Cost / License
- Free
- Proprietary
Application types
Alerts
- Discontinued
Platforms
- Windows


ZenPen is described as 'A minimalist writing zone, where you can block out all distractions and get to what's important' and is a Text Editor in the news & books category. There are more than 25 alternatives to ZenPen, not only websites but also apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPhone and Linux apps. The best ZenPen alternative is FocusWriter, which is both free and Open Source. Other great sites and apps similar to ZenPen are Rentry.co, Stickies, WriteMonkey and iA Writer.


Super-clean writing space with a lot of configurability that stays out of sight when you don’t need it.




Steno is a lightweight note taking and writing app centered around minimalism to avoid all the unnecessary and distracting stuff.



For Mac users to write without distractions. WriteRoom is a full screen writing environment. Unlike the cluttered word processors you're used to, WriteRoom lets you focus on writing. Requires Mac OS X 10.

Noted is an audio recording and note-taking app for lectures, meetings, interviews, conferences and more, making it easy to record every moment with confidence.



OmPad is a free, simple, powerful, beautiful and minimal writing app that helps you focus and concentrate on writing great content. Format your text with headings, bold, italic, links, images, lists, code and quotes.



Create a list to organise an event or activity, or just to plan out what you need to do this weekend.






Cold Turkey Writer won't let you quit until you finish your work. Like, literally will not quit.




Full-featured, cross-platform note-taking and note management tool with advanced collaboration and editing features to let you work with multiple notes at the same time.




Calmly Writer is a professional text editor designed to focus on what you want to tell, with a simple, unobtrusive and distraction-free user interface.



Simple checklist app. Just rows of text entries and a checkbox for each. No B.S., i.e., no categories, no sub-tasks, no time tracking, and no other crazy wizzbang features.
