Alternatives · Writing
Cold Turkey Writer alternatives
Cold Turkey Writer compared with 5 alternatives: FocusWriter, Calmly Writer, iA Writer, 4thewords and Cold Turkey Blocker.
Cold Turkey Writer has a free plan. Paid plans start at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro). 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Turkey WriterThis tool | Free plan · from $14.99 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| FocusWriter | Free | Free | Windows, Linux |
| Calmly Writer | Free plan · from $16.99 one-time | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android |
| iA Writer | Free trial · from $19.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| 4thewords | Free plan · from $10/mo | Yes | Web, Browser extension |
| Cold Turkey Blocker | Free plan · from $45 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows, Browser extension |
How each one differs from Cold Turkey Writer
- Free
FocusWriter
Free distraction-free word processor for Windows and Linux
- FocusWriter is free. Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro).
- Only FocusWriter lists a Linux app.
- Only Cold Turkey Writer lists a macOS app.
- FocusWriter is open source, according to its own site.
- Cold Turkey Writer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Writers who want a full-screen page with nothing else on it
- Free plan · from $16.99 one-time
Calmly Writer
Distraction-free Markdown writing app sold as a one-time purchase
- Calmly Writer starts at $16.99 one-time (Android); $23.90 one-time for Windows, Mac and Linux. Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro).
- Only Calmly Writer lists a web app.
- Only Calmly Writer lists Linux and Android apps.
- Calmly Writer also covers Markdown.
- Cold Turkey Writer also covers focus music.
Suits: Writers who want a blank page and very few controls
- Free trial · from $19.99 one-time
iA Writer
Minimal plain-text Markdown writing app with Focus Mode
- iA Writer starts at $19.99 one-time (iPhone and iPad); $29.99 Windows, $49.99 Mac. Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro).
- Cold Turkey Writer has a free plan. iA Writer does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only iA Writer lists an iOS app.
- iA Writer also covers Markdown and grammar & style.
- Cold Turkey Writer also covers focus music.
Suits: Writers who want a bare Markdown editor with no toolbars
- Free plan · from $10/mo
4thewords
Writing game where your word count defeats monsters
- 4thewords starts at $10 per month, or $96 per year (Member). Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro).
- Only 4thewords lists a web app.
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- Only Cold Turkey Writer lists macOS and Windows apps.
- 4thewords also covers habit tracking, goals and long-form writing.
Suits: Writers who are motivated by game rewards and daily streaks
- Free plan · from $45 one-time
Cold Turkey Blocker
Website and app blocker for Windows and Mac with strict locks
- Cold Turkey Blocker starts at $45 one-time purchase (Blocker Pro). Cold Turkey Writer starts at $14.99 one-time (Writer Pro).
- Only Cold Turkey Blocker lists a browser extension.
- Cold Turkey Blocker also covers site & app blocker and Pomodoro timer.
- Cold Turkey Writer also covers focus music.
Suits: People who talk themselves out of softer blockers mid-session
Limits worth knowing in Cold Turkey Writer
- Windows and macOS only: the vendor says Linux, ChromeOS, Android and iOS are not supported.
- Files open and save as plain text (.txt) only, so formatting has to be finished in another editor.
- Soundtracks, the dark theme, the copy and paste toggle and the key-disabling options need Writer Pro, and Pro has no free trial.
- A session cannot be ended before the goal is reached, so the rest of the computer is out of reach until then.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Cold Turkey Writer?
The alternatives to Cold Turkey Writer in this directory are FocusWriter, Calmly Writer, iA Writer, 4thewords and Cold Turkey Blocker. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Cold Turkey Writer.
Is there a free alternative to Cold Turkey Writer?
Yes. FocusWriter is free to use. Calmly Writer, 4thewords and Cold Turkey Blocker have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Cold Turkey Writer alternatives work on Linux?
The Cold Turkey Writer listing does not include a Linux app. FocusWriter and Calmly Writer list one.
Which Cold Turkey Writer alternatives work on Android?
The Cold Turkey Writer listing does not include an Android app. Calmly Writer lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Cold Turkey Writer?
FocusWriter 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.