Best 5 Writer Apps Reddit Users Recommend for Distraction-Free Long Sessions

Ever try to write for hours, but your mind keeps wandering? Maybe it’s Twitter. Or YouTube. Or that endless desire to reorganize your files. Writers on Reddit totally get it. They’ve shared some of their favorite apps to help stay on track, zone in, and write like pros.

TL;DR

Reddit writers have tried everything to stay focused. These five apps stood out as the best for long, distraction-free sessions. They’re simple, customizable, and perfect for deep work. You’ll find one that fits your style—promise.

1. FocusWriter – The Old-but-Gold Favorite

This one comes up all the time on Reddit. FocusWriter is a super minimalist writing app that hides everything until you hover your mouse. No toolbars. No pop-ups. Just a blank canvas and your words.

• Totally free and open-source
• Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Custom themes, typewriter sounds, and daily goals

Redditors say it feels like typing on a comfy typewriter. Everything fades away. Your thoughts spill out without interruptions.

Why they love it: “Because it disappears. You don’t see anything but your story.”

2. IA Writer – Clean and Quiet Markdown Master

If you like Markdown and keeping things simple, IA Writer is a dream. It’s one of the most polished apps out there. Writers say its design is almost invisible, which is kind of the point. Nothing gets in your way.

• Works on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS
• Focus Mode << highlights current sentence, dims everything else
• Syntax Control shows your verbs, nouns, and more

It costs a bit, but Reddit thinks it’s worth it if you plan to write often. It’s especially loved by people who want their drafts to be clean, quick to format, and easy to export later.

Top Reddit comment: “IA Writer made me fall in love with writing again.”

3. Obsidian – Notes, Ideas, and Writing All in One

This one’s flexible. You can journal, outline books, brainstorm, and write chapters all in one place. Some Reddit users even use it for novels. Obsidian turns your notes into a galaxy of connections. It’s a markdown editor on steroids.

• Cross-platform and free for personal use
• Graph View – see how your notes connect
• Plugins galore: daily notes, word count goals, dark themes

Some say it’s “too much” for just writing, but others swear it helps them stay deep in their world. It’s highly customizable. You decide exactly how complex—or simple—you want it to be.

Why writers dig it: “It’s like having a second brain. I never lose ideas anymore.”

4. Ulysses – Apple’s Minimalist Powerhouse

Got a Mac or iPad? Ulysses is a beautifully designed writing app built for Apple users. Redditors who write books, blog posts, and even screenplays love how it organizes everything in one tidy place.

• Distraction-free writing with typing sounds
• Markdown enabled, cloud sync, and publishing tools
• Goal tracking and smart folders included

One downside: It’s not free. It’s subscription-based. But if you live in the Apple ecosystem and want one tool for everything from notes to novels, this is it.

From a Reddit writer: “I pay for Ulysses because it’s just so smooth. Like butter for writing.”

5. WriterMonk – Pomodoro-Focused Fun

This one’s a bit of a wildcard, but Reddit gave it some serious love. WriterMonk brings in fun elements like Pomodoro timers, distractions blockers, and achievement tracking. It’s built for writers who need motivation without stress.

• Built-in Pomodoro timer (25/5 setup)
• You earn “monk levels” as you write more
• Focus-lock feature blocks other apps for a set time

It’s quirky, but sometimes quirky is what keeps the words flowing. Especially on those days when your brain is just… not cooperating.

Reddit’s hot take: “Gives me enough reward to keep going without turning it into a game.”

So, Which One Should You Try First?

It depends on your vibe.

• Like clean screens and typewriter vibes? Try FocusWriter.
• Want perfect Markdown support? IA Writer is your app.
• Need a writing + notes brain dump? Go with Obsidian.
• All-in-one Apple feel? Ulysses nails it.
• Need motivation with structure? WriterMonk keeps it fun.

You’ll find Reddit has strong opinions. But try a couple to see what sticks. Most have free trials or basic options. What matters most is finding something that gets out of your way—and lets your ideas in.

Bonus Tips from Reddit Writers

• Turn off Wi-Fi when writing long sessions.
• Set a mini goal before every writing block (250-500 words).
• Use full-screen mode like a digital cave.
• Don’t edit while you write. Just go!

Apps help. But habits do too.

Final Thoughts

Staying focused and writing for hours doesn’t have to be a battle. These apps make it easier. Reddit users swear by them for a reason. Whether it’s the clean look, the built-in focus tools, or just how zen they feel, something on this list will help you enter the writing zone.

Pick one today. Write something. Then keep going. You’ve got stories to tell.