Top 10 Best Writing Apps for Mac in 2025 to Boost Your Productivity

This guide cuts through that noise. We're diving deep into the best writing apps for Mac, but with a modern twist. We'll show you how to find the perfect tool that not only organizes your words but also integrates seamlessly with text-based AI to supercharge your productivity. Forget just fixing typos; we're talking about streamlining your entire content creation process, from brainstorming with AI assistants to polishing final drafts without ever leaving your app.

Each option in this list includes a hands-on review, key features, pricing, and specific use cases for solopreneurs, creators, and freelancers. We'll highlight which apps help you stay in that elusive flow state, turning your Mac into a focused writing powerhouse. Let's find the app that will finally click for you.

1. TypeBoost

TypeBoost isn't a traditional writing app where you store your documents. Instead, it’s a powerful AI utility that integrates into every text field on your Mac, fundamentally changing how you write and edit across all applications. It eliminates the constant app-switching and copy-pasting that kills productivity, allowing you to apply sophisticated AI prompts directly where you're working, be it in Gmail, Notion, or even a design tool like Figma. This makes it an indispensable tool for anyone serious about leveraging AI to enhance their daily writing workflow and be more productive.

What truly sets TypeBoost apart is its seamless, keyboard-first design. You can highlight any text, hit a global shortcut, and instantly access your custom prompt library to rephrase, shorten, or translate it. This is a practical way to integrate AI into your daily life for meaningful benefits—like rewriting a clumsy sentence in seconds. The unique Voice Mode is a game-changer for brainstorming; you can dictate ideas and have them transcribed and polished on the spot, turning spoken thoughts into professional text without missing a beat. This dual-mode approach makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac when it comes to speed and versatility.

Key Strengths & Use Cases

• System-Wide Integration: Use AI prompts in any app without ever leaving your current window. This is perfect for marketers drafting social media posts, developers writing documentation, or anyone replying to client emails.
• Custom Prompt Library: Build and save your own AI instructions to maintain a consistent tone and style. A solopreneur can create prompts to instantly generate LinkedIn posts that match their personal brand, boosting productivity.
• Voice-to-Text Enhancement: Dictate a rough draft and have TypeBoost not only transcribe it but also refine the language. This is ideal for creators who prefer thinking out loud to capture initial ideas, turning raw thoughts into structured text.

Pricing & Availability

TypeBoost is a macOS-exclusive desktop app. It offers a generous free plan that doesn't require a credit card, making it easy to try. For more advanced use, paid tiers include the Starter ($9/month) and Pro ($19/month) plans, which offer higher usage limits and more features.

Feature	Pros	Cons
Accessibility	Integrates across your entire macOS, making it universally useful.	Only available for Mac users.
Workflow	Keyboard-centric shortcuts and in-place editing create an incredibly fast workflow.	Voice Mode usage is capped based on your subscription.
Customization	Fully customizable prompt library allows for highly personalized AI assistance.	Can have a slight learning curve for keyboard shortcuts.

Learn more and get started at TypeBoost.ai

2. Mac App Store (Apple)

The Mac App Store is less a single app and more of the ultimate starting point for finding some of the best writing apps for Mac. Think of it as a secure, curated library where you can safely discover, purchase, and manage your software. Instead of hunting across the web, you get a centralized hub for top-tier tools like Ulysses, Scrivener, and Apple’s own Pages. Everything is tied to your Apple ID, making installation and updates a simple one-click affair.

What makes it essential is the trust factor. Every app is vetted by Apple, which dramatically reduces the risk of downloading sketchy software. The user reviews and editorial collections like "Apps We Love" are genuinely helpful for uncovering hidden gems. While the lack of traditional free trials can be a downside (many apps use freemium models instead), the unified billing and straightforward refund process through Apple provide peace of mind. For a hassle-free experience, starting your search here is a no-brainer.

• Best For: Mac users who prioritize security, ease of use, and a centralized system for managing their software purchases and updates.
• Key Feature: Seamless integration with the macOS ecosystem, including one-click installs and automatic updates.
• Website: apps.apple.com/us/mac

3. Setapp (MacPaw)

Setapp is like the "Netflix for Mac apps," and it’s a game-changer if you’re looking to find some of the best writing apps for Mac without buying each one individually. For a single monthly subscription, you get full access to a curated library of over 260 premium Mac and iOS applications, including powerhouse writing tools like Ulysses, MindNode, and Paste. Instead of facing multiple purchases, you get an all-you-can-eat buffet of high-quality software, all unlocked with no ads or in-app purchases. It’s an incredibly cost-effective way to build a powerful creative and productive workflow.

