iA WritervsUlysses
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
iA Writer
- Less accessible than competitors(5/10)
- Poor for long-form writing like books or screenplays(7/10)
- Weak library organization - no tree structure(6/10)
- No true WYSIWYG Markdown preview(4/10)
- Limited features compared to Ulysses or Scrivener(5/10)
Ulysses
- Apple-only: No Windows or Android versions(9/10)
- Slow development despite subscription revenue(6/10)
- Ulysses tables only work in Markdown XL markup(4/10)
- Features poorly explained with hidden menus(5/10)
- Flawed print/formatting for traditional publishing(6/10)
- Ulysses requires macOS 15.4 and iOS 26(6/10)
iA Writer
- Why is iA Writer so expensive? Separate purchase per platform(5/10)
- No free trial on iPhone and iPad(4/10)
- One-time purchase is not lifetime updates(4/10)
Ulysses
- Controversial switch to subscription angered existing users(8/10)
- Why is Ulysses so expensive? $40/year subscription for a writing app(7/10)
- Ulysses perpetual license costs $199.99(5/10)
iA Writer
- iA Writer for Android discontinued(8/10)
Ulysses
- Poor iPhone experience with cluttered interface(5/10)
iA Writer
- iA Writer not syncing with iCloud(7/10)
- Windows version says trial after buying(5/10)
Ulysses
- Ulysses not syncing between Mac and iPhone (iCloud)(7/10)
- Ulysses sheets disappeared after sync problems(8/10)
iA Writer
- Dropbox files not updating on iPhone and iPad(6/10)
- Google Drive folders can't be added on iPad(5/10)
- Images (Content Blocks) don't show in other Markdown apps(4/10)
Ulysses
- Ulysses WordPress 'Failed to connect' error(5/10)
Pricing Comparison
iA Writer
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your own cloud storage
Limits: Mac only (macOS 10.15+); 20% education discount only on direct purchase
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your own cloud storage
Limits: App Store only (iOS 15+); iA's pricing page lists $49.99 while the US App Store shows $19.99 (Oct 2026)
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your own cloud storage
Limits: 64-bit Windows 10 or later; no sales or Black Friday discounts
Ulysses
Users: 1 Apple Account + Family Sharing (up to 5 more)
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Apple devices only, no web version
Users: 1 Apple Account + Family Sharing (up to 5 more)
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Apple devices only, no web version; local prices may differ
Users: 1 Apple Account
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Ulysses does not guarantee new features indefinitely; future updates may need newer macOS/iOS
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Does not auto-renew
Users: 1 user
Storage: Your iCloud storage
Limits: Bundled with other apps you may not need
Feature Comparison
| Feature | iA Writer | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Usability | ||
| Focus Mode Signature feature | ||
| Distraction-free writing Core strength | ||
| Markdown support Excellent implementation | ||
| WYSIWYG Markdown Shows raw syntax | ||
| Portability | ||
| Plain text Markdown No proprietary format | ||
| Platform | ||
| Cross-platform Mac, iPhone/iPad, Windows (Android discontinued 2024) | ||
| Mac/iPad/iPhone apps Native Apple apps | ||
| Windows app Not available, no plans | ||
| Web version Not available | ||
| Android app Removed from sale Sept 2024 | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Apple devices | ||
| Dropbox sync Mac/Windows; iOS via Files app | ||
| Google Drive sync Mac/Windows folders; iPad only individual files | ||
| Version history Local automatic backups (File > Browse Backups); monthly backups kept indefinitely since 41.2 | ||
| Local backups Browse Backups | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Direct publishing WordPress, Medium, Ghost | ||
| ePub export Excellent quality | ||
| PDF/DOCX export Multiple format support | ||
| Writing | ||
| Style checker Realtime filler detection | ||
| Syntax highlighting Parts of speech coloring | ||
| Content Blocks (embed images/files) iA-specific syntax | ||
| Pricing | ||
| One-time purchase Per platform | ||
| Setapp included Part of Setapp bundle | ||
| Free trial 7 days on Mac and Windows only | ||
| Family Sharing Up to 5 additional family members (not for old Ulysses Mobile purchases) | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Writing goals Word count targets | ||
| Export | ||
| Word export DOCX support | ||
| PDF export Available | ||
| Organization | ||
| Library organization Flat file structure only | ||
| Smart folders Not available | ||
| Document merging Not available | ||
| Research management Not available | ||
| Formatting | ||
| Table support Since v27, Markdown XL markup only; no RTF export | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||