TL;DR: The best writing apps for Android in 2026 are Google Docs (collaboration), LivingWriter (book writing), Reedsy Studio (drafting and formatting), Notion (planning and organization), Grammarly (editing), and Microsoft Word (full-featured). The right app depends on whether you need a simple note-taker, a dedicated book-writing tool, or a full word processor. All options below are actively maintained and available on Android.
If you're looking for the best writing apps for Android, we've hunted far and wide to find the top ones so you can capture your ideas on the go.
As most writers are aware, you never know when inspiration is going to strike. And you need to have something by your side to capture those ideas before they leave your mind.
That's where writing apps for Android can come in handy. With apps, you're able to open up your device and get to writing immediately.
With Android writing apps in particular, you're able to use them on either a tablet or a phone, depending on what kind of device you choose to carry with you. This article outlined writing apps for Android that should work on both Android tablets and phones so you have plenty of writing options on the go.
We'll go through some of the best writing apps for Android we have found out there so you can pick the one (or multiple ones) that are right for you.
Note: If you're looking for book formatting software in particular, we have a separate guide for you.
Quick comparison: best Android writing apps by use case
| App | Best for | Price | Offline mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Docs | Collaboration and drafting | Free | Yes |
| LivingWriter | Book writing and chapter management | Paid | Yes (cloud-based) |
| Reedsy Studio | Full manuscript drafting and formatting | Free | Yes |
| Notion | Book planning, outlines, research | Free / Paid | Limited |
| Microsoft Word | Full-featured word processing | Free / Microsoft 365 | Yes |
| Grammarly | Grammar and style editing | Free / Paid | No |
| Evernote | Research and idea capture | Free / Paid | Yes |
| JotterPad | Distraction-free writing with export options | Free / Paid | Yes |
| Markor | Plain text, markdown, offline-first | Free | Yes |
| Microsoft OneNote | Research organization and notes | Free | Yes |
| Google Keep | Quick notes and audio capture | Free | Yes |
| Novelist | Fiction and short story writing | Free | Yes |
The 14 best writing apps for Android
Keep in mind, as we go through these different apps, you'll need to think about where you are in your writing career.
Some questions you should take the time to answer:
- Do you need collaborators?
- Is there an editor who needs to look at your work next?
- Do you need professional writing software?
- Do you mainly just need to write ideas and have simple tools on the go?
- Do you need something that can handle bookmarks and images?
- Do you need it to be accessible offline?
Answering these questions can save you a lot of time ahead by picking the better fit for you right off the bat.
The last thing you want is to download a writing app, start writing in it all the time, and then realize you need to move all of your work to another app because it doesn't have what you need.
Let's go through each of the available options and the best Android apps for writers.
1. Google Docs
Google Docs is one of the best writing apps for Android. It's also one of the most popular tools of all time for writers.
As a product from Google, it is stable and has an offline mode if needed. That way, you can write on the go without losing your hard work.
If you haven't used Google Docs before, you can know it's similar to Microsoft Word except with the power and speed of Google and behind it.
One of the top reasons to use this as one of your writing apps for Android is its ability to collaborate. If you're a solo writer, this might not matter. However, if you work with an editor or team, it's the easiest way to give people access.
Another great feature of Google Docs is its ability to auto-save (if you're connected to the internet). Most of us know the feeling of accidentally closing something and losing all of our work. With Google Docs, you don't need to worry about that.
Features:
- Free to use
- Compatible on almost any device
- Different ways to format your writing
- Export in a wide variety of formats
- Templates to use
- Easy to use for collaborating
2. Grammarly
While Grammarly won't help you write, it will help keep your writing sharp and error-free.
Grammarly helps spot errors in your writing from typos to word suggestions to make your writing stronger. It might be a good idea to have it check your work for any obvious errors, especially if you're nearing the time of a final draft or sending a pitch to a publisher.
This app is a keyboard that you install into your device that allows you to write anywhere but still get writing tips.
Features:
- Grammar checking
- Word suggestions
- Free option but paid plans for more extensive features
3. Evernote
Evernote is one of the most well-known writing apps for Android. It offers a wide variety of writing and embedding options. The folder system inside Evernote can help you keep similar notes together. You can also use their tags for a similar reason.
Evernote is an app that has been around for quite some time, so you don't need to worry about the app crashing or glitching.
