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Productivity · head to head

PDF Expert vs Ulysses

PDF Expert logo

PDF Expert

Productivity

PDF Expert puts Adobe Acrobat to shame

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ulysses logo

Ulysses

Productivity

Distraction-free writing application for creative professionals

From
$5.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PDF Expert pricing displayed in AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham), not widely recognized currency; Ulysses no free tier available
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PDF Expert and Ulysses actually diverge.

Attributes where PDF Expert and Ulysses differ
AttributePDF ExpertUlysses
Starting priceOn request$5.99/month
PlatformsWebMacOS, IOS, IPadOS
FoundedUnknown2003

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), 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 PDF Expert

Nothing recorded that Ulysses does not also cover.

Only in Ulysses

  • Distraction-free writing
  • Markdown support
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Organization with sheets and groups
  • iCloud sync
  • Dark and light themes
  • Full-screen mode
  • Search and filter

What people use each for

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

PDF Expert

  • PDF editing and annotationnot Ulysses
  • Document conversion to PDFnot Ulysses
  • PDF text recognition (OCR)not Ulysses
  • Digital document signaturesnot Ulysses
  • Cross-device PDF managementnot Ulysses

Ulysses

  • Writing and editing on Apple devicesnot PDF Expert
  • Cross-device document synchronizationnot PDF Expert
  • Markdown-based writingnot PDF Expert

Where each one falls short

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

PDF Expert

  • Pricing displayed in AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham), not widely recognized currency
  • Essential and Pro plans offer identical features despite different pricing
  • Lifetime plan limited to Mac only
  • New features beyond initial purchase may cost extra

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

PDF Expert

On request
  • Essential$199.99/year
    • iPhone, iPad, and Mac access
    • AI assistant
    • PDF conversion
  • Pro$309.99/year
    • All Essential features
    • iPhone, iPad, and Mac access
    • AI assistant
  • Lifetime$499.99/one-time
    • Mac only
    • Perpetual license
    • All core features

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 PDF Expert if

Nothing in the data separates PDF Expert from Ulysses on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

PDF Expert review

Choose Ulysses if

  • You need distraction-free writing.
  • You work on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
  • You also want markdown support.
Ulysses review

Questions people ask

Is PDF Expert or Ulysses better?
Neither clearly leads. PDF Expert starts at On request and Ulysses at $5.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PDF Expert or Ulysses?
PDF Expert starts at On request and Ulysses at $5.99/month.
Does PDF Expert or Ulysses run on more platforms?
PDF Expert runs on Web. Ulysses runs on MacOS, IOS, IPadOS.
What is PDF Expert best used for?
PDF Expert is most often used for pdf editing and annotation, document conversion to pdf, pdf text recognition (ocr), digital document signatures. Of those, pdf editing and annotation and document conversion to pdf are not what Ulysses is typically brought in for.
What can PDF Expert do that Ulysses cannot?
Ulysses covers Distraction-free writing, Markdown support, Syntax highlighting, Organization with sheets and groups.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

PDF Expert: How much does PDF Expert cost annually?

PDF Expert's Essential plan costs AED199.99/year and the Pro plan costs AED309.99/year. Both plans include iPhone, iPad, and Mac access, AI assistant, PDF conversion, OCR, digital signatures, and priority support.

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
PDF Expert: Does PDF Expert offer a lifetime purchase option?

Yes. PDF Expert offers a Lifetime plan for AED499.99 as a one-time payment, but this license is restricted to Mac only.

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
PDF Expert: Is there a money-back guarantee for PDF Expert?

Yes. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

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
PDF Expert: Can students get a discount on PDF Expert?

Yes. Students and educators can receive up to 50% off annual subscriptions through educational email verification.

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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