Ulysses vs Scrivener: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Ulysses and Scrivener 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:
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Best for you if:
- • You need writing apps features specifically
- • Distraction-free writing environment with powerful project management.
- • Built-in grammar and style checker for over 20 languages.
Scrivener
The ultimate writing studio for long-form projects, combining tools for drafting, research, and organization.
Best for you if:
- • You need writing & content features specifically
- • Organizes long-form writing projects with flexible structuring and outlining tools.
- • Integrates research materials directly alongside your writing for easy access.
| At a Glance |  Ulysses |  Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5.99/monthSubscription | $60/moScrivener 3 |
Best For | Writing Apps | Writing & Content |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Ulysses or Scrivener?
Choose Ulysses if
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
- Great for writers
- Clean writing environment
- Good publishing features
- Budget matters ($5.99/month vs $60/mo)
- Your work is writing apps-shaped, not writing & content-shaped
Choose Scrivener if
The ultimate writing studio for long-form projects, combining tools for drafting, research, and organization.
- Best for long-form writing
- Great organization
- Research tools
- Your work is writing & content-shaped, not writing apps-shaped
| Feature | Ulysses | Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 12 reviews | ★4.5/5 291 reviews |
| Categories | Writing AppsProductivity | Writing & ContentProductivity |
In-Depth Analysis
Ulysses
The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.
Strengths
- +Great for writers
- +Clean writing environment
- +Good publishing features
- +Apple native
- +Markdown support
Weaknesses
- -Apple only
- -Subscription model
- -Expensive
- -No collaboration
- -Overkill for notes
Key features
Scrivener
The ultimate writing studio for long-form projects, combining tools for drafting, research, and organization.
Strengths
- +Best for long-form writing
- +Great organization
- +Research tools
- +Compile flexibility
- +One-time purchase
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -UI dated
- -Windows version behind Mac
- -No real-time collaboration
- -Sync via Dropbox only
Key features
Pricing: Ulysses vs Scrivener
| Plan | Ulysses | Scrivener |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5.99 month Subscription | $60 Scrivener 3 |
| Tier 2 | $49.99 year Annual | Discounted Bundle (Mac + Windows) |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Ulysses pricing and Scrivener pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Scrivener
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Ulysses
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Scrivener
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Ulysses is a writing apps tool. Scrivener is in writing & content. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Scrivener
- Larger review base (291 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Ulysses
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.5/5
- Better fit for writing apps
The Bottom Line
Scrivener is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ulysses or Scrivener better?
Scrivener is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are Ulysses and Scrivener used for?
Ulysses: The ultimate writing app for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, combining powerful features with a focused writing experience.. Scrivener: The ultimate writing studio for long-form projects, combining tools for drafting, research, and organization..
What does Ulysses cost vs Scrivener?
Ulysses is a paid tool. Scrivener is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.