2026 Rankings
Best Writing App in 2026
We tested and ranked the top 7 free book writing apps based on privacy, features, usability, and value. Here's which one came out on top.
| # | App | Score |
|---|---|---|
| CipherWrite Best Overall — Free, Encrypted, Built for Writers | 9.8/10 | |
| 2 | Scrivener Best for Complex Manuscripts | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Standard Notes Best for Encrypted Note-Taking (Not Writing) | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Hermit Simple but Outdated | 6.5/10 |
| 5 | Google Docs Best for Collaboration (Worst for Privacy) | 6.2/10 |
| 6 | Notion Best for Everything Except Writing | 5.8/10 |
| 7 | Evernote The Fallen Giant | 5.0/10 |
#1
CipherWrite
Our PickBest Overall — Free, Encrypted, Built for Writers
Strengths
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Free tier with unlimited writing
- AI Humanizer & Privacy Checker
- Distraction-free editor
- Offline-first architecture
- Export to PDF/Word/Markdown
Weaknesses
- Chapter management coming soon
- No desktop app (PWA only)
#2
Scrivener
Best for Complex Manuscripts
Strengths
- Excellent chapter/scene management
- Corkboard view
- Powerful compilation/export
Weaknesses
- $49 one-time cost
- Steep learning curve
- Outdated UI
- No cloud sync
- No encryption
#3
Standard Notes
Best for Encrypted Note-Taking (Not Writing)
Strengths
- End-to-end encryption
- Cross-platform
- Open source
Weaknesses
- Not designed for writers
- No creative writing tools
- No distraction-free mode
- General-purpose app
#4
Hermit
Simple but Outdated
Strengths
- Simple interface
- Free to use
- Autosave feature
Weaknesses
- No zero-knowledge encryption
- No AI tools
- Outdated technology
- Limited features
- No offline mode
#5
Google Docs
Best for Collaboration (Worst for Privacy)
Strengths
- Free
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud-based
Weaknesses
- Zero privacy
- Data scanned by Google
- Not built for books
- No encryption
- Distracting interface
#6
Notion
Best for Everything Except Writing
Strengths
- Versatile workspace
- Templates
- Database features
Weaknesses
- Too complex for writing
- No encryption
- Data harvesting concerns
- Distracting
- Not built for long-form
#7
Evernote
The Fallen Giant
Strengths
- Web clipping
- Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- Bloated software
- Aggressive pricing
- Privacy concerns
- No encryption
- Feature decline since acquisition
Start with the #1 Free Book Writing App
CipherWrite earned the top spot for a reason. Zero-knowledge encryption, AI tools, and a distraction-free experience — all for free.
Start Writing Now