Alternatives · Writing
Novlr alternatives
Novlr compared with 7 alternatives: Dabble, LivingWriter, Reedsy Studio, Scrivener, Ellipsus and 2 more.
Novlr has a free plan. Paid plans start at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter). 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NovlrThis tool | Free plan · from $8/mo | Yes | Web |
| Dabble | Free trial · from $19/mo | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| LivingWriter | Free plan · from $15/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Reedsy Studio | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | Web |
| Scrivener | Free trial · from $23.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Ellipsus | Free plan · from $6/mo | Yes | Web |
| 4thewords | Free plan · from $10/mo | Yes | Web, Browser extension |
| Gingko Writer | Free trial · from $9.75/mo | Trial only | Web |
How each one differs from Novlr
- Free trial · from $19/mo
Dabble
Novel writing app with plotting, story notes and sync
- Dabble starts at $19 per month, billed monthly (Writer). Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Novlr has a free plan. Dabble does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Dabble lists macOS, Windows and Linux 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 $15/mo
LivingWriter
Cloud writing app for books and screenplays with planning boards
- LivingWriter starts at $15 per month, billed monthly (Pro). Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Only LivingWriter lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android apps.
- LivingWriter also covers chat assistant and templates.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Novelists who track characters, settings and plot threads beside the draft
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Reedsy Studio
Browser-based book writing app with free EPUB and PDF typesetting
- Reedsy Studio starts at $4.99 per month, or $52.99 billed annually (Craft add-on). Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Reedsy Studio also covers templates.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Self-publishing authors who want EPUB and print-ready PDF files at no cost
- 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. Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Novlr has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Scrivener lists macOS, Windows and iOS apps.
- Only Novlr lists a web app.
- Scrivener can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Novelists and academics managing book-length projects
- 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. Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Ellipsus also covers documents.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Co-authors, editors and beta readers working on fiction together
- 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). Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Only 4thewords lists a browser extension.
- 4thewords can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 4thewords also covers habit tracking and goals.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Writers who are motivated by game rewards and daily streaks
- Free trial · from $9.75/mo
Gingko Writer
Tree-based writing app that breaks long documents into cards
- Gingko Writer starts at $9.75 per month, billed yearly ($117). Novlr starts at $8 per month, billed yearly ($96); $10 billed monthly (Starter).
- Novlr has a free plan. Gingko Writer does not, though it has a free trial.
- Gingko Writer also covers Markdown.
- Novlr also covers grammar & style.
Suits: Writers who outline and draft at the same time
Limits worth knowing in Novlr
- The Free plan is limited to 2 projects; Starter allows 10 and only Studio is unlimited.
- The proofreader, the grammar and style checker, and Google Drive and Dropbox backups are Studio-only.
- It runs in a browser; the site lists no desktop or mobile apps, and offline use is described only as protection for unstable internet.
- Version history is 30 days on Starter and unlimited on Studio, and is not listed for the Free plan.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Novlr?
The alternatives to Novlr in this directory are Dabble, LivingWriter, Reedsy Studio, Scrivener, Ellipsus, 4thewords and Gingko Writer. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Novlr.
Is there a free alternative to Novlr?
Yes. LivingWriter, Reedsy Studio, Ellipsus and 4thewords have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Novlr alternatives work on Windows?
The Novlr listing does not include a Windows app. Dabble, LivingWriter and Scrivener list one.
Which Novlr alternatives work on macOS?
The Novlr listing does not include a macOS app. Dabble, LivingWriter and Scrivener 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.