iA Writer vs showmd: 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 iA Writer and showmd side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, showmd leads on 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:
iA Writer
The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.
Best for you if:
- • You want distraction-free writing
showmd
The most readable way to preview any .md file on macOS, enhancing Quick Look with rich rendering.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (iA Writer requires payment)
| At a Glance | iA Writer | showmd |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Not published | Free 100% free |
Category | Productivity Writing Apps | Documentation Writing Apps |
Rating | 4.3/5 SourceForge 4.3 · G2 4.4 90 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose iA Writer or showmd?
Choose iA Writer if
- You want distraction-free writing
- You want focus mode excellent
- You work in productivity, not documentation
Choose showmd if
- You want a fully free tool (iA Writer requires payment)
- You want significantly improves Markdown preview readability on macOS
- You want supports advanced Markdown features like LaTeX and Mermaid diagrams
- You work in documentation, not productivity
In-Depth Analysis
iA Writer
The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing.
The pricing for iA Writer is fair, especially considering it's a one-time purchase.
Strengths
- Pro: Distraction-free writing
- Pro: Focus mode excellent
- Pro: Cross-platform
- Pro: Good markdown
- Pro: One-time purchase
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited features
- Con: Basic organization
- Con: No collaboration
- Con: Sync setup manual
- Con: Not for complex documents
Key features
showmd
The most readable way to preview any .md file on macOS, enhancing Quick Look with rich rendering.
Strengths
- Pro: Significantly improves Markdown preview readability on macOS
- Pro: Supports advanced Markdown features like LaTeX and Mermaid diagrams
- Pro: Integrates seamlessly with macOS Quick Look for instant access
- Pro: Open-source, free, and privacy-focused with no data collection
- Pro: Lightweight and fast, designed purely for viewing
Weaknesses
- Con: Only available for macOS
- Con: Not an editor or note-taking app, purely a viewer
Key features
Key Takeaways
iA Writer
- Choose if you want the benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing
showmd
- Has a free plan
What the data shows
On the data below, showmd leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Only iA Writer has a published user rating (4.3/5 from 90 reviews); showmd has none we can show.
- Only showmd 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 iA Writer and showmd compare in 2026?
On the data below, showmd leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Only iA Writer has a published user rating (4.3/5 from 90 reviews); showmd has none we can show. Only showmd has a free plan.
What are iA Writer and showmd used for?
iA Writer: The benchmark Markdown writing app designed for focused, distraction-free writing. showmd: The most readable way to preview any .md file on macOS, enhancing Quick Look with rich rendering.
What does iA Writer cost vs showmd?
iA Writer has no public paid-plan price on file. showmd is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 4, 2026.
What's the main difference between iA Writer and showmd?
iA Writer's main strength: distraction-free writing. showmd's main strength: significantly improves Markdown preview readability on macOS.