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Scrivener alternatives · Writing

Self-hosted alternatives to Scrivener

The Scrivener listing does not say it can be self-hosted. 4 of the 100 other writing tools in this directory can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

Scrivener is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows. 3 of them are free or have a free plan.

4 tools · Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from

How each one differs from Scrivener

  1. Overleaf

    Collaborative online LaTeX editor for papers and theses

    • Overleaf starts at $16.75 per month, billed yearly at $199 (Standard); students from $8.25. Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows.
    • Overleaf has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Overleaf lists a web app.
    • Only Scrivener lists macOS, Windows and iOS apps.
  2. Typst

    Markup-based typesetting system with a collaborative web app

    • Typst starts at $7.99 per month, billed monthly ($79.99 billed yearly). Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows.
    • Typst has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Typst lists a web app.
    • Only Typst lists a Linux app.
  3. Pressbooks

    Book publishing platform that exports EPUB, PDF and web books

    • Pressbooks starts at $12 per book / month ($120 billed yearly). Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows.
    • Only Pressbooks lists a web app.
    • Only Scrivener lists macOS, Windows and iOS apps.
    • Pressbooks is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
  4. LanguageTool

    Grammar and style checker for more than 30 languages

    • LanguageTool starts at $4.99 per month on a 2-year plan ($119.80); $69.90 billed annually. Scrivener starts at $23.99 one-time (iOS); $59.99 one-time for macOS or Windows.
    • LanguageTool has a free plan. Scrivener does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only LanguageTool lists a web app.
    • Only LanguageTool lists a browser extension.

Common questions

Is there a self-hosted alternative to Scrivener?

Yes. Overleaf, Typst, Pressbooks and LanguageTool can be self-hosted, according to their own sites.

Can Scrivener be self-hosted?

The Scrivener listing does not say it can be self-hosted. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these writing tools are free?

Overleaf, Typst and LanguageTool are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Scrivener: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.