Evernote gives you the ability to create multiple notes, do simple formatting tweaks, and write quickly on the go. You can also embed and insert various forms of media into notes so you can pull in all of the research, pictures, videos, and so on that you could possibly need.
Features:
- Writing on the go
- The ability to capture not just notes but videos, pictures, web clippings, etc
- Easy organization for all of your ideas
- The ability to tag notes
4. LivingWriter
LivingWriter is an app that lets you write and organize your book all within one easy-to-use application. It's a visually pleasing app that doesn't offer an overwhelming amount of features. Instead, it just gives you exactly what you need to get down to writing.
This app helps you quickly and easily organize your book. You can simply drag and drop different chapters and elements around to format your writing just the way you want. With other writing tools, you need to manually move it around or copy and paste it where you want it to be.
LivingWriter also stores your story elements and lets you bring them up as you type, that way you never forget a character or a name.
On top of those features, it also can import famous story outlines, such as the Hero's Journey, for you to use as a guide to your book's outline. You can also set your own writing goals so you can stay on track with your deadlines, making this one of the best writing apps for Android.
Features:
- Visually-pleasing app
- Lets you drag and drop chapters around for easy editing
- The ability to store characters so you don't forget names
- See your book in different formats
- Dark mode available
- Cloud-based so you don't lose your work if you lose your device
5. JotterPad
JotterPad is another excellent writing app for Android. It lets you open up the app and immediately start writing without needing to format each individual part.
Recently, they have been working hard on speed performance as well. It used to take a bit to open large files, but now in the v14 release, it just takes a few seconds.
JotterPad is also partnered with Unsplash so you can search through thousands of images to pair with your writing.
Once you have your writing done, JotterPad has the export options of word, Markdown, PDF, and HTML. That way, you can easily export, print, and edit your work or send it to someone.
Features:
- Supports Markdown and Fountain syntax
- Plain text and rich text options
- Character and word counter
- Upload images quickly from Unsplash
6. Markor
If you want writing apps for Android that truly bring it down to the basics, Markor is exactly what you need. It's a simple editor without any editing UI.
By using simple markup formats, all you need to do is open up Markor, create a note, and get to writing. It also supports offline mode mode so you can write wherever you need to, even without any internet connection.
With a common filesystem folder organization, you can quickly find the drafts you want without having to hunt them down.
Along with easy writing abilities, there is also the option of putting in to-do's and bookmarks so you can keep all of your reference files, notes, and more in one place, making it one of the best writing apps for Android.
Features:
- Simple, easy-to-use writing app
- Works offline
- Compatible with other plaintext software
- Share your writing as HTML or PDF
- Auto-save so you don't lose your writing
- No ads
7. Novelist
If you are looking for writing apps for Android that are specifically for novels and short stories, Novelist fits the bill. The app has a convenient timeline feature and an innovative interface that makes it very simple to use. Best yet, this is one of the Android writing apps that is absolutely free.
Features:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Distraction-free writing environment
- Organize writing into chapters and scenes
- Word count tracking
- Basic formatting options (bold, italics, etc.)
- Export to various formats (PDF, DOCX, TXT)
- Cloud sync for easy access across devices
- Dark mode for comfortable writing in low-light conditions
8. Notion
Notion is the best Android app for authors who want to plan, outline, and organize their book project - tracking characters, plot threads, research, and timelines in one workspace.
It's not a drafting tool first, but for the planning phase of a book, it's hard to beat. Indie authors use it to write and edit a book, track characters, locations, and plot events using tables or kanban boards, and link pages to create relationships between scenes and timelines.
One honest caveat: the Android mobile experience has some rough edges. Users report that it can be difficult to drag content around and the keyboard sometimes blocks the writing area on mobile. It works best when you're using it for planning and organization rather than long-form drafting on your phone.
Features:
- Free personal plan
- Block-based editing (text, tables, images, databases)
- Character and plot tracking templates
- Collaboration with editors or co-authors
- Notion AI for writing and brainstorming
- Syncs across all devices
9. Reedsy Studio
Reedsy Studio is the best free book-writing app for Android authors who want a clean drafting environment and a professionally formatted manuscript export without paying for software.
Used by over 50,000 authors every month, it's built specifically for indie publishing, not adapted from a general notes tool. You can set writing goals, track word count progress, draft by chapter, and export a print-ready or ebook-ready file when you're done.
It's a strong alternative to LivingWriter for authors who want the core drafting and formatting workflow without the subscription cost.
