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Software · head to head

iA Writer vs TickTick

iA Writer logo

iA Writer

Software

Distraction-free markdown writer with powerful focus mode

From
$4.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TickTick logo

TickTick

Software

Stay organized, stay creative

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only TickTick has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: iA Writer licences are per platform rather than per person, at $49.99 for Mac, $49.99 for iPhone and iPad and $29.99 for Windows; TickTick recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools
  • They diverge on capability: iA Writer covers Distraction-free writing, TickTick covers Task management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which iA Writer and TickTick actually diverge.

Attributes where iA Writer and TickTick differ
AttributeiA WriterTickTick
Starting price$4.99/monthFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsMacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, WebWeb, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows
Founded20082013

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in iA Writer

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Markdown editing
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Dark and light themes
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Typewriter mode
  • Focus mode
  • Statistics

Only in TickTick

  • Task management
  • Calendar integration
  • Pomodoro timer
  • Habit tracking
  • Natural language input
  • Collaboration
  • Voice input
  • Location reminders

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

iA Writer

  • Distraction free markdown writing on desktop and mobilenot TickTick
  • Drafting and exporting long form text with focus modenot TickTick

TickTick

  • Personal task managementnot iA Writer
  • Team collaborationnot iA Writer
  • Project planningnot iA Writer
  • Habit trackingnot iA Writer
  • Time managementnot iA Writer

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

iA Writer

  • Licences are per platform rather than per person, at $49.99 for Mac, $49.99 for iPhone and iPad and $29.99 for Windows
  • Writing on a Mac and a PC therefore means buying the software twice

TickTick

  • Recurring task options are limited compared to dedicated project management tools
  • Reporting and analytics are minimal, providing little productivity trend visibility
  • Calendar sync can be slow and unreliable, sometimes causing sync issues across devices
  • API capabilities are basic, limiting direct integrations beyond Zapier and IFTTT
  • Habit tracking becomes less useful once routines are well-established

Pricing, plan by plan

iA Writer

$4.99/month
  • Monthly$4.99/month
    • All platforms
    • Sync
    • All features
  • Annual$39.99/year
    • All platforms
    • Sync
    • All features

TickTick

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Up to 9 lists
    • Up to 99 tasks per list
    • Basic reminders
  • Premium$35.99/year
    • Up to 299 lists
    • Up to 999 tasks per list
    • Advanced collaboration for up to 30 members

Which should you pick?

Choose iA Writer if

  • You need distraction-free writing.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want markdown editing.
iA Writer review

Choose TickTick if

  • You need task management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows.
  • You also want calendar integration.
TickTick review

Questions people ask

Is iA Writer or TickTick better?
Neither clearly leads. iA Writer starts at $4.99/month and TickTick at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, iA Writer or TickTick?
TickTick has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $4.99/month for iA Writer and Free for TickTick.
Does iA Writer or TickTick run on more platforms?
iA Writer runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web. TickTick runs on Web, Mac, iOS, iPad, Android, Apple Watch, Windows.
Can I use TickTick for free?
Yes. TickTick has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. iA Writer starts at $4.99/month.
What is iA Writer best used for?
iA Writer is most often used for distraction free markdown writing on desktop and mobile, drafting and exporting long form text with focus mode. Of those, distraction free markdown writing on desktop and mobile and drafting and exporting long form text with focus mode are not what TickTick is typically brought in for.
What can iA Writer do that TickTick cannot?
iA Writer covers Distraction-free writing, Markdown editing, Syntax highlighting, Dark and light themes. TickTick covers Task management, Calendar integration, Pomodoro timer, Habit tracking.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

TickTick: What is TickTick?

TickTick is a cross-platform task management and productivity app that combines to-do lists, calendar views, habit tracking, reminders, and a Pomodoro timer. It helps users organize personal and work tasks across 10+ platforms including Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and web.

Source
TickTick: What are TickTick's pricing options?

TickTick offers a permanent free plan and a premium plan at $35.99/year (listed price $49.99, currently discounted). The free plan includes up to 9 lists and basic features, while premium unlocks up to 299 lists, advanced collaboration for up to 30 members, and calendar subscriptions.

Source
TickTick: Does TickTick have team features?

TickTick does not offer a dedicated team or family plan. Each user needs their own premium subscription. Premium users can share lists with up to 30 members for collaboration.

Source
TickTick: What integrations does TickTick support?

TickTick supports integrations with 2,000+ apps through third-party platforms like Zapier, Make, n8n, and Integrately. It also supports calendar subscriptions with Google Calendar and Outlook, and has a basic OAuth API for developers.

Source
TickTick: Is TickTick available offline?

TickTick requires an internet connection for syncing across devices. Offline functionality depends on the platform, with some mobile apps offering limited offline access but requiring connectivity for full features.

Source
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