Hearth vs Ulysses: Which Minimal Editor Is Right for You?
Both Hearth and Ulysses are clean, focused writing apps. But they serve different writers. Ulysses is a polished Apple-only Markdown editor. Hearth is a cross-platform writing habit machine with AI built in. Here's how they compare.
Quick Take
If you're in the Apple ecosystem and want Markdown publishing, Ulysses is solid. If you want AI assistance, writing streaks, cross-platform access, and beta reader tools—try Hearth.
Try Hearth freeFeature Comparison
| Feature | Hearth | Ulysses |
|---|---|---|
| Works on Windows, Mac, Linux, any browser | Yes | No |
| Minimal distraction-free editor | Yes | Yes |
| Project & folder organization | Yes | Yes |
| AI writing suggestions | Yes | No |
| Writing streak tracking | Yes | No |
| Daily writing goals | Yes | Yes |
| Email & Discord reminders | Yes | No |
| Document sharing & reviews | Yes | No |
| Custom themes & full color control | Yes | No |
| Version history | Yes | Yes |
| Markdown support | Yes | Yes |
| iCloud sync | No | Yes |
| Native Mac/iPad app | No | Yes |
| Publish to WordPress/Medium | No | Yes |
The Platform Problem
Ulysses requires macOS or iOS. If you own a Windows PC, a Chromebook, a Linux machine, or an Android phone—you're out of luck. Hearth works everywhere a browser works.
This matters more than people think. Inspiration doesn't wait for you to be at your MacBook. With Hearth, you can capture ideas on any device and your writing syncs automatically.
AI Writing Assistance
Hearth includes AI tab-complete powered by OpenAI. When you're stuck on a sentence, hit tab and get an intelligent continuation. It's not about replacing your voice—it's about maintaining momentum when the words won't come.
Ulysses doesn't include AI writing features. You'd need a separate tool or subscription to get similar functionality.
Building Writing Habits
Both apps have daily writing goals, but Hearth goes much further. Writing streak tracking, visual progress dashboards, and email/Discord reminders create an accountability system that actually keeps you writing.
Ulysses shows word count goals but doesn't track streaks or send reminders. The difference matters when motivation dips.
Sharing and Feedback
Ulysses can publish directly to WordPress and Medium—great for bloggers. Hearth focuses on sharing drafts with beta readers and collecting structured reviews. Different strengths for different needs.
Pricing
Hearth
- 7-day free trial, no card required
- All features + AI included
- Works on every platform
Ulysses
- 14-day trial
- Apple devices only
- No AI writing features
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hearth better than Ulysses?
It depends on your workflow. Hearth is better for writers who want AI writing assistance, writing streak tracking, and cross-platform access from any device. Ulysses is better for Mac/iPad users who want a polished Markdown editor with direct publishing to WordPress and Medium.
Does Ulysses have AI writing features?
No. Ulysses does not include AI writing assistance. Hearth includes AI tab-complete powered by OpenAI that suggests what comes next as you write, helping you maintain momentum when you get stuck.
Can I use Ulysses on Windows?
No. Ulysses is exclusively available on macOS and iOS. If you use Windows, Linux, Chromebook, or Android, you cannot use Ulysses. Hearth is fully web-based and works on any device with a browser.
How much does Ulysses cost compared to Hearth?
Ulysses costs $5.99/month (or $49.99/year) and is limited to Apple devices. Hearth costs $6.99/month with a 7-day free trial, no credit card required, and works on every platform. Both include all features in their subscription.
Can Ulysses track writing streaks and daily goals?
Ulysses has basic daily word count goals but does not track writing streaks or send reminders. Hearth includes full writing streak tracking, daily goals, and email/Discord reminders to help you build a consistent writing habit.