When it comes to writing across multiple devices—whether you’re bouncing between your laptop, smartphone, or tablet—it’s crucial to have the right tools that save progress, sync seamlessly, and offer distraction-free environments. Reddit, known for its honest and detailed user reviews, offers a treasure trove of insights on writing apps that stand out in functionality and reliability. This article dives into the top five writing apps Reddit users consistently recommend for cross-platform writing in 2024.
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TL;DR
Reddit users highly value writing apps that sync across devices, have intuitive interfaces, and allow offline work. The top five apps frequently recommended include Scrivener, Obsidian, Google Docs, Notion, and Ulysses. Each app offers different strengths—from long-form writing to spontaneous note-taking. Whether you’re a novelist, student, or journal enthusiast, there’s something here for every workflow.
1. Scrivener
Regarded as the gold standard for long-form writing, Scrivener is a powerhouse app especially beloved by novelists and researchers. Multiple Reddit threads point to its detailed outlining features and excellent organization tools.
- Cross-Device Sync: Syncs via Dropbox, allowing users access across Windows, macOS, iOS—but not Android.
- Strengths: Corkboard for scene planning, research binder, split-screen mode, and robust export capabilities.
- Weaknesses: Slight learning curve; Android users are out of luck unless they use workarounds.
One Redditor said, “Scrivener changed how I write my novels. I used to be disorganized, but now everything is in one place, from research to drafts.“
2. Obsidian
Obsidian has taken the writing world by storm, especially among Reddit users who are into knowledge management and markdown writing. It operates on plain text Markdown files and builds links between notes, making it incredibly appealing to students, researchers, and personal knowledge base creators.
- Cross-Device Sync: Uses Obsidian Sync or third-party tools like Git or Dropbox for cross-device access on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Strengths: Markdown-based, graph view of note connections, and heavy plugin support.
- Weaknesses: No direct collaboration features and may require some technical knowledge for advanced use.
Reddit comments frequently highlight Obsidian’s offline capabilities and endless customization. One user noted, “It’s my second brain—I don’t just write in it, I live in it.“
3. Google Docs
Google Docs remains a universally loved writing app on Reddit due to its simplicity, collaboration power, and ever-present accessibility.
- Cross-Device Sync: Flawless sync across all platforms thanks to cloud storage with Google Drive.
- Strengths: Real-time collaboration, commenting, version history, and integration with other Google Workspace tools.
- Weaknesses: Sometimes suffers from lag in large documents, and distraction from browser tabs may hinder deep work.
One Redditor summarized its appeal perfectly: “It’s always my go-to for any group project or quick writing task. It just works.“
4. Notion
Notion isn’t just a writing app—it’s a flexible all-in-one workspace. On Reddit, users love using it for daily journaling, article drafts, and project planning alike.
- Cross-Device Sync: Seamless syncing over cloud with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web.
- Strengths: Highly customizable templates, wiki-style organization, and beautiful interface.
- Weaknesses: Offline performance isn’t as reliable, and complex databases can slow down performance.
Redditors note that Notion feels like a creative playground. One comment reads, “Notion turned my digital life around. I use it as both a writing space and a planner.“
5. Ulysses
Ulysses is a favorite among Mac and iOS users, especially those who emphasize aesthetics in their writing workflow. Reddit communities that focus on minimalism and blogging almost always include Ulysses in the top three picks.
- Cross-Device Sync: Native iCloud sync works smoothly across macOS and iOS devices.
- Strengths: Clean UI, markdown support, word count goals, and export to multiple formats including ePub and PDF.
- Weaknesses: Limited to Apple ecosystem; no Windows, Android, or web support.
One Reddit user wrote, “Writing in Ulysses is like writing on satin. Deceptively simple, yet super powerful under the hood.“
Honorable Mentions
- iA Writer: Known for its distraction-free writing interface with cross-platform support.
- Joplin: An open-source note-taking app praised for privacy and markdown features.
- Drafts: Popular among iPhone users for quick capture and automation.
Choosing the Right App
Finding the best writing app largely depends on your writing style and ecosystem. Reddit users often advise making a checklist of your needs: do you need collaboration? offline editing? export features? With this list and community insight, you’re well on your way to a seamless, multi-device writing experience.
FAQs
What’s the best writing app for synchronization across multiple devices?
Google Docs and Notion offer some of the most seamless syncing experiences, as both are cloud-based and accessible from nearly any device with internet access.
Which writing app is best for long-form authors?
Scrivener is widely regarded as the best app for novelists, screenwriters, and academic writers due to its deep structuring tools and robust organizational features.
Are there good free options?
Yes. Obsidian offers a completely free personal use tier, and Google Docs is free with a Google account. Joplin is also free and open-source.
Can I collaborate in real-time with others?
Yes. Google Docs is the best option for real-time collaboration. Notion allows sharing and commenting, but isn’t ideal for multiple people writing simultaneously.
What app is ideal for markdown writing?
Obsidian, Ulysses, and iA Writer all support markdown with varying levels of additional features and formatting support.
Whether you’re penning a novel, taking class notes, outlining a new course, or blogging across devices, these writing tools recommended by Reddit users offer a range of capabilities to elevate your workflow. Do your own tests, check for compatibility with your devices, and dive in—your future self will thank you.