The platform shines by simplifying everything. Installation is seamless, updates are automatic, and you can explore new tools without buyer's remorse thanks to the 7-day free trial. While the app lineup can occasionally change, the value is undeniable for anyone who uses more than a handful of premium apps. By bundling writing apps with other top-tier macOS productivity apps, Setapp helps you create a streamlined system that boosts your entire workflow, not just your writing. For the solopreneur or creator who values efficiency and access over ownership, it's an unbeatable deal.

• Best For: Writers, creators, and professionals who use multiple premium apps and prefer a single, predictable subscription over individual lifetime licenses.
• Key Feature: A single subscription provides access to a large, curated library of 260+ fully-featured Mac and iOS apps without ads or in-app purchases.
• Website: setapp.com

4. Apple Pages (Apple iWork)

Often overlooked but incredibly powerful, Apple Pages comes pre-installed on every Mac, making it one of the most accessible and best writing apps for Mac by default. It strikes an impressive balance between a clean, minimalist word processor and a surprisingly capable page layout tool. Instead of overwhelming you with menus, Pages presents a streamlined interface that lets you focus on your words, but it also offers a fantastic collection of templates for everything from simple reports and resumes to beautiful newsletters and even e-books.

What makes Pages a standout choice is its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Your documents sync flawlessly across your Mac, iPad, and iPhone via iCloud, and real-time collaboration is incredibly smooth. While it may not have the granular power of Scrivener for novel writing or the markdown purity of Ulysses, it's perfect for most everyday writing tasks. The ability to export directly to PDF, DOCX, and even EPUB format for publishing to Apple Books makes it a versatile tool that’s already on your computer, completely free.

• Best For: Mac users needing a free, versatile, and beautifully designed app for everyday writing, from school essays and business reports to creative projects like newsletters and simple e-books.
• Key Feature: A powerful combination of word processing and page layout tools with stunning templates and seamless iCloud synchronization.
• Website: apps.apple.com/us/app/pages/id409201541

5. Ulysses (Ulysses GmbH)

Ulysses is the gold standard for writers who live and breathe in the Apple ecosystem. It’s a beautifully designed, distraction-free environment built for everything from blog posts to novels. Its core strength lies in its unified library, which organizes all your writing projects, notes, and ideas into a single, searchable interface. Instead of juggling dozens of documents, you manage everything in one place, using keywords, filters, and hierarchical groups to stay organized.

The app's Markdown-based editor is clean and powerful, keeping you focused on the words. But its real magic is in the seamless sync across Mac, iPad, and iPhone, ensuring your work is always available. You can further boost productivity by pairing Ulysses with a text-based AI tool. For instance, after drafting in its focused environment, use an AI assistant to instantly rephrase paragraphs or check for tone, all without breaking your creative flow. This combination of focused writing and smart editing is key for a modern workflow.

While the subscription model can be a sticking point for some, the consistent updates and robust feature set make it a worthwhile investment for serious writers. It’s undoubtedly one of the best writing apps for Mac if you value a pristine user experience and powerful organizational tools.

• Best For: Long-form writers, novelists, bloggers, and anyone who needs a powerful, organized, and distraction-free writing environment within the Apple ecosystem.
• Key Feature: A unified library that organizes all your writing in one place with powerful filtering and search capabilities.
• Website: ulysses.app

6. Scrivener (Literature & Latte)

Scrivener is less a word processor and more a complete writing studio for long-form projects. It’s the industry-standard tool for novelists, screenwriters, and researchers who need to organize complex narratives and extensive research. Instead of a single, intimidating document, Scrivener lets you break your work into manageable chunks-scenes, chapters, or ideas-and easily rearrange them on a virtual corkboard. This project-based approach makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac if you're tackling anything bigger than a blog post.

