19 Best Letter Writing Apps (2024)

Discover our guide with the best letter writing apps that will help you write flawless letters for personal and business purposes. Get started penning a creative letter today!

Imagine being able to craft elegant letters with the simple click of a few buttons — that’s exactly what you experience when using some of the best letter writing apps available in the wonderful world of writing. These intuitive apps offer sleek templates, writing assistance and customization options that you can tweak for any and every occasion where you might need to write a letter.

Whether you’ll use letter writing apps to improve your English readability, sound like a pro when sealing a business deal or practice some sales copywriting, plenty of IOS and Android apps are available for you to try out. 

Below, we’ll review the 24 best letter writing apps for 2023. Alternatively, if you’re writing a business letter and you want to wow your prospect, you’ll love our comprehensive guide on how to write a business letter.

1. Best Writing Assistant: Grammarly

Price: The premium plan costs $29.95 per month or $139 per year

Grammarly offers a simple interface from which you can open a document and type your letter. On the right, Grammarly will present you with potential writing errors like typos, overused words, and passive voice.

But what sets Grammarly apart from the other writing apps on this list is its new generative AI feature called GrammarlyGO. GrammarlyGO can generate letters personalized around who you’re writing to and what the occasion is.

With generative AI inside your letter writing app, you no longer have to struggle with writer’s block. You can have GrammarlyGO generate a letter for you. So if you’re interested in learning more about this AI, read our in-depth GrammarlyGO review.

Pros:

• According to my tests, Grammarly is the most accurate writing assistant
• You can scan your work for plagiarism 
• GrammarlyGO gives you the power of generative AI

Cons:

• The free plan is quite limited
• You can’t edit letters offline

2. ChatGPT

Price: ChatGPT has a free version and a paid version which costs $20 per month

If you’re looking for a free generative AI application and don’t care about grammar-checking features, then ChatGPT is an excellent option. You can sign up with your email address or Google account and start using the app immediately. There’s no need to enter your credit card information.

Once logged in, you’ll find a chatbox where you can either write your letter from scratch or ask the AI to write one for you. Simply tell the AI why you’re writing a letter, who you’re writing to, and what writing voice you’d like it to use, and after a few seconds, the AI will generate an output.

You can also follow up with more prompts if you want the AI to improve the letter based on your feedback. This removes the need to sit down and come up with creative ideas. You can just ask ChatGPT.

Pros:

• ChatGPT 4 is currently the most accurate generative AI
• All ChatGPT’s outputs are plagiarism-free
• ChatGPT is available on mobile, so you can generate letters when you’re out of the office

Cons:

• Although rare, ChatGPT can hallucinate, meaning it’ll generate nonsensical outputs
• The AI sometimes goes offline during peak hours 

3. Best For Adding Pictures To Your Letters: Canva

Price: Canva Pro is $6.49 paid monthly or $54.99 paid annually

If you’re adding infographics, pictures, and other forms of multimedia presentations to your letter, then I’d suggest writing directly inside Canva. With the easy drag-and-drop interface, you can customize your letter by moving the pictures and text around.

The only con is that Canva doesn’t offer a writing assistant like Grammarly or ProWritingAid. This makes proofreading your work even more important because if you make a mistake, Canva won’t spot it.

Pros:

• Canva’s drag-and-drop interface allows you to add multimedia to your letter
• You access endless free stock images and videos
• Canva has templates for resumes, ads, letters, emails, landing pages, etc.

Cons:

• Canva doesn’t scan for writing errors or plagiarism
• The free version is limited

4. Best For Apple Devices: Apple Notes

Price: Free

If you have an iPhone, Macbook, or iMac and are looking for an easy way to write letters or jot down notes without paying for another app, then Apple Notes is perfect.

When you open your Apple Notes, you’ll find a clean dashboard with all your old documents on the left-hand side. Apple Notes doesn’t have anything fancy, and that’s the point. The app’s power lies in its simplistic nature and convenient note-taking.

In the toolbar on top, you’ll find basic icons like bullet points, numbered lists, tables, and hyperlinks. If you’re storing sensitive information inside your Apple Notes, you also have the option to add a password.

