Alternatives · Writing
LivingWriter alternatives
LivingWriter compared with 8 alternatives: Scrivener, Dabble, Novlr, Novelcrafter, Campfire and 3 more.
LivingWriter has a free plan. Paid plans start at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro). 4 of the 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
8 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| LivingWriterThis tool | Free plan · from $15/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Scrivener | Free trial · from $23.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Dabble | Free trial · from $19/mo | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Novlr | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web |
| Novelcrafter | Free trial · from $4/mo | Trial only | Web |
| Campfire | Free plan · from $0.50/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Atticus | From $147 one-time | No | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Ellipsus | Free plan · from $6/mo | Yes | Web |
| World Anvil | Free plan | Yes | Web |
How each one differs from LivingWriter
- Free trial · from $23.99 one-time
Scrivener
Manuscript writing app with a binder, corkboard and outliner
- Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- LivingWriter has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only LivingWriter lists a web app.
- Only LivingWriter lists an Android app.
- Scrivener can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Novelists and academics managing book-length projects
- Free trial · from $19/mo
Dabble
Novel writing app with plotting, story notes and sync
- Dabble starts at $19 per month, billed monthly (Writer). LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- LivingWriter has a free plan. Dabble does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Dabble lists a Linux app.
- Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
- Dabble can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Novelists who want plotting, notes and the manuscript in one place
- 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). LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant and templates.
Suits: Novelists who want a clean, distraction-free place to draft
- Free trial · from $4/mo
Novelcrafter
Novel writing platform with a story wiki and optional AI
- Novelcrafter starts at $4 per month, or $40 billed annually (Scribe). LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- LivingWriter has a free plan. Novelcrafter does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- LivingWriter also covers templates.
Suits: Novelists and series writers who want a story bible tied to the manuscript
- Free plan · from $0.50/mo
Campfire
Modular novel writing and worldbuilding app with per-module pricing
- Campfire starts at $0.50 per month for one module; $12 per month for all modules (Standard). LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- Campfire can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant.
Suits: Fantasy and science-fiction authors who keep detailed world notes beside the manuscript
- From $147 one-time
Atticus
Book writing and formatting app for ebooks and print
- Atticus starts at $147 one-time. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- LivingWriter has a free plan. Atticus does not.
- Only Atticus lists a Linux app.
- Only LivingWriter lists iOS and Android apps.
- Atticus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Self-publishing authors who format their own ebooks and print books
- Free plan · from $6/mo
Ellipsus
Collaborative writing tool for creative writers
- Ellipsus starts at $6 per month for 24 months, or $99 one-time. LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro).
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- Ellipsus also covers documents.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant and templates.
Suits: Co-authors, editors and beta readers working on fiction together
- Free plan
World Anvil
Web-based worldbuilding platform for writers and game masters
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant.
Suits: Fantasy and science-fiction writers documenting a setting as linked articles
Limits worth knowing in LivingWriter
- The Free plan covers one manuscript with a limited word count and exports only basic PDF.
- Sharing and collaboration, the full Boards system and the Canva and Google Drive integrations need Pro.
- Manuscript chat, AI outlines, rewrites, analysis and cover images are listed under the $30 Pro + AI plan.
- Quarterly and annual billing exist, but the public pricing page shows only the monthly prices.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to LivingWriter?
The alternatives to LivingWriter in this directory are Scrivener, Dabble, Novlr, Novelcrafter, Campfire, Atticus, Ellipsus and World Anvil. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with LivingWriter.
Is there a free alternative to LivingWriter?
Yes. Novlr, Campfire, Ellipsus and World Anvil have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which LivingWriter alternatives work on Linux?
The LivingWriter listing does not include a Linux app. Dabble and Atticus list 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.