ScrivenervsUlysses
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Scrivener
- Notoriously steep learning curve takes weeks to master(9/10)
- Compile feature is confusing nightmare for many users(8/10)
- Interface is unintuitive patchwork design(6/10)
- No cloud or web version - desktop only with sync workarounds(6/10)
- Image insertion causes massive file size bloat(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)
Scrivener
- Table handling is completely broken(6/10)
- Windows version has significant bugs and quality issues(7/10)
- Slow development pace with years between major updates(5/10)
Ulysses
- Ulysses not syncing between Mac and iPhone (iCloud)(7/10)
- Ulysses sheets disappeared after sync problems(8/10)
Scrivener
- No Android version - iOS mobile only(7/10)
Ulysses
- Poor iPhone experience with cluttered interface(5/10)
Scrivener
No signals
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)
Scrivener
No signals
Ulysses
- Ulysses WordPress 'Failed to connect' error(5/10)
Pricing Comparison
Scrivener
Users: 1 user
Limits: Trial counts usage days not calendar days, expires after 30 days of use
Users: 1 user
Limits: Single platform only, no cross-platform license
Users: 1 user
Limits: iOS not included
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires desktop version for full workflow, sync can be finicky
Users: 1 user
Limits: Must prove student/academic status
Users: 1 user
Limits: Requires existing license
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 | Scrivener | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | ||
| Binder organization system Hierarchical document structure | ||
| Corkboard view Index card visualization | ||
| Outliner view Spreadsheet-style overview | ||
| Research folder Store PDFs, images, web pages | ||
| Library organization Groups, filters, keywords | ||
| Character/Setting templates Built-in templates | ||
| Custom metadata User-defined fields | ||
| Collections Virtual groupings | ||
| Usability | ||
| Distraction-free writing Core strength | ||
| Markdown support Excellent implementation | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac/iPad/iPhone apps Native Apple apps | ||
| Windows app Not available, no plans | ||
| Web version Desktop only | ||
| Android app iOS only for mobile | ||
| Export | ||
| Compile/Export Powerful but complex to learn | ||
| Screenplay formatting Industry-standard scripts | ||
| Reliability | ||
| iCloud sync Across Apple devices | ||
| Version history Local automatic backups (File > Browse Backups); monthly backups kept indefinitely since 41.2 | ||
| Publishing | ||
| Direct publishing WordPress, Medium, Ghost | ||
| ePub export Excellent quality | ||
| PDF/DOCX export Multiple format support | ||
| Backup | ||
| Snapshots (version history) Manual version snapshots | ||
| Editing | ||
| Split editor View two documents simultaneously | ||
| Table support Buggy implementation | ||
| Writing | ||
| Writing statistics Word counts, targets, progress | ||
| Full-screen composition mode Distraction-free writing | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Writing goals Word count targets | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Setapp included Part of Setapp bundle | ||
| One-time purchase Perpetual License $199.99 (2026), no trial | ||
| Family Sharing Up to 5 additional family members (not for old Ulysses Mobile purchases) | ||
| Collaboration | ||
| Real-time collaboration Not supported | ||
| Collaboration Not available | ||
| Sync | ||
| Cloud sync Local only, Dropbox workaround | ||