Pros:

• It comes with all Apple devices so you don’t have to pay a monthly fee
• You can search for notes using the search function in the top-right hand corner
• Your notes are synced across devices

Cons:

• There’s no way to collaborate with team members inside the app
• Apple Notes doesn’t have version history

5. Best For Businesses: Zoho Writer

Price: The standard plan costs $20 per month

If you’re already signed up to Zoho’s CRM, why not use the word processor inside your CRM dashboard? You can write letters in here and share them with your team. In addition to the basic word processor, Zoho has another two online editors; Zoho Sheet and Zoho Show:

1. Zoho Sheet: This is the spreadsheet version of Zoho Writer. You can create spreadsheets, send them to your team, and use the AI-powered data analyst to analyze and organize your company data.

2. Zoho Show: This editor is perfect for designing slides inside your CRM. It also comes with a bunch of templates that you can use to start building a presentation.

Pros:

• You can write letters and documents inside your CRM
• The Zoho editor comes with your subscription, so you don’t have to buy another app
• You can share documents, edit them, and track their version history

Cons:

• Zoho won’t check your work for writing errors
• The app isn’t available offline

6. Best Markdown Editor: IA Writer

Price: IA Writer costs $49 for Mac and $29 for Windows

IA Writer is my favorite Markdown editor because it gives you that pure writing feeling. Instead of something like Google Docs, which has countless buttons on its dashboard, IA Writer puts you alone with your words in a distraction-free environment.

But even with this minimalistic approach, IA Writer still has a variety of features like focus mode, writing goals, and dark mode, so it’s possible to customize the app around your preferences.

However, if you’re completing a heavyweight project like a research paper or 300-page novel, then IA Writer might not be a good choice; it’s not as powerful as traditional word processors when it comes to editing and syncing.

Pros:

• Focus mode makes it easy to get into flow state
• You can integrate your documents with Dropbox
• Dark mode reduces eye strain at night

Cons:

• IA Writer isn’t the best at handling large documents
• There aren’t any writing templates

7. Best Barebones Writing App: Calmly Writer

Price: Free

A free alternative to the distraction-free interface of IA Writer is Calmly Writer. It’s a more barebones version of IA Writer because it has a blank screen and nothing else. This makes it super easy to get your ideas flowing because there’s nothing to distract you.

Pros:

• It’s free
• It’s barebones compared to even the most simplistic writing apps
• It gets you into flow state quickly

Cons:

• It might be a bit too barebones for some people
• There’s no paid plan

8. Best For Developers: Draft

Price: Free

Draft is one of the first Markdown editors I’ve ever used, so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. What stood out to me about Draft is that it’s targeted around developers since it integrates with React applications, but you can also use it to write a quick letter. 

On your dashboard, you’ll find a simple toolbar with options to make your writing bold, italic, or format H1s, H2s, etc. From here, you can use the plugin to add images, stickers, and emojis to your letter.

Pros:

• Draft integrates with React applications
• The app is 100 percent free
• It has all the basic features you’ll find in Microsoft Word 

Cons:

• It isn’t much use if you’re not a developer
• Draft doesn’t have a mobile app so you can’t write while you’re on-the-go

9. Best For Large Documents: WriteRoom

Price: WriteRoom costs $4.99 for a lifetime plan.

WriteRoom is an affordable, distraction-free writing app for Mac users. It only costs $4.99 for lifetime access, and like most Markdown editors, it focuses on allowing you to write without distractions. You won’t find the cluttered dashboards like you would with Google Docs or Microsoft Word.

When testing WriteRoom, I was most impressed by how easily it handled large documents. For example, I pasted a 300-page novel into WriteRoom for testing purposes, and the app never glitched or lagged when I made edits. For only $4.99, WriteRoom is one of the most powerful yet affordable Markdown editors.

Pros:

• WriteRoom is lightweight, so it doesn’t affect your computer’s speed
• It’s affordable yet powerful
• The fonts are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever find

Cons:

• It doesn’t support Markdown editing
• WriteRoom doesn’t have a mobile app

10. Best WYSIWYG Editor: JotterPad

Price: The monthly plan costs $6.99 per month

JotterPad is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor that has all the features you’ll expect like a simplistic dashboard, font options, and cloud syncing.

