
- Pro provides up to 50 automatic versions
What to know first
- No real-time collaboration
- Free plan limits notes, sources, media, tables, and charts
- Pro is billed annually
Alternatives to Etherpad Alternatives to Tolstoy Compose The whole list