Comparison · Novel and long-form writing apps
Reedsy Studio vs Ulysses: which is better in 2026?
Reedsy Studio89.5#4 in best novel and long-form writing apps
Ulysses90.5#3 in best novel and long-form writing appsUlysses ranks higher in our list of novel and long-form writing apps (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 89.5Editorial score90.5
- 1Platforms3
- YesFree to useNo
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Reedsy Studio if you want
Free browser-based drafting with print and ebook export.
Free to write, with Boards for research and one-click EPUB and print PDF export. Advanced stats and outlining need paid add-ons, and it runs in a browser rather than as a desktop app.
Choose Ulysses if you want
Apple users who write daily and export to Word.
A polished writing app with iCloud sync, goals and exports to PDF, Word and ebook. It runs only on Apple devices and costs a subscription, while Scrivener is a one-time purchase.
The main differences
- Only Ulysses runs on macOS.
- Only Ulysses runs on iOS.
- Only Reedsy Studio runs on Web.
- Reedsy Studio can be used for free; Ulysses requires payment.
Side by side
| Reedsy Studio | Ulysses | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.5 | 90.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to write; Craft and Outlining add-ons are paid, with a 30-day trial | Subscription$39.99 a year or $5.99 a month in the US; free trial on all devices |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | macOSiOS, iPadOSmacOS, iOS, iPadOS |
| Made by | Reedsy | Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG |
| Planning tools | Boards for notes, characters and research | Projects with writing goals |
| Export formats | EPUB and print-ready PDF | PDF, Word, ebook, blog posts |
| Storage and sync | Browser app with account sync | iCloud sync across Apple devices |
| Best for | Free browser-based drafting with print and ebook export | Apple users who write daily and export to Word |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Reedsy Studio vs Ulysses
- Is Ulysses better than Reedsy Studio?
- Ulysses ranks higher in our list of novel and long-form writing apps (#3 against #4, score 90.5 against 89.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Reedsy Studio is best for: free browser-based drafting with print and ebook export. Ulysses is best for: Apple users who write daily and export to Word.
- Which is cheaper, Reedsy Studio or Ulysses?
- Reedsy Studio: Free to write; Craft and Outlining add-ons are paid, with a 30-day trial. Ulysses: $39.99 a year or $5.99 a month in the US; free trial on all devices.
- Do Reedsy Studio and Ulysses run on the same platforms?
- Reedsy Studio supports Web. Ulysses supports macOS, iOS, iPadOS.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
