Alternatives · Writing
MacDown alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded MacDown alternative is MarkText (3.0 GPA). It's also the best free one.
MacDown compared with 4 alternatives: Typora, MarkText, Zettlr and iA Writer.
MacDown is free to use. 2 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
Price against what you get
MacDown has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 2 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
MarkText scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from MacDown
Typora
Minimal Markdown editor that renders formatting as you type
- Typora starts at $14.99 one-time, before tax.
- Typora has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike MacDown.
- Typora also lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Typora can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: People who write Markdown and want to see formatted text as they type
MarkText
Free, open-source Markdown editor with in-place live rendering
- MarkText is free.
- MarkText also lists Windows and Linux apps.
Suits: Writers who want Markdown rendered as they type, without a split preview
Zettlr
Free, open-source Markdown editor for academic writing
- Zettlr is free.
- Zettlr also lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Zettlr also covers linked notes, citations and long-form writing.
Suits: Researchers and students writing papers or theses in Markdown
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.
- iA Writer has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike MacDown.
- iA Writer also lists Windows and iOS apps.
- iA Writer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- iA Writer also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Writers who want a bare Markdown editor with no toolbars
Limits worth knowing in MacDown
- It runs on macOS only; the FAQ says other platforms are not planned for now.
- The latest release on the site is 0.7.3 and the footer says 2014 to 2021, so updates have been infrequent.
- The app is not signed with an Apple developer certificate, so macOS asks you to open it manually the first time, according to the FAQ.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to MacDown?
The alternatives to MacDown in this directory are Typora, MarkText, Zettlr and iA Writer. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with MacDown.
Is there a free alternative to MacDown?
Yes. MarkText and Zettlr are free to use.
Which MacDown alternatives work on Windows?
The MacDown listing does not include a Windows app. Typora, MarkText, Zettlr and iA Writer list one.
Which MacDown alternatives work on Linux?
The MacDown listing does not include a Linux app. Typora, MarkText and Zettlr list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.