iA Writer vs Elephas: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between iA Writer and Elephas comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
iA Writer
The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need writing & content features specifically
Elephas
Personal AI assistant for Mac, iPhone, and iPad
Best for you if:
- • You need ai & automation features specifically
| At a Glance |  iA Writer | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Paid |
Best For | Writing & Content | AI & Automation |
Rating | 80/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | iA Writer | Elephas |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 80 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | ★★★★★4.4 |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 335 |
| Categories | Writing & Content | AI & AutomationProductivity |
Understanding the Differences
Both iA Writer and Elephas solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.iA Writer positions itself as "the benchmark markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing." while Elephasfocuses on "personal ai assistant for mac, iphone, and ipad". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose iA Writer
iA Writer makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution. With a score of 80/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Elephas
Elephas is worth considering if you need a professional-grade tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Neither is free, but both have their value. Test them both and see which clicks.
We'd pick: Elephas
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. iA Writer handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: iA Writer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. iA Writer is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: iA Writer
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Both are paid tools. If money isn't the issue, go with iA Writer—it scored higher.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated iA Writer higher (80/100). But the community has upvoted Elephas more (335 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What iA Writer Does Better
- Higher overall score (80/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Elephas If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with iA Writer (80/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. iA Writer scores higher in our analysis, but Elephas might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iA Writer or Elephas better?
Based on our analysis, iA Writer scores higher with 80/100. iA Writer ispaid while Elephas is paid. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from iA Writer to Elephas easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do iA Writer and Elephas offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. iA Writer is paid with potential trial.Elephas is paid with potential trial. Visit their websites for current trial offers.