# Ulysses vs Stylus Labs Write

The clearest difference is monetization model: Stylus Labs Write at free with in-app purchases against Ulysses's subscription. Stylus Labs Write also leads on review sentiment (82% vs 67%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). Ulysses's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (2.1K vs 295). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ulysses sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Stylus Labs Write sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stylus Labs Write holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ulysses has 2.1K ratings behind it against 295, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Ulysses's written reviews are positive against 82% of Stylus Labs Write's.

Ulysses ships an update every 3 weeks, Stylus Labs Write every 7 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ulysses | Stylus Labs Write |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses-writing-app/id1225570693/reviews) | **[4.8 (295 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylus-labs-write/id1580794413/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 295 |
| Positive reviews | 67.1% of reviews | **82.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 274 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ulysses GmbH & Co. KG](https://appshunter.io/developer/385113765) | [Matthew White](https://appshunter.io/developer/1498369427) |

## What reviewers say

### Ulysses

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ulysses-writing-app/id1225570693)

A distraction-free writing environment for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It offers robust document management, seamless syncing, and flexible export options for writers of all kinds. Includes a proofreader and editing assistant.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free editor, Unified document library, Cross-device sync, Built-in proofreader, Flexible export options (PDF, DOCX, eBook, HTML), Direct publishing to blogs

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $5.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plan | $39.99 | per year |
| Student Offer | $10.99 | one-time |
| Perpetual License | $199.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless syncing across devices
- 👍 Simple, distraction-free writing experience
- 💡 Powerful organization and formatting features
- 🦋 Beautiful, customizable interface
- ✨ Excellent for focused writing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Occasional sync issues
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy and lock-in
- 📚 Limited support for advanced formatting (tables, formulas, etc.)
- 🤔 Steep learning curve for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Unexpected data loss or file corruption
- Slow performance on older devices
- Unreliable iCloud sync
- Formatting issues when exporting to other formats

**Requested features**

- Improved collaboration and sharing features
- Better integration with reference managers and citation tools
- More flexible export options and compatibility
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Ability to hide Markdown syntax


### Stylus Labs Write

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylus-labs-write/id1580794413)

This app offers advanced tools for managing and editing handwritten notes and documents. It supports cloud integration, vector graphics, and includes features for intelligent selection, reflowing text, and creating links. It's ideal for note-taking, brainstorming, and sketching.

**Highlights:** Intelligent selection, erase, and move tools, Reflow handwritten text with insert space, Create handwritten links and bookmarks, Save and paste clippings, Unlimited undo/redo jog dial, Split view for dual document editing, Standard note-taking and drawing tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full version | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ulysses free?

Ulysses is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Stylus Labs Write free?

Stylus Labs Write is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Ulysses or Stylus Labs Write?

Stylus Labs Write is rated higher. Ulysses averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Stylus Labs Write averages 4.8 from 295 ratings.

### Do Ulysses or Stylus Labs Write have ads?

Neither Ulysses nor Stylus Labs Write shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ulysses or Stylus Labs Write?

Ulysses ships an update every 3 weeks, and Stylus Labs Write every 7 months. Most recently, Ulysses was updated on September 24, 2026 and Stylus Labs Write on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*