Comparison · Novel and long-form writing apps
Reedsy Studio vs Vellum: which is better in 2026?
Reedsy Studio89.5#4 in best novel and long-form writing apps
Vellum87.5#6 in best novel and long-form writing appsReedsy Studio ranks higher in our list of novel and long-form writing apps (#4 against #6, score 89.5 against 87.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 89.5Editorial score87.5
- 1Platforms1
- 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 Vellum if you want
Mac authors who want polished ebook and print files.
Strong ebook and print output, but it runs only on Mac and it starts from a finished manuscript. Atticus covers the same formatting job on Windows and Linux as well.
The main differences
- Only Vellum runs on macOS.
- Only Reedsy Studio runs on Web.
- Reedsy Studio can be used for free; Vellum requires payment.
Side by side
| Reedsy Studio | Vellum | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89.5 | 87.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 10 | #6 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree to write; Craft and Outlining add-ons are paid, with a 30-day trial | PaidPaid Mac license; ebook-only and ebook plus print tiers |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | macOSmacOS |
| Made by | Reedsy | Not stated |
| Planning tools | Boards for notes, characters and research | Imports a finished manuscript |
| Export formats | EPUB and print-ready PDF | EPUB 2 and 3, print PDF/X-1a |
| Storage and sync | Browser app with account sync | Local Mac app |
| Best for | Free browser-based drafting with print and ebook export | Mac authors who want polished ebook and print files |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Reedsy Studio vs Vellum
- Is Reedsy Studio better than Vellum?
- Reedsy Studio ranks higher in our list of novel and long-form writing apps (#4 against #6, score 89.5 against 87.5), 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. Vellum is best for: Mac authors who want polished ebook and print files.
- Which is cheaper, Reedsy Studio or Vellum?
- Reedsy Studio: Free to write; Craft and Outlining add-ons are paid, with a 30-day trial. Vellum: Paid Mac license; ebook-only and ebook plus print tiers.
- Do Reedsy Studio and Vellum run on the same platforms?
- Reedsy Studio supports Web. Vellum supports macOS.
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.
