# Lists for Writers vs Writerly

The clearest difference is price: Writerly at Free against Lists for Writers's $2.99. Lists for Writers's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (494 vs 112). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Writerly is free to download; Lists for Writers costs $2.99 up front. Writerly sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Lists for Writers asks for nothing beyond the download.

Lists for Writers holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 494 and 112 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of Lists for Writers's written reviews are positive against 76% of Writerly's.

Lists for Writers ships an update every 9 months, Writerly every 10 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lists for Writers | Writerly |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (494 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lists-for-writers/id506577862/reviews)** | [4.5 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writerly/id1143101981/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **494** | 112 |
| Positive reviews | **84.0% of reviews** | 76.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thinkamingo](https://appshunter.io/developer/506577865) | [Russell Archer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1112550413) |

## What reviewers say

### Lists for Writers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lists-for-writers/id506577862)

This app provides extensive lists of prompts and ideas for creative writers. It covers a wide range of categories including character traits, plot lines, settings, and vocabulary to aid in brainstorming and writing projects. Features like shuffling, searching, and an integrated notepad enhance the user's creative process.

**Highlights:** Extensive lists of writing prompts, Character, plot, and setting ideas, Search and shuffle functionality, Integrated notepad for collecting ideas, Dictionary support for word lookup, Multitasking support on iPad

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Writerly

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/writerly/id1143101981)

This app guides aspiring and experienced writers through creative writing with advice, exercises, and AI-powered tools. It offers features to spark creativity, brainstorm ideas, research, and develop characters, acting as a constant writing companion.

**Highlights:** AI Toolkit for research and brainstorming, Character development tools and exercises, Daily writing prompts, Techniques to combat writer's block, Sensory detail guidance, Built-in timer for exercises, Home screen widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A Year of Prompts | $0.99 | one-time |
| Ways into Character | $1.99 | one-time |
| Meet your Characters | $1.99 | one-time |
| AI Toolkit | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lists for Writers free?

Lists for Writers costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Writerly free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lists for Writers or Writerly?

Lists for Writers is rated higher. Lists for Writers averages 4.7 out of 5 from 494 ratings, while Writerly averages 4.5 from 112 ratings.

### Do Lists for Writers or Writerly have ads?

Neither Lists for Writers nor Writerly shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lists for Writers or Writerly?

Lists for Writers ships an update every 9 months, and Writerly every 10 months. Most recently, Lists for Writers was updated on October 29, 2026 and Writerly on October 29, 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.*