What truly sets Scrivener apart is its powerful "Compile" feature. Once you're done writing, you can export your manuscript into dozens of formats, from a standard Word doc to an ePub file for e-readers, all with precise formatting control. While there's a definite learning curve, you can make the process more productive by using text-based AI to brainstorm character profiles or summarize research notes before importing them into Scrivener’s binder. Its one-time purchase model is a refreshing change from endless subscriptions. For anyone serious about long-form writing, investing time to improve your writing workflow with Scrivener is a game-changer.

• Best For: Novelists, screenwriters, academics, and any writer working on large, research-heavy projects that require complex organization.
• Key Feature: The "Binder" view, which combines a manuscript outliner, a virtual corkboard, and a research repository in one interface.
• Website: literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview

7. iA Writer (Information Architects)

iA Writer is the holy grail for writers who believe that less is more. It’s a minimalist Markdown editor designed to eliminate distractions and put your words front and center. The app is famous for its clean, focused interface and exceptional typography, which creates a calm, productive writing environment. Instead of complex menus and formatting bars, you get a beautiful canvas that lets you concentrate purely on the text, making it one of the best writing apps for Mac for drafting articles, essays, and notes.

What makes iA Writer stand out are its thoughtful features designed to improve your prose. Focus Mode highlights only the sentence or paragraph you're working on, while Style Check helps you spot redundant words, clichés, and weak verbs. Although it's a one-time purchase on Mac, the iOS version is sold separately. While it may lack the complex project management of other apps, its simplicity is its greatest strength, helping you stay in flow and produce cleaner first drafts. For even more efficiency, you can learn how an AI-powered writing assistant can complement focused writing tools by streamlining your editing process.

• Best For: Writers, journalists, and students who want a beautiful, distraction-free environment for drafting and editing text using Markdown.
• Key Feature: Focus Mode combined with Style Check, which actively helps you write more clearly and concisely.
• Website: ia.net/writer

8. Bear (Shiny Frog)

Bear strikes a perfect balance between a powerful note-taker and a focused writing environment, making it one of the most elegant and versatile writing apps for Mac. It’s built around a clean, Markdown-based editor that feels incredibly fast and responsive. Instead of folders, Bear uses a flexible tagging system (e.g., #blog/drafts or #ideas/marketing) that lets you organize notes in multiple categories without duplicating them, a system many writers find more intuitive for managing complex projects.

What makes Bear stand out is its aesthetic. The app is simply beautiful, with customizable themes and typography that make writing a pleasure. Features like backlinks and folding sections for Markdown headers help you connect ideas and collapse long documents for better focus. While the free version is generous, the Bear Pro subscription is essential for unlocking iCloud sync between your Mac, iPhone, and iPad, plus advanced export options (like PDF and DOCX) and more themes. For a polished, Apple-centric writing workflow, Bear is a top-tier choice.

• Best For: Writers, bloggers, and note-takers who love Markdown and want a beautiful, fast, and flexible organization system based on tags.
• Key Feature: An elegant, tag-based organization system that replaces traditional folders for more fluid content management.
• Website: bear.app

9. Obsidian

Obsidian is less of a traditional writing app and more of a powerful, private knowledge base that lives on your Mac. It operates on a folder of local Markdown files, giving you complete ownership of your data without needing an account. This makes it a standout choice for writers who are building a "second brain" of interconnected notes, research, and manuscript fragments. Instead of linear documents, you create a web of linked ideas, which is ideal for complex, non-fiction projects or world-building in fiction.

What makes Obsidian one of the best writing apps for Mac is its radical customizability. Through a massive library of community-built plugins, you can transform its core functionality to fit any workflow, from a simple to-do list manager to a sophisticated academic research tool. The learning curve is steeper than with simpler apps, but mastering its bi-directional linking and graph view provides an unparalleled way to visualize how your ideas connect. For writers who thrive on organization and building a personal knowledge system, Obsidian is a game-changer.

• Best For: Academic writers, researchers, and anyone building a long-term, interconnected knowledge base alongside their writing projects.
• Key Feature: Local-first Markdown files combined with bi-directional linking and a highly extensible plugin ecosystem.
• Website: obsidian.md

10. Microsoft Word for Mac (Microsoft 365 / Office 2024)

Let’s be honest, Microsoft Word is the industry standard for a reason. While many modern apps focus on minimalism, Word remains the heavyweight champion for anyone needing deep formatting control, robust review tools, and universal compatibility. It’s the app most publishers, agents, and academic institutions require, making it an unavoidable and powerful part of the best writing apps for Mac conversation. The "Track Changes" and commenting features are still the gold standard for collaborative editing, providing a level of granular control that few competitors can match.