JotterPad recently introduced Wizard AI powered by ChatGPT 3 into the app, and it answers all your questions and helps come up with writing ideas.

But like all WYSIWYG editors, JotterPad has a few major flaws. When you copy and paste your work from another app into JotterPad, it can mess up the formatting. It might turn everything into a heading, and you’ll have to reformat your entire letter.

If you’re interested in learning more about this WYSIWYG editor, feel free to read our detailed JotterPad review.

Pros:

• It integrates with OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive
• JotterPad syncs across all your devices
• You can format your writing in different writing styles

Cons:

• Markdown editing isn’t available
• The free plan contains ads

11. Best Integrations With Messaging Apps: Byword

Price: $10.99 once-off

Byword is a Markdown editor available for Apple devices. You can write a story inside the app and format your text using keyboard shortcuts and syntax highlighting. Byword will sync your letter across all your Apple devices and export it directly into the messenger you’re using to message your recipient.

Pros:

• Byword is built around the writing needs of Apple users
• It integrates with most messaging apps
• The keyboard shortcuts speed up the time needed to write a letter

Cons:

• It’s not powerful enough to reliably handle large documents
• Byword doesn’t have pre-built templates

12. Best For On-The-Go Writing: Simplenote

Price: It’s free but you can choose to donate $19.99 per month

Simplenote is a lightweight note-taking app for Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux, so you can use it to write letters regardless of what device you’re using. Personally, I like using Simplenote when I’m on-the-go and thinking of ideas for articles. I can just open the app, jot down any ideas that I don’t want to forget and carry on with my day. When I return to the office, these notes will be synced to my computer.

Pros:

• It’s compatible with Markdown and Dropbox
• Simplenote keeps the formatting of your writing
• You can upload your writing directly into WordPress

Cons:

• Simplenote isn’t as secure as most letter writing apps, so you shouldn’t use it to store sensitive information
• You can’t make audio and video notes

13. Best Free Trial: Ulysses

Price: Free trial available but costs $40 per year after that

If you like to write letters on your Mac, iPad, or iPhone, Ulysses could be the best option available. It allows you to sync your files directly to iCloud, giving you a convenient way to back up your work. This is also a fantastic app because it uses a distraction-free, markdown style.

Pros:

• Distraction-free intuitive interface
• Syncs across devices
• Can be used to organize projects

Cons:

• Subscription-based after a free trial, which can be expensive
• Designed for Mac and IOS
• Learning curve when beginning to use the app

14. Best For Longer Letters: Scrivener

Price: There is a free trial available. The premium version starts at $49

Scrivener has become a popular program for all writing forms, including letters. For example, if you need to write long letters to someone, you can use this program to break up your letter into convenient spots, making it easier for the person to read. It is available on a wide variety of platforms, and it comes with helpful templates.

Pros:

• Ideal for organizing lengthy letters
• Can compile and manage research materials and data
• Notes and drafts can be stored together

Cons:

• The initial learning curve can be challenging
• Interface can be complex for simple letter writing
• No collaboration features for co-authored letter

15. Best Compatibility: Focus Writer

Price: It’s free but they encourage donations

Focus Writer is the way to go if you want a word processor compatible with almost every writing platform, making it a suitable alternative to Microsoft Word. You can use Focus Writer to quickly type a letter, export it, and send it to your friend.

In addition, some convenient features will help you track your word count and character count. It doesn’t have the same variety of features as some of the other programs, but it will still get the job done.

Pros:

• Provides a distraction-free environment for focus sessions
• Customizable themes and template styles
• Encourages a solid writing routine for habit-building

Cons:

• Limited formatting options
• Minimal features for complex letter writing
• No collaboration features

16. Best Free Plan: ProWritingAid

Price: There is a free version available. The premium version is $60 per year

If you need to send a professional letter to someone, you must present a robust and expertly finished product. ProWritingAid is an exceptional program that you can use to check your grammar, correct punctuation errors, and catch typos online. While it is one of the best free writing apps, the premium version provides access to advanced stylistic features that can significantly improve the quality of your work.

