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Productivity · head to head

iA Writer vs Ulysses

iA Writer logo

iA Writer

Productivity

Distraction-free markdown writer with powerful focus mode

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ulysses logo

Ulysses

Productivity

Distraction-free writing application for creative professionals

From
$5.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only iA Writer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: iA Writer pricing varies by platform: Windows $29.99 while Mac/iPhone/iPad cost $49.99, creating $20 premium for Apple platforms; Ulysses no free tier available
  • They diverge on capability: iA Writer covers Markdown editing, Ulysses covers Markdown support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where iA Writer and Ulysses differ
AttributeiA WriterUlysses
Starting priceFree$5.99/month
Pricing modelone-timesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsMacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, WebMacOS, IOS, IPadOS
Founded20082003

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

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

  • Markdown editing
  • Cross-platform sync
  • Typewriter mode
  • Focus mode
  • Statistics

Only in Ulysses

  • Markdown support
  • Organization with sheets and groups
  • iCloud sync
  • Full-screen mode
  • Search and filter

Both cover

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Dark and light themes

What people use each for

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

iA Writer

  • Distraction-free writing and note-taking applicationnot Ulysses
  • Markdown document creation and editingnot Ulysses
  • Cross-platform writing with iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Windows supportnot Ulysses

Ulysses

  • Writing and editing on Apple devicesnot iA Writer
  • Cross-device document synchronizationnot iA Writer
  • Markdown-based writingnot iA Writer

Where each one falls short

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

iA Writer

  • Pricing varies by platform: Windows $29.99 while Mac/iPhone/iPad cost $49.99, creating $20 premium for Apple platforms
  • One-time purchase model means major version updates may require additional payment beyond initial purchase
  • Update schedule uncertain, making it unclear when new versions become available and whether paid upgrades will be required

Ulysses

  • No free tier available
  • Only subscription model, no one-time purchase option
  • Family Sharing limited to 5 additional members (6 total users)

Pricing, plan by plan

iA Writer

Free
  • Free TrialFree
    • 7-day free trial
    • Mac and Windows
    • No credit card required
  • Windows$29.99/one-time
    • One-time purchase
    • Own it forever
    • No subscription fees
  • Mac$49.99/one-time
    • One-time purchase
    • Own it forever
    • No subscription fees
  • iPhone & iPad$49.99/one-time
    • One-time purchase via App Store
    • Own it forever
    • No subscription fees

Ulysses

$5.99/month
  • Annual Subscription$39.99/year
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates
  • Monthly Subscription$5.99/month
    • Ulysses on all Macs, iPads, and iPhones
    • Full iCloud synchronization
    • Frequent improvements and updates

Which should you pick?

Choose iA Writer if

  • You need markdown editing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want cross-platform sync.
iA Writer review

Choose Ulysses if

  • You need markdown support.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
  • You also want organization with sheets and groups.
Ulysses review

Questions people ask

Is iA Writer or Ulysses better?
Neither clearly leads. iA Writer starts at Free and Ulysses at $5.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, iA Writer or Ulysses?
iA Writer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for iA Writer and $5.99/month for Ulysses.
Does iA Writer or Ulysses run on more platforms?
iA Writer runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS, Android, Web. Ulysses runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
Can I use iA Writer for free?
Yes. iA Writer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Ulysses starts at $5.99/month.
What is iA Writer best used for?
iA Writer is most often used for distraction-free writing and note-taking application, markdown document creation and editing, cross-platform writing with ipad, iphone, mac, and windows support. Of those, distraction-free writing and note-taking application and markdown document creation and editing are not what Ulysses is typically brought in for.
What can iA Writer do that Ulysses cannot?
iA Writer covers Markdown editing, Cross-platform sync, Typewriter mode, Focus mode. Ulysses covers Markdown support, Organization with sheets and groups, iCloud sync, Full-screen mode. Both handle Distraction-free writing, Syntax highlighting, Dark and light themes.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

iA Writer: How much does iA Writer cost?

iA Writer costs $29.99 one-time for Windows, $49.99 one-time for Mac, and $49.99 one-time for iPhone & iPad. A 7-day free trial is available with no credit card required.

Source
Ulysses: What are Ulysses pricing options?

Ulysses costs $39.99 per year (annual) or $5.99 per month (monthly). Student discounts are available. Volume licensing is available for businesses through their licensing portal.

Source
iA Writer: What is iA Writer's licensing model?

iA Writer uses a one-time purchase model where customers pay once per platform and own the software forever with no subscription required, though major updates may require additional payment.

Source
Ulysses: Does Ulysses include Family Sharing?

Yes, both annual and monthly Ulysses subscriptions include Apple Family Sharing, allowing up to five additional family members to use Ulysses on their devices at no extra cost.

Source
iA Writer: Do minor updates cost extra for iA Writer?

Minor updates are included with the one-time purchase, while major updates may require additional payment. The update schedule is uncertain.

Source
Ulysses: Can I get Ulysses through a subscription service?

Yes, Ulysses is available through the Setapp subscription service as an alternative to direct subscription. Volume licensing is also available for businesses and organizations through their licensing portal.

Source
iA Writer: Are there educational discounts for iA Writer?

Educational customers receive a 20% discount on Mac and Windows purchases made directly from iA, equaling approximately $39.99 for Mac and $23.99 for Windows.

Source
Ulysses: Does Ulysses pricing vary by location?

Prices listed apply to the U.S., and local pricing may differ in other regions. Check your regional App Store for exact pricing.

Source
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