best writing apps for mac: Top picks in 2025

The blank page can feel intimidating, but the right tool can turn it into a canvas for your best ideas. Whether you're drafting a novel, outlining a research paper, taking class notes, or just trying to organize your thoughts, the Mac ecosystem is filled with powerful writing applications. But with so many options, how do you find the one that truly fits your personal workflow?

This guide cuts through the noise. We're going to explore the absolute best writing apps for Mac, breaking down their unique strengths, ideal use cases, and honest limitations. We'll look at everything from powerhouse project managers like Scrivener and the minimalist focus of iA Writer to innovative speech-to-text tools like MurmurType that let you dictate your thoughts with impressive accuracy.

Our goal is simple: to give you all the information you need to make a confident choice. For each app, you'll find a detailed analysis covering standout features, pros and cons, and pricing, complete with screenshots and direct links to get started. While choosing the right Mac app is key, exploring other essential writing tools for authors can further boost your productivity and creativity.

This isn't just a list; it's a roadmap to finding your perfect digital writing partner. We'll help you pinpoint the application that will help you write more effectively, stay organized, and finally bring your projects to life. Let’s dive in and match you with the software that feels like it was made just for you.

1. MurmurType

MurmurType isn't a traditional writing app; it's a powerful speech-to-text engine that transforms how you write on your Mac. Instead of typing, you can simply speak your thoughts, and MurmurType captures them with impressive accuracy directly into any application you’re using, from Google Docs and Scrivener to your email client or even a code editor. This makes it an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to write faster, brainstorm more fluidly, or overcome writer's block by verbalizing ideas.

What truly elevates MurmurType as one of the best writing apps for Mac is its deep commitment to both user privacy and workflow integration. It’s built from the ground up for macOS, offering a seamless experience with features like a global hotkey to start dictation instantly. You don't have to copy and paste text from a separate window; it types where your cursor is, preserving your creative momentum.

Why MurmurType is Our Top Choice

MurmurType stands out for its unique blend of flexibility, accuracy, and privacy, a combination rarely found in dictation software. User testimonials consistently praise its ability to correctly punctuate sentences and capture specialized terminology, from academic jargon to whispered dialogue, with minimal errors. This level of reliability makes it a go-to tool for drafting everything from research papers to first-draft novels.

The app's most significant advantage is its flexible deployment model. You can choose the setup that best fits your needs:

• Local-Only Mode: All transcription happens directly on your Mac. No data is ever sent to the cloud, offering maximum privacy and security for sensitive work.

• BYO API Key: If you already have an OpenAI key, you can connect it to leverage powerful cloud-based models while maintaining control over your API usage.

• Managed Cloud Service: For ultimate convenience, you can use MurmurType’s built-in cloud service without needing to manage your own API keys.

This three-pronged approach ensures that every user, from the privacy-conscious academic to the busy professional, can find a workflow that suits them perfectly.

Pricing, Pros & Cons

MurmurType’s pricing is as flexible as its technology, offering options for different budgets and usage patterns.

A 7-day free trial is available, and purchases come with a two-week money-back guarantee.

• Pros:

  • Privacy-First Options: Full on-device transcription ensures your data stays on your Mac.

  • Flexible Pricing: A rare one-time purchase option alongside affordable subscriptions.

  • Seamless Mac Integration: Global hotkey and direct text insertion work in any app.

  • High Accuracy: Excels at capturing complex terms and natural speech patterns.

• Cons:

  • macOS-Only: No native support for Windows, iOS, or Android devices.

  • Resource Use: Local mode requires downloading large machine learning models and can be resource-intensive.

Website: https://murmurtype.me

2. Mac App Store (Apple)

While not a writing app itself, the Mac App Store is the central hub for discovering, purchasing, and managing the best writing apps for Mac. Think of it as your trusted starting point. It’s Apple’s official marketplace, meaning every app is vetted for security and performance, which provides peace of mind you won't get from downloading software from random websites.

The store excels at curation. Apple’s editors frequently feature collections like "Powerful Writing Tools" or "Apps for NaNoWriMo," making it easy to find high-quality options you might otherwise miss. User ratings and detailed privacy "nutrition labels" give you a transparent look at what you’re getting before you click buy or subscribe.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The biggest advantage is simplicity and trust. One-click installations and automatic updates remove all the friction of software management. Plus, any purchases are tied to your Apple ID, making it easy to re-install apps on a new Mac. For families, the Family Sharing feature can be a budget-saver, allowing you to share eligible app purchases with family members.

• Standout Feature: Curated collections and editorial picks that highlight top-tier writing software.