Pros:

• Thorough grammar checker and style detector for letter writing clarity
• Suggestions offered to improve sentence structure and grammar
• Integrates with other platforms

Cons:

• Applying and sorting through suggestions can be time-consuming
• Some suggestions might not be accurate
• Not specifically designed for letter writing, so some features might not be suitable

17. Most Reliable Word Processor: Microsoft Word

Price: Included with many operating systems

If you are looking for an intuitive, basic, and cost-effective word processor to help you write your letters, you should consider using Microsoft Word. There is a good chance you used Microsoft Word growing up, and you probably already have it on your computer.

Unfortunately, if it doesn’t come with your computer, it can be expensive, but it is straightforward to use. It has some basic spell check and proofreading features, and you might even get access to a few templates you can use to structure your letter.

Pros:

• Industry-standard word processor with great capabilities for letter writing
• Many features and design elements are available
• Collaboration tools available

Cons:

• Expensive if not included in operating system
• Interface can be overwhelming for a simple letter-writing task
• Compatibility issues can arise when sharing across platforms

18. Best For Real-Time Collaboration: Google Docs

Price: Free

If you need a program that allows multiple people to work on a document simultaneously, you must use Google Docs. Google Docs essentially places your letter on a webpage. Anyone with a link to the webpage (to whom you give permission) can access and edit the letter. Google Docs has several features that can help you write a beautiful letter. It’s also an excellent option if you want to add images and videos to your letters.

Pros:

• Real-time collaboration tool is excellent for teams
• Cloud-based auto saved prevents accidental loss
• Accessible across platforms and devices

Cons:

• Requires a reliable internet connection to use
• Limited offline access
• Maintaining formatting can be challenging when exporting to different formats

19. Best Readability Checker: Hemingway App

Price: Free

Hemingway App is another good editor to write a letter in because it spots hard-to-read sentences, excessive adverbs, unnecessary long words, and passive voice. On the right-hand side of your dashboard, you can also view your word count as well as a grade score that Hemingway gives you.

This grade score tells you how easy your writing is to read. Personally, I like to target a grade score below nine. Anything higher, and you risk your letter sounding too formal and dull.

Pros:

• Hemingway makes your writing easy to read
• It helps you avoid excessive adverbs and passive voice
• The app is free to use

Cons:

• Hemingway’s suggestions are sometimes too rigid and can change your writing voice
• The app doesn’t check for writing errors

Selection Criteria

When developing this list, there are several testing criteria considered. Some of the most important examples include:

Value for Money: Value for money is an essential factor in picking the right letter writing app. I’ve analyzed the features, compared them to the price tag, and assessed them objectively. Included in the list are free writing apps, premium versions, and premium apps that come with a free version. 

Ease of Use: I’ve considered the learning curve of the app as well. Even though it might be the best option available, it isn’t helpful if it is incredibly challenging. Some apps are easier than others to learn.

Customization: I’ve also considered the customizability of each program. Writers require a high level of customization to tweak and format their letters in a way that makes sense for the recipient so I’ve considered this within each app.

Why You Can Trust Me

As an experienced writer, editor and copywriter I’ve created many letters for both personal and business use. I’ve landed successful business deals, informed clients of changes in services and reached out to potential clients with cold email letters.

With years of experience, I’ve sourced the most efficient and versatile apps that I use day-to-day for letter writing and building client relationships. You can rely on my experience as a writer and business owner to recommend the best letter writing apps available for writers. If you’re looking for more, check out our round-up of the best citation software!

Best Letter Writing Apps 2023: The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use letter writing app that can handle large documents while checking your letter for errors, then Grammarly is your best bet. You can write letters inside the app, and on the right-hand side, Grammarly will list all its writing suggestions.

If you’re stuck and can’t think of what to say, feel free to utilize the GrammarlyGO AI. It comes with Grammarly’s monthly subscription, and generates personalized letters that you can send to friends, family, and colleagues, with minimal edits.