Side by side
Poe vs Write
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 LinuxMacWindows
Poe centers on private, individual writing with offline access and focused editing tools. Choose Poe Pro when project management, narration, calendar, comments, reference tools, or ambient audio are needed.
Visit Poe Free plan Self-hostedWeb
Write focuses on local-first screenplay work without accounts or hosted project storage. It offers FDX support and signed collaborative edits, but mobile apps are absent and exports are basic.
Visit WriteThe facts
| Poe | Write | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Poe Pro: $6.99 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getpoe.com | write.subscript.to |
| On writing apps | #77 of 135 | #81 of 135 |
Poe: what it does well
- Works offline without an account or cloud service
- Includes focus mode, timers, goals, and writing stats
- Project mode combines word counts across files
- Narrator offers selectable voices and adjustable speed
- No AI tools or user-data training
What to know first
- No mobile apps
- No publishing tools or real-time collaboration
- Saves content as Markdown
- Some features and searches require internet access
Write: what it does well
- No account or signup is required
- Projects remain in browser storage by default
- Peer-to-peer real-time collaboration uses WebRTC
- Final Draft FDX import and export included
- Self-hosting is supported under the MIT license
What to know first
- No mobile apps are available
- Export formats are described as basic
- Collaboration requires inviting participants with a link