Alternatives · Writing
ghostwriter alternatives
ghostwriter compared with 7 alternatives: MarkText, Typora, Zettlr, FocusWriter, iA Writer and 2 more.
ghostwriter is free to use. 4 of the 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| ghostwriterThis tool | Free | Free | Windows, Linux |
| MarkText | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Typora | Free trial · from $14.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Zettlr | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| FocusWriter | Free | Free | Windows, Linux |
| iA Writer | Free trial · from $19.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Calmly Writer | Free plan · from $16.99 one-time | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android |
| Markdown Monster | Free trial · from $99 one-time | Trial only | Windows |
How each one differs from ghostwriter
- Free
MarkText
Free, open-source Markdown editor with in-place live rendering
- MarkText is free. ghostwriter is free.
- Only MarkText lists a macOS app.
Suits: Writers who want Markdown rendered as they type, without a split preview
- Free trial · from $14.99 one-time
Typora
Minimal Markdown editor that renders formatting as you type
- Typora starts at $14.99 one-time, before tax. ghostwriter is free.
- ghostwriter has a free plan. Typora does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Typora lists a macOS app.
- Typora can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- ghostwriter is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: People who write Markdown and want to see formatted text as they type
- Free
Zettlr
Free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing
- Zettlr is free. ghostwriter is free.
- Only Zettlr lists a macOS app.
- Zettlr also covers linked notes, citations and long-form writing.
Suits: Researchers and students writing papers or theses in Markdown
- Free
FocusWriter
Free distraction-free word processor for Windows and Linux
- FocusWriter is free. ghostwriter is free.
- FocusWriter also covers documents.
- ghostwriter also covers Markdown.
Suits: Writers who want a full-screen page with nothing else on it
- 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. ghostwriter is free.
- ghostwriter has a free plan. iA Writer does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only iA Writer lists macOS and iOS apps.
- Only ghostwriter lists a Linux app.
- iA Writer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Writers who want a bare Markdown editor with no toolbars
- 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. ghostwriter is free.
- Only Calmly Writer lists a web app.
- Only Calmly Writer lists macOS and Android apps.
- Calmly Writer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- ghostwriter is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Writers who want a blank page and very few controls
- Free trial · from $99 one-time
Markdown Monster
Markdown editor and weblog publisher for Windows
- Markdown Monster starts at $99 one-time per user (version 4 license). ghostwriter is free.
- ghostwriter has a free plan. Markdown Monster does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only ghostwriter lists a Linux app.
- Markdown Monster can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- ghostwriter is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Windows users who write documentation or blog posts in Markdown
Limits worth knowing in ghostwriter
- macOS support is unofficial and community-provided: there is no installer, so the app has to be compiled from source.
- The Windows download is offered only as a portable 64-bit build for Windows 10.
- No mobile or web version is listed.
- Export to other formats relies on processors such as Pandoc or MultiMarkdown.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to ghostwriter?
The alternatives to ghostwriter in this directory are MarkText, Typora, Zettlr, FocusWriter, iA Writer, Calmly Writer and Markdown Monster. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with ghostwriter.
Is there a free alternative to ghostwriter?
Yes. MarkText, Zettlr and FocusWriter are free to use. Calmly Writer has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which ghostwriter alternatives work on macOS?
The ghostwriter listing does not include a macOS app. MarkText, Typora, Zettlr, iA Writer and Calmly Writer list one.
Which ghostwriter alternatives work on Android?
The ghostwriter listing does not include an Android app. Calmly Writer lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.