Dabble vs Ulysses
Dabble is a cloud-based app specifically designed for novel writing, offering features like a Plot Grid and goal tracking, whereas Ulysses is a general-purpose Markdown writing environment limited to Apple devices. Dabble costs $10 per month, while Ulysses is cheaper at $5.99 per month but lacks built-in novel planning tools. The key differentiator is platform: Dabble works on any device via browser, while Ulysses is exclusive to macOS and iOS. For a self-published author focused on novel structure, Dabble provides more specialized tools, while Ulysses offers a distraction-free writing experience for Apple users.
Pick Dabble
Pick Dabble if you want dedicated novel planning features like a Plot Grid and goal tracking, and you need cross-platform access via cloud.
Pick Ulysses
Pick Ulysses if you use Apple devices and prefer a clean, Markdown-based writing environment at a lower price, and you don't need built-in novel-specific tools.
At a glance
| Dabble | Ulysses | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Subscription ~$10/mo | Subscription ~$5.99/mo |
| Pricing model | Subscription | Subscription |
| Free option | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, Mac, Windows | Mac, iOS |
| Best for | Writing & Drafting | Writing & Drafting |
| AI features | No | No |
| Open source | No | No |
Dabble
dabblewriter.com
Cloud novel-writing app with Plot Grid, goal tracking, drag-drop scenes.
Visit Dabble ↗Ulysses
ulysses.app
Markdown-based distraction-free writing environment for Apple devices.
Visit Ulysses ↗See more options: Dabble alternatives · Ulysses alternatives