What keeps Word relevant on Mac is its full integration into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Your documents sync seamlessly via OneDrive, and the Mac version now receives feature updates just as quickly as its Windows counterpart. To be more productive, you can use text-based AI to quickly draft sections of a report or generate summaries, then paste them into Word for final formatting and collaboration. This approach lets you benefit from AI's speed while leveraging Word's powerful editing tools.

• Best For: Professional writers, academics, and anyone who needs to collaborate with editors or institutions that require .docx files and industry-standard review tools.
• Key Feature: Unmatched "Track Changes" and commenting functionality, making it the top choice for detailed, collaborative feedback and editing cycles.
• Website: microsoft.com/microsoft-365

11. Drafts (Agile Tortoise)

Drafts isn't where your writing lives; it's where it starts. This app is built on a simple, powerful idea: get text out of your head and into a digital space with zero friction. When you open Drafts on your Mac, you're instantly greeted with a blank page, ready for your thoughts. It’s the ultimate digital scratchpad, designed for capturing everything from fleeting ideas and meeting notes to the first lines of a blog post before you even know where it will end up.

Its true power lies in the "Actions" system. Once you capture text, you can process it with a single click, sending it to other best writing apps for Mac like Ulysses or Scrivener, creating a calendar event, or even publishing it as a tweet. This makes it an incredible productivity hub for writers who want to streamline their workflows. The core app is free and remarkably capable, but the Drafts Pro subscription unlocks advanced features like workspaces and enhanced automation. It’s an essential companion for any serious Mac writer.

• Best For: Writers who want an incredibly fast way to capture ideas and then use powerful automation to send their text to other apps and services.
• Key Feature: The "Actions" system, which allows for one-tap processing and exporting of text to countless destinations and formats.
• Website: getdrafts.com

12. Highland 2 (Quote-Unquote Apps)

Highland 2 is a beautifully minimalist app that started as a secret weapon for screenwriters and has since evolved into a powerful tool for all kinds of writers. Built around the simple Fountain markup language, it lets you format screenplays, manuscripts, and articles without ever touching a mouse. This makes it one of the best writing apps for Mac if you value pure, distraction-free focus. Just type, and Highland 2 handles the complex formatting behind the scenes, turning your plain text into a perfectly structured document.

What sets it apart is its elegant simplicity and thoughtful features. The app includes writing sprints to keep you productive, a scratchpad for jotting down stray ideas, and various templates for everything from a screenplay to a school paper. While its core strength is scripts, its clean interface is fantastic for any long-form prose. The standard version is free, offering more than enough to get started. Upgrading to the Pro version, available through an in-app purchase, unlocks advanced features like PDF watermarking and revision tracking.

• Best For: Screenwriters, playwrights, and prose authors who want a minimalist, text-first environment without complex formatting controls.
• Key Feature: Automatic formatting using the intuitive Fountain markup language, which converts plain text into professionally styled scripts and manuscripts.
• Website: quoteunquoteapps.com/highland-2/

