Comparison

WriterDuet vs Permanote

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WriterDuet

This intuitive screenwriting software offers real-time collaboration and powerful features for writers on the go. Its user-friendly interface allows for instant writing, with robust tools for outlining, reporting, and revision management. Secure and industry-standard, it ensures your work is always saved and accessible.

Highlights
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Offline mode
  • Card outliner
  • Revision drafts
  • Automatic statistics
  • Export from any point
Features
Read full description

A simple and intuitive interface lets you dive into writing instantly on the go or as you lay in bed and stare at your phone screen (check out dark editor if that's you). While we've focused on ease of use for mobile, we also haven't restricted you from taking advantage of all of the power that WriterDuet has to offer on other platforms. So go wild! Industry-standard, secure, and intuitive screenwriting software. Features: • Real-time collaboration between users and devices • Smart line types and one-touch icons • Auto-save • Card outliner • Export from any point in history • Offline mode • Filter by line type or with custom tags • Scene & Location, Character Reports • Automatic statistics • Revision Drafts and Auto-Snapshots Testimonials: "WriterDuet is the most intuitive, most user-friendly scriptwriting software I’ve ever used.” – Ed Solomon (Men in Black, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure) “WriterDuet helped me escape Final Draft. Being web-based gives me the flexibility to write anywhere on any system. And I never have to worry about crashes and lost hours of work ever again. ... I recommend it to every other screenwriter I meet.” – Christopher Ford (SpiderMan: Homecoming, Robot & Frank) “The app saves my whole thought process for me. On top of that, these guys are iterating the app so fast, they're running circles around the industry leader. WriterDuet definitely feels like the future.” – Andy Bobrow (Community, Malcolm in the Middle, Last Man On Earth) "WriterDuet combines instinct and user-friendliness for a unique and exhilarating way for writers to collaborate, whether in real-time or in non-synchronized work. It has features that are vital for teamwork in scriptwriting. It's a meticulously-created gem, and a must-have for collaborations" - Jim Uhls (Fight Club) “Do yourself a favor and use WriterDuet.” – Alisha Brophy & Scott Miles (Nicholl Fellowship 2014 winners, White Girl Problems)

About

Permanote

This app allows writers to organize ideas and edit text files directly within Dropbox, synchronizing across devices. It offers a distraction-free writing environment and extensive customization options, with advanced features available through a Pro subscription.

Highlights
  • Dropbox file synchronization
  • Customizable macro key strip
  • Distraction-free writing mode
  • Multiple file preview formats
  • TextExpander support
  • Customizable themes and fonts
Read full description

Writers utilize Permanote to arrange their ideas while maintaining control and flexibility over their files. Permanote enables you to modify text files in your Dropbox and synchronize them across all your devices. Enhance your experience with a customizable macro key strip above the keyboard through a Pro subscription. Unlike other text editors that impose specific themes to set the mood or require storing notes in a single folder or exclusive file system, Permanote offers you freedom. Permanote is the go-to tool for organizing thoughts among writers from the New Yorker, BBC correspondents, and CEOs. Cherish your written work. IN-APP PURCHASES Permanote is free to use, with all main features included. To access extra Pro features, opt for a Pro subscription. FEATURES - Synchronize any text file within any folder of your Dropbox - Robust macro key strip above the keyboard - Personalize your macro strip (Pro) - Editor pinch-to-zoom functionality (Pro) - Full-screen, distraction-free "Writeroom" style editing - Touch ID / Passcode privacy support (Pro) - Create custom themes (Pro) - iPad Pro Smart Keyboard shortcuts - "Insert Tab" key - Email as PDF - Adjustable word wrapping - Word/Character/Line count - International file encoding options - Convenient scratchpad - Notepad/CRLF line options - Comprehensive Dropbox Search - TextExpander Support (Pro) - Hashtag support - Preview files in PDF, HTML, Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Rich Text-RTF - Customize CSS and Base URL for markup previews - Personalize editor colors (Pro) - Alter editor fonts (Pro) - Adjust line-spacing and margins - AirPrint - Built in photo editor with advanced features for Pro users REVIEWS "I absolutely LOVE your app." - Merlin Mann, creator of 43 Folders "Permanote is arguably the best tool for writers, bloggers, or journalists who need to work on the go." - AppAdvice.com "Permanote is worth a try if you're particular about your note-taking." - geek.com

Screenshots

WriterDuet4 screens
Permanote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: WriterDuet at none against Permanote's 2. WriterDuet also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). Permanote's advantage is rating (3.5 vs 3.1) and review sentiment (50% vs 37%). On price, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Permanote sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. WriterDuet asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Permanote holds the better App Store score, 3.5 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: WriterDuet has 72 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 37% of WriterDuet's written reviews are positive against 50% of Permanote's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WriterDuet ships an update every 2 months, Permanote every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
WriterDuet versus Permanote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWriterDuetPermanote
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (72 ratings)3.5 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews37.4% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings72 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 10 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size249 MB41 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperWriterDuet Inc.Screenplay & Script Pte. Ltd.

Customer experience

WriterDuet

All ratings72 ratings
Positive48.6%
Neutral11.1%
Negative40.3%
Written reviews230 reviews
Positive37.4%
Neutral9.6%
Negative53.0%

Permanote

All ratings4 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

WriterDuet

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Freezing on login screen
  • Disappearing text and formatting errors
  • Inability to access or export projects
  • Compatibility issues with newer devices
  • Inconsistent behavior across platforms

Requested features

5 requests
  • Offline mode support
  • Improved mobile app optimization
  • More customization options
  • Better integration with other writing tools
  • Expanded template and formatting options

Permanote

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

WriterDuet

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Permanote

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro Subscription7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro Subscription1 Month trial$17.991 Year

Questions

Is WriterDuet free?
WriterDuet is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Permanote free?
Permanote is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, WriterDuet or Permanote?
Permanote is rated higher. WriterDuet averages 3.1 out of 5 from 72 ratings, while Permanote averages 3.5 from 4 ratings.
Do WriterDuet or Permanote have ads?
Permanote shows ads; WriterDuet does not.
Which is updated more often, WriterDuet or Permanote?
WriterDuet ships an update every 2 months, and Permanote every 10 months. Most recently, WriterDuet was updated on October 17, 2026 and Permanote on October 17, 2026.

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