• Best For: Anyone who values security, convenience, and a streamlined way to discover and manage their writing toolkit.

• Pro Tip: Always check if an app developer offers a direct-from-website purchase option. Sometimes developers offer different pricing, bundles, or trial versions that aren't available on the Mac App Store.

• Website: apps.apple.com/us/mac

3. Setapp

Setapp is a unique subscription service that offers a different way to access the best writing apps for Mac. Instead of buying apps one by one, you pay a single monthly fee for access to a curated library of over 260 Mac and iOS applications. This "Netflix for apps" model includes a fantastic collection of writing tools like Ulysses, MindNode, and Paste, making it an incredible value for writers who use multiple specialized programs.

The service is designed for frictionless discovery. You can install any app from the catalog with a single click, and all apps are the full-featured versions with no ads or in-app purchases. It’s perfect for trying out different workflows, like pairing a mind-mapping app with a long-form editor, without the financial commitment of purchasing each one individually. Updates are handled automatically, keeping your toolkit current.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The primary advantage is cost-effectiveness and exploration. If you need two or three premium apps from its catalog, the subscription often pays for itself. It encourages you to experiment with powerful software you might not otherwise have purchased. The downside is that you don't own the licenses; if you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the apps. However, for a writer building a versatile and ever-evolving toolkit, it’s an unparalleled resource.

• Standout Feature: A single subscription unlocks a massive, curated library of premium writing, productivity, and utility apps.

• Best For: Prolific writers and content creators who use a variety of specialized tools and want to experiment without high upfront costs.

• Pro Tip: Use the 7-day free trial to its full potential. Identify the top five or six writing-related apps you're interested in and put them through their paces to see if the subscription value works for your specific needs.

• Website: https://setapp.com/pricing

4. Scrivener (Literature & Latte)

Scrivener is less of a writing app and more of a complete writing studio. It’s the go-to choice for authors, academics, and screenwriters who need to manage complex, long-form projects like novels, dissertations, or scripts. Instead of a single document, Scrivener uses a "binder" system, allowing you to break your project into manageable chunks of text, research notes, images, and PDFs, all in one place.

The power of Scrivener lies in its organizational tools. You can rearrange scenes using a virtual corkboard, outline your entire manuscript, and set word count targets for individual sections. Its true magic, however, is the "Compile" feature, which lets you export your project into a huge variety of formats-from a standard Word document to a Kindle-ready ePub-with total control over formatting. This level of versatility makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac for anyone serious about publishing.

Why It's a Powerhouse Tool

Scrivener excels at keeping everything related to your writing project in one window, ending the chaos of juggling multiple documents and research folders. While it has a steeper learning curve than minimalist apps, the investment pays off with unparalleled control over structure and output. Its robust features make it particularly valuable for complex narratives and research-heavy work. For screenwriters, it's a top-tier choice; you can find more details in our guide to the best apps for screenwriters.

• Standout Feature: The powerful "Compile" function that provides granular control over exporting your project to nearly any format imaginable.

• Best For: Novelists, academics, screenwriters, and anyone working on long-form projects that require extensive research and organization.

• Pro Tip: Take advantage of the generous 30-day trial, which counts only the days you actually use the app. This gives you ample time to see if its workflow fits your style before committing.

• Website: www.literatureandlatte.com

5. Ulysses

Ulysses is the quintessential subscription-based writing environment for Apple enthusiasts. It merges a powerful, feature-rich Markdown editor with a beautifully clean, distraction-free interface. Designed for writers who work on long-form projects like novels, theses, or a series of blog posts, its strength lies in its superb organization. All your texts live in a single, unified library that syncs flawlessly across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone via iCloud, so your work is always with you.

The app offers robust project management tools without feeling cluttered. You can set daily or project-based writing goals, attach keywords, add notes and images, and easily restructure your work by dragging and dropping sheets. When you're ready to share, Ulysses provides a range of professional export options, including PDF, DOCX, ePub, and direct publishing to WordPress, Ghost, and Medium.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

Ulysses excels at providing a seamless, end-to-end writing workflow. The experience is incredibly polished, from the first draft to the final export. The subscription model ensures a steady stream of updates and top-notch support, making it a reliable choice for serious writers. While the recurring cost is a consideration, the value of having a single, consistently updated app across all your Apple devices is a major draw for many. Its combination of organization and elegant design makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac for those committed to the Apple ecosystem.

• Standout Feature: A unified library with powerful organizational tools and seamless iCloud sync across all Apple devices.

• Best For: Bloggers, authors, academics, and journalists who need to manage large writing projects and value a pristine, integrated experience.