Top 12 Mac Writing Apps Feature Comparison

Product	Core Features/Characteristics	User Experience/Quality ★	Value & Pricing 💰	Target Audience 👥	Unique Selling Points ✨
🏆 TypeBoost	AI prompt application system-wide, Text & Voice modes	★★★★☆ Keyboard-first, seamless	Free tier + Starter/Pro plans	Solopreneurs, creators, marketers	Always in workflow, prompt library, mix modes
Mac App Store (Apple)	Apple-vetted apps, one-click install, auto updates	★★★★ Simplest install & updates	Varies by app, mostly paid	General Mac users looking for apps	Safe, integrated app marketplace
Setapp (MacPaw)	Subscription to 260+ curated Mac/iOS apps	★★★★ Curated, no ads	Subscription-based	Power users needing many apps	Large app library on subscription
Apple Pages (Apple iWork)	Native word processor, iCloud sync, templates	★★★★ Free, well integrated	Free for Mac users	Mac users needing basic to mid writing	Free, seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Ulysses (Ulysses GmbH)	Focused Markdown writing, export, sync	★★★★★ Highly praised UX	Subscription model	Long-form writers, Apple ecosystem users	Markdown-based, automation, rich export
Scrivener (Lit. & Latte)	Project-based writing, corkboard, research binder	★★★★ Industry standard	One-time purchase	Novelists, researchers	Deep project management, comprehensive export
iA Writer (Information Arc)	Minimalist Markdown, Focus Mode, Style Check	★★★★ Elegant, distraction-free	One-time purchase	Writers wanting clean interface	Style Check, Markdown export
Bear ( Shiny Frog)	Markdown notes, backlinks, themes, private iCloud sync	★★★★ Polished, quick learning	Pro subscription for extras	Journalers, note takers	Beautiful UI, private sync
Obsidian	Local Markdown vaults, graph view, extensive plugins	★★★★ Highly customizable	Free core, paid sync/publish	Researchers, modular writers	Privacy-focused, powerful linking
Microsoft Word for Mac	Industry-leading word processor with review tools	★★★★★ Robust, ubiquitous	Subscription or one-time license	Editors, publishers	Best track changes & wide compatibility
Drafts (Agile Tortoise)	Fast capture, automation hub for text	★★★★ Free core, automation power	Free core, Pro subscription	Power users needing text capture	Instant notes + automation
Highland 2 (Quote-Unquote)	Fountain-first screenwriting, distraction-free	★★★★ Free + Pro	Free standard, subscription Pro	Screenwriters, prose writers	Script-focused, writing sprints

Make Your Mac a Smarter Writing Partner

Navigating the landscape of the best writing apps for Mac can feel overwhelming, but the journey is worth it. We've explored everything from the novelist's powerhouse, Scrivener, to the minimalist's dream, iA Writer, and the versatile note-taker, Bear. Each tool offers a unique environment tailored to specific creative and professional needs.

The most critical takeaway isn't about picking the app with the longest feature list. It's about finding the one that gets out of your way and lets your ideas flow. Your perfect writing partner is the app you forget you're using.

From Good App to Great Workflow

Simply installing a new application won't magically make you a more productive writer. The real transformation happens when you build an intelligent workflow around it. The modern writer's toolkit is no longer just a single piece of software; it's a combination of a focused writing environment and smart, system-wide assistance.

This is where integrating text-based AI becomes a game-changer. Instead of treating AI as a separate task, think of it as a layer that enhances your existing process. You can use it to:

• Refine your tone for different audiences, whether you're drafting a client email in Mail or a blog post in Ulysses.
• Brainstorm ideas without leaving your document, instantly generating outlines, headlines, or counterarguments.
• Summarize research or long documents to quickly grasp key points.
• Polish your final draft by fixing grammar, improving clarity, and ensuring your message lands perfectly.

By adopting AI as an everyday partner, you're not just writing faster. You're building a system that produces consistently higher-quality work with less friction. This streamlined approach is fundamental to a productive workflow. Of course, a great app is just one piece of the puzzle; for a broader perspective on managing your tasks, check out these excellent tips on how to stay organized at work.

Your Actionable Next Steps

So, where do you go from here? Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. Choose one or two apps from this list that resonate with your primary writing tasks and give them a genuine try.

1. Identify Your Core Need: Are you a long-form writer needing structure (Scrivener)? A minimalist who craves focus (iA Writer)? Or a creator who needs quick-capture and organization (Drafts, Bear)?
2. Commit to a Trial: Use your chosen app exclusively for one project. See how it feels in a real-world scenario, not just a five-minute test.
3. Integrate Smart Tools: Augment your chosen app with a system-wide AI assistant like TypeBoost. This ensures you have powerful writing help available everywhere, from your dedicated app to Notion, Gmail, and beyond.

Ultimately, the best writing app for your Mac is the one that empowers you to think clearly and create effortlessly. Combine that perfect environment with the intelligence of AI, and you'll turn your Mac into the most powerful writing partner you've ever had.

Ready to upgrade your entire Mac writing experience, no matter which app you choose? TypeBoost works seamlessly across all your applications, bringing world-class AI assistance directly to your fingertips. Stop switching tabs and start enhancing your writing everywhere with a single keyboard shortcut. Try TypeBoost today and see the difference.