iA Writer vs MinkNote: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between iA Writer and MinkNote 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 need writing apps features specifically
- • Distraction-free Markdown writing environment with Focus Mode.
- • Advanced editor tools like Syntax Highlight and Style Check for improving writing quality.
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Stores all notes as plain Markdown files on your Mac, ensuring no lock-in and long-term readability.
- • Keyboard-first navigation and native macOS design for a calm, efficient note-taking experience.
| At a Glance |  iA Writer |  MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Writing Apps | Note-Taking |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose iA Writer or MinkNote?
Choose iA Writer if
The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.
- Distraction-free writing
- Focus mode excellent
- Cross-platform
- Your work is writing apps-shaped, not note-taking-shaped
Choose MinkNote if
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
- Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
- You want a fully free tool (iA Writer requires payment)
- Your work is note-taking-shaped, not writing apps-shaped
| Feature | iA Writer | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 68 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Writing AppsProductivity | Note-TakingWriting Apps |
In-Depth Analysis
iA Writer
The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.
Strengths
- +Distraction-free writing
- +Focus mode excellent
- +Cross-platform
- +Good markdown
- +One-time purchase
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Basic organization
- -No collaboration
- -Sync setup manual
- -Not for complex documents
Key features
Value 75/100. The pricing for iA Writer is fair, especially considering it's a one-time purchase.
Watch out: No free trial available to test
MinkNote
Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first
Strengths
- +Fully native macOS app with low resource usage compared to Electron-based alternatives
- +No account required and no internet needed for full functionality
- +Notes are plain files you own, readable in any editor now and in the future
Weaknesses
- -Less mature feature set compared to established apps like Obsidian, with a smaller community and plugin ecosystem
- -Only available for macOS, limiting cross-platform use
Key features
Value 92/100. MinkNote's pricing is generous since it offers a full-featured 14-day free trial with no credit card required, and after the trial the app remains usable in read-only mode at no cost.
Watch out: No paid tier means no cloud sync or backup
Pricing: iA Writer vs MinkNote
| Plan | iA Writer | MinkNote |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free for 14 days Free Trial |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on iA Writer pricing and MinkNote pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
MinkNote is free. iA Writer is paid.
Go with: MinkNote
Want the highest-rated option?
iA Writer is rated 4.4/5. MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Go with: iA Writer
Value user reviews?
iA Writer: 68 reviews (4.4/5). MinkNote: no ratings yet.
Go with: iA Writer
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
iA Writer is paid. MinkNote is free. Go with MinkNote if free matters most.
What's your use case?
iA Writer is a writing apps tool. MinkNote is in note-taking. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
iA Writer is rated 4.4/5; MinkNote has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
iA Writer
- Our pick for this comparison
MinkNote
- Completely free
- Better fit for note-taking
The Bottom Line
iA Writer is our pick. That said, MinkNote is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iA Writer or MinkNote better?
iA Writer is rated in our evaluation. iA Writer is paid and MinkNote is free.
What are iA Writer and MinkNote used for?
iA Writer: The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.. MinkNote: Markdown notes for Mac, private and keyboard-first.
What does iA Writer cost vs MinkNote?
iA Writer is a paid tool. MinkNote is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.