• Pro Tip: Use the "Goals" feature to set a word count or character target for a specific sheet or group. It provides a visual progress indicator that can be a great motivator for improving your writing speed and consistency.

• Website: ulysses.app/pricing

6. iA Writer

iA Writer is the epitome of focused writing, designed to strip away all distractions and let your words take center stage. This minimalist Markdown editor is built on the philosophy that a clean, quiet environment fosters clarity of thought. It’s not about flashy features or complex menus; it’s about providing a direct, uncluttered path from your brain to the page, making it one of the best writing apps for Mac for pure, unadulterated drafting.

The app’s design is intentional and powerful. Its famous Focus Mode grays out everything except the current sentence or paragraph, pulling you deep into your work. It also features Syntax Highlight, which identifies parts of speech like nouns, verbs, and adjectives, helping you refine your prose and cut down on fluff. Everything is stored as plain text files, giving you full ownership and portability of your work.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The biggest draw for iA Writer is its "buy once, own forever" model on Mac. In a world of subscriptions, paying a single, fair price for a robust tool is a breath of fresh air. It is exceptionally fast and lightweight, handling long documents without a stutter. This makes it a trusted companion for everything from blog posts and academic papers to the first draft of a novel.

• Standout Feature: The combination of Focus Mode and Syntax Highlight creates an unparalleled environment for deep, concentrated writing and editing.

• Best For: Writers, journalists, and students who value a minimalist interface and want to eliminate distractions to focus purely on drafting content.

• Pro Tip: Use iA Writer’s seamless iCloud sync to start a draft on your Mac and continue editing on your iPhone or iPad (requires a separate iOS purchase) without missing a beat.

• Website: ia.net/writer/get/buy

7. Bear

Bear is where beautiful design meets powerful, flexible writing. It’s a Markdown-based notes app that feels perfectly at home on a Mac, serving as an ideal space for everything from quick thoughts and journal entries to drafting long-form articles. Its clean, minimalist interface gets out of your way, letting you focus purely on your words, but its powerful tag-based organization system makes it incredibly easy to manage a growing library of notes.

Unlike traditional folder structures, Bear uses hashtags (like #ideas or #drafts/blog) to create a fluid, nested organization system. This modern approach allows a single note to live in multiple categories without duplication. The free version is generous, but upgrading to Bear Pro unlocks its full potential with iCloud sync across all your Apple devices, a variety of themes, and advanced export options like PDF and DOCX.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The appeal of Bear lies in its elegant simplicity and its Mac-native performance. It’s fast, responsive, and a joy to use. The inline support for images and attachments makes it more versatile than a simple text editor, turning it into a lightweight research hub. For those who value aesthetics and efficiency in their writing tools, Bear strikes a perfect balance, making it one of the best writing apps for Mac for everyday use.

• Standout Feature: A flexible, hashtag-driven organizational system that replaces rigid folders.

• Best For: Bloggers, students, and writers who want a beautiful, fast app for drafting, note-taking, and organizing ideas across their Apple devices.

• Pro Tip: Use nested tags (e.g., #project/drafts, #project/research) to create a powerful, hierarchical structure that’s still easy to navigate. The Bear Pro subscription offers a 14-day free trial.

• Website: https://bear.app

8. Notion

Notion is less a writing app and more an entire digital workspace, but for many Mac users, it has become the central hub for everything from first drafts to complex research projects. Its strength lies in its block-based editor, allowing you to seamlessly mix long-form text with databases, wikis, and project boards. This makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac for anyone whose writing process involves heavy research, outlining, and organization.

The platform’s flexibility is its biggest draw. You can build a simple, clean writing page or a complex dashboard that connects your manuscript to character profiles, plot timelines, and research notes. With a native Mac app that syncs flawlessly with its web and mobile versions, Notion ensures your entire writing ecosystem is always accessible. The free plan is incredibly generous for individual writers.

Why It's an All-in-One Powerhouse

Notion excels at connecting your writing to the context that surrounds it. Instead of having research in one app and your draft in another, everything can live together in an interconnected system. The multi-user collaboration features make it ideal for writing teams, allowing for real-time edits, comments, and granular page permissions. While it can feel a bit heavy compared to minimalist apps, its power for organizing large-scale projects is undeniable.

• Standout Feature: The flexible block-based editor that lets you embed databases, to-do lists, and web clippings directly into your writing documents.

• Best For: Academics, novelists, and teams who need to organize extensive research and collaborate on complex documents.

• Pro Tip: Use templates from the Notion community to jumpstart your writing setup. You can find pre-built systems for novel writing, content calendars, and academic research.

