Writing Software
Scrivener vs Ulysses
Professional writing software compared for novel writing, academic research, and long-form content creation.
10 min read
Expert Analysis
Updated 2025-06-10
Winner: Scrivener
Scrivener wins for complex projects and research organization, while Ulysses excels in writing experience and simplicity.
Scrivener
4.5/5
Powerful content-generation tool designed for structuring and writing long documents.
$59.99 one-time
Pros
- Excellent research organization
- Powerful outlining tools
- Flexible document structure
- One-time purchase
- Great for complex projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Can be overwhelming initially
- Interface feels dated
- No real-time collaboration
Best For:
Novelists, academics, and writers working on complex long-form projects
Ulysses
4.2/5
Distraction-free writing app focused on the writing experience with powerful organization.
$5.99/month
Pros
- Beautiful, distraction-free interface
- Excellent organization system
- Great export options
- Seamless sync across devices
- Focus on writing experience
Cons
- Subscription-based pricing
- Limited research tools
- Mac/iOS only
- Less powerful than Scrivener for complex projects
Best For:
Writers who prioritize clean interface and seamless writing experience
Our Testing Methodology
This comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing and real-world usage scenarios.
Used both tools to write 10,000+ word documents
Tested research organization capabilities
Evaluated export and publishing features
Compared user interface and writing experience
Analyzed value proposition and pricing models
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