Can I open-source Ulysses?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. SiYuan (46k stars), Zettlr (13k stars), LanguageTool (13k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Ulysses — self-host in one command and stop paying $5.99/mo.
People still pay for Ulysses because the paid tool is already present everywhere they write and its suggestions have been tuned across millions of documents. The recurring cost buys model quality, extension compatibility, dictionaries, releases, and sync, not just the visible interface.
xnative Apple polish, iCloud sync, mobile apps, and publishing integrations
xcross-device sync
xlarge proprietary style models
xbrowser and office-suite extensions
xteam style guides
These projects already replace it, free.
SSiYuanA local-first writing library with blocks, links, huge documents, and real exports; less monastic than Ulysses, much harder to lose.open source↗ZZettlrA serious Markdown desk with folders, writing targets, citations, and export machinery that occasionally admits Pandoc is under the hood.open source↗LLanguageToolGrammar, style and spell checker for 30+ languages; run the server locally and keep your prose private.open source↗What each one is, in full: SiYuan · LanguageTool
all 3 open-source alternatives to Ulysses →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Ulysses pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| monthly | $5.99/user | — | All Macs, iPads and iPhones on the subscriber's Apple Account |
| yearly | — | $3.33/user | All Macs, iPads and iPhones; Apple Family Sharing with up to 5 other family members |
| student | — | $1.83/user | All Macs, iPads and iPhones for 6 months; no Family Sharing |
| business / volume licensing | custom | — | Custom seat count for organizations |
free tierno free tier
billing$5.99 monthly or $39.99 yearly, both auto-renew; student option is $10.99 per 6 months and does not auto-renew
hidden costsUS prices can differ by App Store region; student pricing excludes Family Sharing, and business volume pricing is quote-only.
verified 2026-08-12 · source ↗
Can I open-source Ulysses?
Yes. SiYuan replaces Ulysses today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Ulysses cost?
Ulysses costs about $5.99/month (Personal, checked 2026-07-31), which is $71.88 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Ulysses?
Honestly: native Apple polish, iCloud sync, mobile apps, and publishing integrations; cross-device sync; large proprietary style models; browser and office-suite extensions; team style guides. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Ulysses?
Yes: SiYuan (A local-first writing library with blocks, links, huge documents, and real exports; less monastic than Ulysses, much harder to lose.) Zettlr (A serious Markdown desk with folders, writing targets, citations, and export machinery that occasionally admits Pandoc is under the hood.) LanguageTool (Grammar, style and spell checker for 30+ languages; run the server locally and keep your prose private.) All 3 curated open-source alternatives are at caniopensourceit.online/ulysses/alternatives.