Side by side
Tolstoy Compose vs Zettlr
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 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 Compose
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Zettlr combines Markdown writing, citation support, linked notes, and publication-oriented exports in a free desktop app. It may suit long-form and academic work, though older releases are unsupported.
Visit ZettlrThe facts
| Tolstoy Compose | Zettlr | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: £60 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | Tolstoy Compose | Zettlr |
| Website | tolstoycompose.com | zettlr.com |
| On writing apps | #18 of 135 | #14 of 135 |
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
Zettlr: what it does well
- Works offline on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Exports to formats supported by Pandoc.
- Connects with Zotero, JabRef, and Juris-M.
- Supports note IDs, internal links, and graph view.
- Free and open source; no payment required to download.
What to know first
- Older releases are unsupported.
- Nightly releases may contain many bugs.
- Available desktop systems listed are Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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