iA Writer vs Ulysses: Which Productivity App Wins in 2026?
Choosing between iA Writer and Ulysses? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
Quick Summary
Feature Comparison
| Feature | iA Writer | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Free Tier | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Starting Price | $50/mo | $6/mo |
| Category | Writing Tools | Writing Tools |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS, Windows, Android | macOS, iOS, iPadOS |
| Founded | 2010 | 2013 |
Key Features
iA Writer Features
- Focus mode
- Markdown
- Syntax highlighting
- Style check
- iCloud sync
- Export options
- Custom templates
- Dark mode
Ulysses Features
- Library organization
- Writing goals
- Publishing
- Markdown
- iCloud sync
- Themes
- Export options
- Attachments
Pros & Cons
iA Writer
Pros
- + Beautiful design
- + Focus mode is excellent
- + Cross-platform
- + One-time purchase
- + Great typography
Cons
- - Limited features
- - No collaboration
- - Basic organization
- - Premium price for simplicity
Ulysses
Pros
- + Excellent organization
- + Great for long-form
- + Direct publishing
- + Beautiful interface
- + Powerful features
Cons
- - Subscription model
- - Apple only
- - Expensive over time
- - Overkill for simple writing
Pricing Comparison
The Verdict
Both iA Writer and Ulysses are excellent writing tools tools, but they serve different needs.
Choose iA Writer if: You value beautiful design and focus mode is excellent.
It's best for writers and bloggers.
Choose Ulysses if: You prioritize excellent organization and great for long-form.
It's ideal for authors and bloggers.
iA Writer vs Ulysses FAQ
It depends on your needs. iA Writer (8.9/10) excels at beautiful design, while Ulysses (8.5/10) is known for excellent organization. iA Writer has the higher overall rating.
Ulysses is more budget-friendly. iA Writer starts at $50/mo, while Ulysses starts at $6/mo.
Yes, many users combine iA Writer and Ulysses in their productivity stack. You can connect them using automation tools like Zapier or Make. This works well if iA Writer handles your focus mode while Ulysses manages library organization.
iA Writer offers: Focus mode, Markdown, Syntax highlighting. Ulysses provides: Library organization, Writing goals, Publishing. The "better" features depend on what you need most.
iA Writer is generally user-friendly. Ulysses is generally user-friendly. Both offer tutorials and onboarding to help you get started.
iA Writer is available on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android. Ulysses supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS. Both offer cross-platform sync.
For teams, consider: iA Writer is more individual-focused. Ulysses is better for personal use.
Consider switching if Ulysses's strengths (Excellent organization, Great for long-form) address pain points you have with iA Writer. Both tools typically offer data export, making migration possible. Test Ulysses with a free trial first.
Key differences: Pricing ($50/mo vs $6/mo), Focus (Writing Tools vs Writing Tools), Platforms (4 vs 3 platforms).
iA Writer users love: Beautiful design, Focus mode is excellent. Common complaints: Limited features. Ulysses users appreciate: Excellent organization, Great for long-form. Common issues: Subscription model.