Life & fun · alternatives · 2026

24 alternatives to Ulysses–a writing tool I built to refocus when my mind is too loud

Ulysses is a writing tool designed to help users regain focus during moments of mental clutter. Built by its creator in 2020, the application provides a distraction-free environment for writing when thoughts feel… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Ulysses–a writing tool I built to refocus when my mind is too loud launched in 2020; newer entries below may have overtaken it.

1. 1
   Ulysses III▲293

   A powerful writing tool for Mac, iPad, and iPhone

   2014 · its alternatives →

2. 2
   Ulysses 18▲119

   A writing app that helps you focus on what you want to say

   2019 · ulysses.app · its alternatives →

3. 3
   Ulysses 21 for iOS▲110

   Writing app with grammar & style check in over 20 languages

   2020 · blog.ulysses.app · its alternatives →

4. 4MT
   Muse – Tool for Thought on iPad▲266

   2020 · launch-preview.museapp.com · its alternatives →

5. 5
   Ulysses 20▲22

   Writing app with grammar & style check in over 20 languages

   2020 · ulysses.app · its alternatives →

6. 6
   Ulysses for iPhone▲165

   Write. Anything. Anywhere.

   2016 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →

7. 7
   Muse for Setapp▲253

   Clear thinking now in Dark mode, calm your mind & your eyes

   2024 · allume.com · its alternatives →

8. 8
   IO▲633

   A light-weight and powerful editor for authentic writing

   2016 · its alternatives →

9. 9
   Writefull▲511

   A tiny tool to help you write better

   2014 · writefull.com · its alternatives →

10. 10
    EduWiz.AI▲367

    Write magical paperwork in seconds with AI

    2024 · its alternatives →

11. 11
    Ulysses with Micro.blog Publishing▲6

    Writing app that lets you publish directly to you blogs

    2021 · ulysses.app · its alternatives →

12. 12
    Blurt▲443

    Writing tool optimized for productivity and focus

    2018 · blurt.app · its alternatives →

13. 13
    Txt Muse▲122

    Write 10x better, not 10x faster

    2023 · txtmuse.com · its alternatives →

14. 14
    Simply Write▲154

    Distraction-free writing tool

    2025 · simplywrite.online · its alternatives →

15. 15
    Pencil▲97

    An intelligent writing environment for novelists.

    2018 · its alternatives →

16. 16
    Simpler.ai▲95

    AI-powered writing made simple, distraction-free

    2023 · simpler.ai · its alternatives →

17. 17WE
    Write every day, measure your progress, achieve your writing goals▲262

    A powerful tool will that help you to develop a daily writing habit, become prolific, and master the art of writing in a fun and engaging way.

    2018 · writingstreak.io · its alternatives →

18. 18
    Ulysses 13▲12

    The ultimate writing app. Apple Design Award Winner

    2018 · its alternatives →

19. 19
    WriteMapper▲236

    Get from idea 💭 to final draft 📄 in no time using mind maps

    2017 · writemapper.com · its alternatives →

20. 20
    Write▲117

    📝 A writing app to combat writer's block, distractions, etc.

    2017 · write.surge.sh · its alternatives →

21. 21
    Owlscroll▲82

    A tool for guarding thoughts through time.

    2019 · owlscroll.io · its alternatives →

22. 22
    Shakespeare AI Writing Toolbar▲106

    All in one AI writing toolbar - available anywhere

    2023 · shakespearetoolbar.com · its alternatives →

23. 23
    WriteMapper 4▲131

    Content writing productivity tool that uses AI and mind maps

    2023 · writemapper.com · its alternatives →

24. 24
    Semantic AI▲97

    The fullstack AI writing suite, that gives you back control

    2023 · semanticai.app · its alternatives →

Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →