17.7
Final Draft is screenwriting software that automatically formats scripts and supports writing, story planning, collaboration, and production workflows.
iOSWebmacOS
Best Text App in 2026
Text apps help with drafting, editing and organising written work. This chart compares free plans, paid starting prices, Markdown support, real-time collaboration, offline access, version history and supported platforms. Android is a listed platform for items in this category. Check an app's platform details before installing, then compare web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac and Linux support with the devices you use.
27.7
Novlr is a creative writing workspace for planning, drafting, and publishing projects.
Free planAndroidiOSWeb
37.4
Dabble is a writing tool for fiction authors, especially novelists, ranging from first-time hobbyists to professional writers.
AndroidiOSWeb
- 4
FocusWriter
FocusWriter is a free, open-source word processor for Linux and Windows that keeps the writing area clear.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows7.4Free plan - 5
Google Docs
Google Docs is an online editor for creating documents and working on them with others.
AndroidiOSWebExtension7.3From $7 a month - 6
Scrivener
Scrivener is a long-form writing app for macOS, Windows and iOS, designed for projects that can be composed in sections of any size.
iOSmacOSWindows7.3 - 7
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a document editor available on Android, iOS, macOS, the web, and Windows.
Free planAndroidiOSWebmacOS7.2From $7 a month - 8
StackEdit
StackEdit is a free, open-source Markdown editor that runs in a browser.
Free planOpen sourceWeb7.2Free plan - 9
Zoho Writer
Zoho Writer is a web-based word processor for creating, editing, sharing, and collaborating on documents.
Free planAndroidiOSWebAPI7.1Free plan - 10
Write.as
Write.as is a publishing service for blogs and posts, with Markdown and Rich Text editing.
Free planSelf-hosted7.0From $6 a month - 11
LivingWriter
LivingWriter is writing software for drafting and organizing manuscripts, with chapters and subchapters in its editor.
Free planAndroidiOSWebWindows6.7Free plan - 12
MarkText
MarkText is a free, open-source desktop Markdown editor that renders formatting as text is entered.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.7Free plan - 13
Typora
Typora is a Markdown editor and reader for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a live preview while writing.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.7 - 14
Zettlr
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.6Free plan - 15
Byword
iOSmacOS6.5$5.99 one-time - 16
MWeb
MWeb is a Markdown-focused app for writing, note-taking, and publishing on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS.
iOSmacOS6.5$34.99 one-time - 17
novelWriter
novelWriter is a free, open-source plain text editor for organizing fiction projects and their notes as smaller documents.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.5Free plan - 18
Ghostwriter
Ghostwriter is a free Markdown text editor designed for distraction-free writing.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 19
Ulysses
iOSmacOS6.4From $39.99 a year - 20
WriteMonkey
WriteMonkey 3 is a minimal, plain-text editor for writers who want a focused space to draft and organize longer work.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 21
Dillinger
Dillinger is a free web-based Markdown editor for writing and previewing documents, with no signup requirement.
Free planWeb6.3Free plan - 22
iA Writer
iA Writer is a paid writing application from iA Writer, a maker founded in 2005 and headquartered in Gockhausen, Zurich, Switzerland.
iOSmacOSWindows5.6 - 23
5.4 - 24
TextFree
AndroidiOSWeb5.2
Choosing well
Check device support
Android appears among the platforms covered in this category. Confirm the specific app supports your phone or tablet before choosing it.
Compare web, Windows, iPhone or iPad, Mac and Linux support if you move between devices.
Compare free and paid access
The chart shows whether a free plan is available and where paid access starts. A free plan can suit basic writing, while paid access may be needed for a fuller setup.
A free trial is available with some apps, so check the trial length and pricing note before signing up.
Match your writing format
Check Markdown support if you write with plain-text formatting or need portable documents.
Real-time collaboration matters when people edit a document together. Version history helps you review or restore earlier changes.
Plan for offline work
Look for offline access if you write without a connection or travel with a phone, tablet or laptop.
Compare version history alongside offline access so you know how changes are handled when you reconnect.
Review the licence
Open-source code is offered by items in this category. If you need to read or change the code, check the tool's licence and project details.
Questions people ask
Are Android text apps included?
Android is a listed platform for this category. Check the individual app entry to confirm Android support before installing.
Can I find a free text app?
Yes. The chart marks free plans and free pricing. Dillinger, FocusWriter, Google Docs, MarkText and Microsoft Word are listed with free plans.
Which text apps support Markdown?
Markdown support is one of the comparison fields. Check each app's entry for its Markdown status.
Do these apps support collaboration?
Real-time collaboration is a comparison field. Review an app's entry to see whether it supports shared live editing.
Is offline access available?
Offline access is shown in the comparison fields. Check the app's entry for support on your chosen platform.
Which apps offer a free trial?
A 14-day trial is listed for Dabble and Google Docs. Check the pricing note for current trial terms.