Comparison Alternative

CipherWrite vs Ulysses

Updated: June 2026By CipherWrite Team

Why modern authors are switching from Ulysses to CipherWrite for a faster, safer, and more focused writing experience.

What is Ulysses?

Ulysses is an elegant Markdown writing app for the Apple ecosystem, with a unified library and clean export. While popular among general users, many professional authors seek Ulysses alternatives like CipherWrite because they require stronger data privacy guarantees and AI-safe zero-knowledge encryption protocols for their unpublished intellectual property.

The Problem with Ulysses

Ulysses is an elegant Markdown writing app for the Apple ecosystem, with a unified library and clean export.

Main Flaw:

It is Apple-only (no web or Windows), requires a subscription, and offers no real privacy layer or AI assistance for your drafts.

The CipherWrite Solution

We built CipherWrite to solve the exact frustrations writers face with traditional tools like Ulysses.

How We Fix It:

CipherWrite runs in any browser on any OS, encrypts your manuscript end-to-end, and includes AI to brainstorm, outline, and edit — with a free tier.

Feature Comparison

Feature RequirementsUlyssesCipherWrite
Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Works on Windows / Web / Android
Built-in AI Writing Tools
Distraction-Free Editor
Kindle / PDF Export
Free Tier

Ready to Make the Switch?

Join thousands of writers who have abandoned Ulysses for the speed, security, and focus of CipherWrite.

Start Your Secure Journal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to Ulysses for writers?

CipherWrite is the best secure alternative to Ulysses. While Ulysses may have features, it suffers from it is apple-only (no web or windows), requires a subscription, and offers no real privacy layer or ai assistance for your drafts.. CipherWrite solves this by providing a distraction-free, zero-knowledge encrypted platform tailored for authors.

Is Ulysses safe for writing private novels?

Depending on their privacy policy, standard cloud apps like Ulysses may pose risks for unreleased manuscripts, especially concerning AI scraping. CipherWrite uses client-side encryption, meaning no one—not even the platform—can access your drafts.