Side by side
Scrivener vs Ulysses
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 trial iPhoneMacWindows
Scrivener combines structured long-form drafting with research, screenwriting, non-fiction, publishing, and offline features. It is a paid application with a trial and platform-based licences rather than a required subscription.
Visit Scrivener Free trial MaciPhone
Ulysses is a paid, Apple-platform writing app with publishing, export, history and offline capabilities. Choose between monthly and annual billing, while noting the absence of real-time collaboration and a free plan.
Visit UlyssesThe facts
| Scrivener | Ulysses | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | iPhone, Mac, Windows | Mac, iPhone |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Yearly: $39.99 a year |
| Plans published | 8 | 2 |
| Maker | Scrivener | Ulysses |
| Website | literatureandlatte.com | ulysses.app |
| On writing apps | #90 of 135 | #94 of 135 |
Scrivener: what it does well
- Supports macOS, Windows, and iOS
- Keeps PDFs and web pages beside drafts
- Imports many document and media formats
- Includes publishing, version history, and offline mode
- Offers screenwriting and non-fiction templates
What to know first
- No real-time collaboration
- No free plan
- Licences are platform-specific unless buying all three
- Major updates can require another purchase
Ulysses: what it does well
- Publishing tools support writing workflows
- Advanced export formats are included
- Version history preserves earlier document states
- Offline mode supports disconnected writing
- iCloud synchronization covers listed devices
What to know first
- No free plan is available
- Real-time collaboration is not included
- Only macOS and iOS platforms are listed
- Subscription required after the trial
Alternatives to Scrivener Alternatives to Ulysses The whole list