• Website: www.notion.so/pricing

9. Microsoft 365 (Word for Mac)

For decades, Microsoft Word has been the undisputed industry standard for word processing, and its modern home within the Microsoft 365 suite makes it a powerhouse on macOS. It’s the platform professionals, publishers, and academics turn to when compatibility is non-negotiable. More than just a writing app, the suite integrates Word with OneDrive cloud storage and other Office apps, creating a complete ecosystem for document creation and collaboration.

This native Mac version is packed with everything you'd expect: robust formatting tools, professional templates, citation management, and the indispensable "Track Changes" feature. The cloud-based nature of Microsoft 365 also means you get continuous updates, including emerging AI features and seamless syncing across all your devices, from your Mac to your iPad.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The primary advantage is its universal acceptance. Submitting a manuscript or a report as a .docx file guarantees that the recipient can open and view it exactly as you intended. The inclusion of 1 TB of OneDrive storage with Personal and Family plans provides a reliable cloud backup and makes sharing large files effortless. For users who need comprehensive dictation capabilities, Word integrates well with various tools; you can explore more about dictation software for Mac to enhance your workflow.

• Standout Feature: Best-in-class compatibility and its powerful "Track Changes" feature for collaborative editing.

• Best For: Professionals, academics, and anyone in publishing who requires maximum compatibility and industry-standard formatting tools.

• Pro Tip: Utilize the "Styles" feature to maintain consistent formatting across long documents like theses or books. It saves hours of manual work and ensures a professional look.

• Website: microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/mac/microsoft-365-for-mac

10. Google Docs (Google Workspace / Free Google Account)

Google Docs is the undisputed champion of collaborative writing and a staple for Mac users who need to work seamlessly with others. While it runs in a web browser rather than as a native app, its real-time co-authoring capabilities are second to none. It’s a free, powerful, and universally accessible word processor that only requires a Google account to get started, making it one of the most versatile best writing apps for mac when teamwork is the priority.

The platform shines with its live editing, commenting, and suggestion modes, allowing multiple users to draft and revise a document simultaneously without creating conflicting versions. Everything saves automatically to Google Drive, and its robust version history lets you roll back to any previous state of your document with a few clicks. For businesses, paid Google Workspace plans add enhanced security, administrative controls, and more cloud storage.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The primary draw is frictionless collaboration. Sharing a document is as simple as sending a link, and you can control who can view, comment, or edit. Its familiar interface requires almost no learning curve, and the ability to export to formats like DOCX and PDF ensures compatibility with other workflows. While its offline mode is functional, it’s not as reliable as a dedicated native application, making it best for users with a consistent internet connection.

• Standout Feature: Real-time collaboration with live cursors, comments, and suggestion tracking.

• Best For: Teams, students, and anyone needing to co-author documents, gather feedback, or share work effortlessly.

• Pro Tip: Use the "Make available offline" feature for key documents before you travel or lose internet access to ensure you can continue working.

• Website: workspace.google.com/pricing

11. Amazon (software marketplace / Microsoft 365 retail listings)

While it might seem unusual, Amazon is a surprisingly effective marketplace for acquiring some of the best writing apps for Mac, especially industry standards like Microsoft 365. Instead of subscribing directly, you can often buy digital codes for Personal or Family plans, sometimes at a discount during major sales events. It serves as a reliable retail hub for software that isn't exclusively on the Mac App Store.

The platform consolidates your software purchases alongside your other orders, providing a centralized history for digital codes and licenses. For users who prefer managing their subscriptions and one-time purchases through a single, familiar retailer, Amazon offers a convenient and often budget-friendly alternative. The process is straightforward: purchase, receive a digital code instantly, and redeem it on the developer's website.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The primary advantage is finding deals on retail software like Microsoft 365 or older versions of apps sold with perpetual licenses. Amazon’s frequent promotions and the ability to use gift cards or rewards points can lower the cost of essential writing tools. It’s also an excellent way to purchase a software subscription as a gift by simply forwarding the digital code. Your purchase history is always available, making it easy to find old license keys.

• Standout Feature: Frequent discounts and promotional pricing on Microsoft 365 and other retail Mac software licenses.

• Best For: Shoppers looking for retail deals on Microsoft 365, or those who prefer managing their software purchases through a single, centralized account.

• Pro Tip: Always verify that you are buying from the official developer or Amazon itself ("shipped and sold by Amazon") to avoid third-party sellers with questionable codes. Be sure to check the auto-renew settings after you activate your purchase.

