Alternatives · Writing
4thewords alternatives
4thewords compared with 5 alternatives: Novlr, Cold Turkey Writer, Dabble, Habitica and 750 Words.
4thewords has a free plan. Paid plans start at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member). 3 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
5 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4thewordsThis tool | Free plan · from $10/mo | Yes | Web, Browser extension |
| Novlr | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web |
| Cold Turkey Writer | Free plan · from $14.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| Dabble | Free trial · from $19/mo | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Habitica | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| 750 Words | Paid | No | Web |
How each one differs from 4thewords
- Free plan · from $8/mo
Novlr
Browser-based novel writing workspace built around writing goals
- Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter). 4thewords starts at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member).
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- 4thewords can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
- 4thewords also covers habit tracking and goals.
Suits: Novelists who want a clean, distraction-free place to draft
- Free plan · from $14.99 one-time
Cold Turkey Writer
Text editor that locks your computer until a writing goal is met
- Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro). 4thewords starts at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member).
- Only Cold Turkey Writer lists macOS and Windows apps.
- Only 4thewords lists a web app.
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- Cold Turkey Writer also covers focus music.
Suits: Writers who want everything else on the computer shut out until a quota is done
- Free trial · from $19/mo
Dabble
Novel writing app with plotting, story notes and sync
- Dabble starts at $19 per month, billed monthly (Writer). 4thewords starts at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member).
- 4thewords has a free plan. Dabble does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Dabble lists macOS, Windows and Linux apps.
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- Dabble also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Novelists who want plotting, notes and the manuscript in one place
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Habitica
Habit and task tracker that works like a role-playing game
- Habitica starts at $4.99 per month, or $47.99 for 12 months (App Store prices). 4thewords starts at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member).
- Only Habitica lists iOS and Android apps.
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- Habitica is open source, according to its own site.
- 4thewords can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: People motivated by game mechanics such as levels, gear and pets
- Paid
750 Words
Private daily writing site built around a 750-word goal
- 4thewords has a free plan. 750 Words does not.
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- 4thewords can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 750 Words also covers daily notes.
- 4thewords also covers habit tracking and goals.
Suits: People building a habit of free writing every day
Limits worth knowing in 4thewords
- The Free plan stops at 25 files, 2 projects and 25 battles a day, and leaves out streak saving and sharing files with collaborators.
- Sharing is capped by plan: 2 collaborators per file or project on Member, 5 on Pro and 10 on Lifetime Pro.
- It is a web app with no App Store download, and the extension is tested and supported on desktop Chrome only.
- Monthly plans and Lifetime Pro cannot be refunded; yearly plans can be refunded within 15 days of purchase.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to 4thewords?
The alternatives to 4thewords in this directory are Novlr, Cold Turkey Writer, Dabble, Habitica and 750 Words. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with 4thewords.
Is there a free alternative to 4thewords?
Yes. Novlr, Cold Turkey Writer and Habitica have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which 4thewords alternatives work on Windows?
The 4thewords listing does not include a Windows app. Cold Turkey Writer and Dabble list one.
Which 4thewords alternatives work on macOS?
The 4thewords listing does not include a macOS app. Cold Turkey Writer and Dabble list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to 4thewords?
Habitica is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.