Dabble vs Novlr: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Dabble and Novlr side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Novlr leads on lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Dabble
The intuitive book writing software designed for novelists to plot, write, and edit with ease.
Best for you if:
- • You want writing software for novelists
Novlr
The creative writing workspace designed with your writing goals in mind, built by writers for writers.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Dabble | Novlr |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $9/mo, billed monthly Basic plan | Free plan, paid from $6/mo, billed monthly Plus plan |
Category | Productivity Writing & Content | Productivity Writing Apps |
Rating | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.7 · G2 4.3 112 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Dabble or Novlr?
Choose Dabble if
- You want writing software for novelists
- You want goal tracking and progress features
Choose Novlr if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want designed specifically for creative writers by writers
- You want offers a free tier with essential writing features
- Budget matters ($6/mo, billed monthly vs $9/mo, billed monthly)
In-Depth Analysis
Dabble
The intuitive book writing software designed for novelists to plot, write, and edit with ease.
Dabble's pricing is fair, offering a clear progression of features.
Strengths
- Pro: Writing software for novelists
- Pro: Goal tracking and progress features
- Pro: Organization for long-form writing
- Pro: Distraction-free writing mode
- Pro: Plot and character management
Weaknesses
- Con: Subscription-based pricing
- Con: Focused on fiction writing only
- Con: Learning curve for features
- Con: May be excessive for short writing
- Con: Export options may be limited
Key features
Novlr
The creative writing workspace designed with your writing goals in mind, built by writers for writers.
Novlr's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free 'Starter' tier offering 5 projects.
Strengths
- Pro: Designed specifically for creative writers by writers.
- Pro: Offers a free tier with essential writing features.
- Pro: Comprehensive suite of tools from drafting to publishing and community support.
- Pro: Seamless online syncing across devices.
- Pro: Integrates advanced proofreading and grammar checks with ProWritingAid.
Weaknesses
- Con: Advanced features like unlimited version history and ProWritingAid integration are only available in paid plans.
- Con: Custom domain for author websites is a Pro-tier feature.
- Con: Some features like growing a mailing list are listed as 'Coming Soon'.
Key features
Plans and prices: Dabble vs Novlr
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dabble |
| dabblewriter.com/pricing read Oct 19, 2026 |
| Novlr |
| novlr.org/pricing read Oct 24, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Dabble pricing and Novlr pricing.
Key Takeaways
Dabble
- Choose if you want the intuitive book writing software designed for novelists to plot, write, and edit with ease
Novlr
- Lower entry price: $6/mo, billed monthly vs $9/mo, billed monthly
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, Novlr leads on lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only Dabble has a published user rating (4.5/5 from 112 reviews); Novlr has none we can show.
- Novlr has the lower entry price: $6/mo, billed monthly (Plus) against $9/mo, billed monthly (Basic) for Dabble.
- Only Novlr has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Dabble and Novlr compare in 2026?
On the data below, Novlr leads on lower entry price and a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only Dabble has a published user rating (4.5/5 from 112 reviews); Novlr has none we can show. Novlr has the lower entry price: $6/mo, billed monthly (Plus) against $9/mo, billed monthly (Basic) for Dabble. Only Novlr has a free plan.
What are Dabble and Novlr used for?
Dabble: The intuitive book writing software designed for novelists to plot, write, and edit with ease. Novlr: The creative writing workspace designed with your writing goals in mind, built by writers for writers.
What does Dabble cost vs Novlr?
Dabble's cheapest paid plan is Basic at $9/mo, billed monthly. Novlr's cheapest paid plan is Plus at $6/mo, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 24, 2026.
What's the main difference between Dabble and Novlr?
Dabble's main strength: writing software for novelists. Novlr's main strength: designed specifically for creative writers by writers.