• Website: www.amazon.com/dp/B07F3TQ6DQ

12. Apple Pages

Often overlooked but incredibly powerful, Apple Pages is the free, native word processor that comes with every Mac. It’s far more than a simple text editor; Pages is a beautifully designed app that excels at creating visually rich documents, from slick reports and newsletters to interactive digital books. If you need your writing to look as good as it reads, this is one of the best writing apps for Mac.

The app comes loaded with dozens of professionally designed templates that give you a massive head start on layout and design. Its seamless iCloud integration allows for real-time collaboration with others on Mac, iPad, iPhone, or even a PC using iCloud.com. For aspiring authors, its built-in ePub export feature provides a straightforward path to creating and publishing digital books.

Why It's a Go-To Resource

The biggest draw is its value and simplicity. Being completely free for all Apple users, it provides a premium, polished experience without any cost. It handles images, charts, and media beautifully, making it perfect for students, educators, and professionals who need to produce documents that are both informative and aesthetically pleasing. While it can import and export Microsoft Word files, its true strength lies within the Apple ecosystem.

• Standout Feature: A vast library of gorgeous, professional templates and powerful tools for creating visually stunning documents and ePub books.

• Best For: Students, small business owners, and casual writers who want a powerful, free, and easy-to-use word processor for creating beautiful documents.

• Pro Tip: Use the "Track Changes" and commenting features when collaborating. They work seamlessly across devices via iCloud, keeping everyone in sync without needing a third-party app.

• Website: apps.apple.com/us/app/pages/id409201541

Top 12 Mac Writing Apps — Features & Pricing Comparison

Choose Your Tool and Start Writing Today

We've journeyed through a comprehensive landscape of the best writing apps for Mac, from minimalist powerhouses to sprawling project management suites. The sheer variety can feel overwhelming, but the perfect tool for you is right here in this list. The key isn't finding a single "best" app, but rather identifying the one that aligns perfectly with your personal workflow, project type, and creative process.

Your choice is a deeply personal one. A novelist wrestling with complex timelines and character arcs will find a soulmate in Scrivener's binder system. A content creator who values a seamless, beautiful writing environment across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac will feel right at home with Ulysses. For those seeking simplicity and focus, the Markdown-centric approach of iA Writer or the elegant note-taking of Bear offers a distraction-free sanctuary for your words.

Making the Right Choice for Your Workflow

Selecting the right app comes down to self-awareness about your needs. Before you commit, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you.

• For the Power Organizer: If you are building a world, writing a dissertation, or managing a massive research project, you need structure. Look no further than Scrivener. Its non-linear approach and robust organizational tools are built specifically for managing complexity.

• For the Apple Ecosystem Enthusiast: If you live and breathe Apple, Ulysses is your champion. Its flawless iCloud sync, gorgeous interface, and powerful export options make it a joy to use across all your devices.

• For the Privacy-Focused and Verbally-Minded: If you value on-device security and think faster than you type, MurmurType presents a revolutionary workflow. Its private, offline speech-to-text capabilities allow you to capture ideas effortlessly and securely, making it an indispensable tool for first drafts and brainstorming.

• For the All-in-One Life Planner: If your writing is just one part of a larger productivity system, Notion is your command center. It combines documents, databases, and project management into a single, flexible workspace that can adapt to any need.

• For the Traditionalist: Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason. Microsoft Word remains the professional standard for collaboration in many industries, while Google Docs offers unparalleled real-time teamwork for free. And don't forget Apple Pages, a powerful and beautifully designed word processor that comes free with every Mac.

Your Actionable Next Steps

Feeling inspired? Good. Now it's time to turn that inspiration into action. Don't just read about these tools; experience them.

1. Identify Your Top Two Contenders: Based on the summaries and your personal needs, pick the two apps that sound most promising.

2. Start a Free Trial: Nearly every premium app on this list, from Scrivener to Ulysses, offers a generous free trial. Take full advantage of it. Use this time to import an existing project or start a new one to simulate a real-world use case.

3. Test Your Core Workflow: Can you easily organize your thoughts? Does the interface feel intuitive or cluttered? Try out the features that matter most to you, whether it's setting writing goals, exporting to different formats, or using a specific focus mode.

4. Evaluate the "Feel": This is subjective but crucial. The best writing app for your Mac is the one that makes you want to write. It should feel like a partner in your creative process, not a barrier.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a tool that melts into the background, letting your ideas take center stage. The perfect app gets out of your way, empowers your process, and helps you transform your thoughts into polished, finished work. We’ve shown you the options, but the next step is yours.

Choose an app, open a blank page, and begin. Your next great piece of writing is waiting.