# Write Only vs Narrative

The clearest difference is rating: Narrative at 4.4 against Write Only's 3.6. Narrative also leads on review sentiment (56% vs 33%) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 weeks). Write Only's advantage is iOS requirement (5.1.1 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Write Only sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Narrative sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Narrative holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Write Only's written reviews are positive against 56% of Narrative's.

Write Only ships an update every 6 weeks, Narrative every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Write Only | Narrative |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955/reviews) | **[4.4 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narrative-novel-writing-app/id1492724959/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **51** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **56.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 6 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [潮激 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/342075158) | [Mark Muhleder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1492724958) |

## What reviewers say

### Write Only

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/write-only/id590507955)

This app offers a distraction-free writing experience, mimicking a typewriter to help users focus on generating ideas. All content is saved permanently as a PDF, preserving formatting and layout. It features a fixed cursor for reduced errors and an extended keybar for easier access to common symbols.

**Highlights:** Typewriter-like writing experience, Permanent PDF saving, Fixed cursor for accuracy, Extended keybar, Focus on idea generation, Customizable fonts

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Fonts | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited New Pages | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Retro aesthetic
- ✍️ Focused writing experience
- 😌 Peaceful typing
- 💡 Simple and beautiful UI
- 💡 Accurate typewriter simulation

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Cannot delete words
- ❌ Cannot delete pages
- ❌ No save/export option
- ❌ Limited free pages
- ❌ Ads are distracting

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot backspace to remove words
- Cannot delete pages or erase
- Cannot save or export
- App crashes and deletes work
- Crashes with each delete

**Requested features**

- Add copy/paste functionality
- Add export to text option
- Add PDF conversion
- Add Russian language support
- Add Korean keyboard


### Narrative

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/narrative-novel-writing-app/id1492724959)

This app provides a distraction-free writing environment with a sleek interface and advanced editing tools. It offers seamless project synchronization across devices and robust security features. Goal-setting and customizable options enhance the creative process for writers of all levels.

**Highlights:** Distraction-free writing environment, Seamless project synchronization, Precision editing tools, Word count goals and progress tracking, Import/export in multiple formats, Customizable fonts, Flexible notes system

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Narrative Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Narrative Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Narrative Annual | $47.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Write Only free?

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

### Is Narrative free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Write Only or Narrative?

Narrative is rated higher. Write Only averages 3.6 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Narrative averages 4.4 from 51 ratings.

### Do Write Only or Narrative have ads?

Neither Write Only nor Narrative shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Write Only or Narrative?

Write Only ships an update every 6 weeks, and Narrative every 9 days. Most recently, Write Only was updated on October 12, 2026 and Narrative on October 16, 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.*