Features:
- Free to use
- Purpose-built for book writing
- Chapter-based structure
- Writing goals and progress tracking
- Formatted export (ePub, PDF, DOCX)
- Offline mode
10. Novelist
Novelist is the best free Android app for fiction writers who want a dedicated chapter-and-scene structure without paying for a premium book-writing tool.
It's built specifically for novels and short stories, with a timeline feature for tracking narrative structure and a clean, distraction-free interface. The fact that it's completely free makes it worth trying before committing to a paid option like LivingWriter.
Features:
- Chapter and scene organization
- Timeline feature for narrative structure
- Word count tracking
- Basic formatting (bold, italics)
- PDF, DOCX, and TXT export
- Cloud sync
- Dark mode
- Free
11. Obsidian
Obsidian is the best Android writing app for authors who think in connections - linking ideas, characters, plot threads, and research notes into an interconnected personal knowledge base.
Obsidian uses plain text markdown files for writing notes and organizing them. You write notes and then link those notes to other notes, and once you have several notes recorded, the app generates a mind map of all your thoughts, allowing you to connect research you may not have otherwise linked. For complex worldbuilding or research-heavy nonfiction, that kind of visual overview is genuinely valuable.
It works offline by default and all your notes are stored as plain text files so you're never locked into the app.
Features:
- Free for personal use
- Bidirectional note linking
- Knowledge graph / mind map view
- Markdown-based
- Fully offline, plain text files
- Plugin ecosystem for extended functionality
12. Hemingway Editor
Hemingway Editor is the best Android option for authors who want to tighten their prose - flagging overly long sentences, passive voice, and hard-to-read constructions in real time.
Where Grammarly catches technical errors, Hemingway goes after style. It's color-coded: yellow for long sentences, red for very hard to read, purple for complex words that could be simpler, blue for passive voice. It won't rewrite your book for you, but running a chapter through it before sending it to your editor can save a round of revision notes.
Features:
- Real-time readability analysis
- Color-coded style feedback
- Passive voice and adverb detection
- Sentence complexity scoring
- Free web version; paid desktop app
13. Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is one of the OG writing apps, but it's still one of the top writing apps for Android. The mobile version still has all the key features of the desktop version you're used to, and it allows you to open, edit, and share files directly with others.
You also get online storage through OneDrive so you can save important documents in the cloud.
Features:
- Full-featured word processor
- Wide range of formatting options (fonts, styles, etc.)
- Track changes and comments for collaboration
- Integration with other Microsoft Office apps
- Cloud storage support (OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Templates for various document types
- Spell check and grammar correction
- Support for tables, charts, and images
- Easy sharing and collaboration options
14. Microsoft OneNote
OneNote is the best free Android app for authors who want a research and organization tool that mirrors the structure of a physical notebook with sections, pages, and the ability to mix text, images, and handwritten notes.
It's free, syncs across all devices, and handles complex research organization well. For authors who are deep in the research phase of a nonfiction book or building a detailed fictional world, the ability to organize notes into layered sections is genuinely useful.
Features:
- Free to use
- Notebook, section, and page hierarchy
- Supports text, images, audio, and sketches
- Offline access
- Syncs with Microsoft 365
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
How to choose the right app
Not every app on this list serves the same purpose. Here's the fastest way to narrow it down:
If you're writing a full book: Start with LivingWriter (paid) or Reedsy Studio (free). Both are purpose-built for long-form book projects.
If you need to collaborate with an editor: Google Docs or Microsoft Word.
If you're in the planning and outlining phase: Notion or Obsidian.
If you just need to capture ideas quickly: Google Keep.
If you want offline-first, no-frills writing: Markor.
If you want to improve your prose quality: Grammarly for errors, Hemingway for style.
Many authors use two or three of these in combination - one for capturing ideas, one for drafting, and one for editing. There's no single app that does everything perfectly, but the ones above do their jobs well.
Put these Android writing apps to use!
Now that you know the top writing apps for Android, it's time to make good use of them to write your next novel or memoir. If you need help with writing, editing, book marketing, or even how to self-publish a book, the team at selfpublishing.com is here to help. You can book a free strategy call with our team today to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best writing app for Android? The best writing app for Android depends on your goal. For book writing, LivingWriter and Reedsy Studio are the strongest options. For collaboration, Google Docs is the standard. For planning and organization, Notion or Obsidian are excellent. For quick idea capture, Google Keep is the fastest option.
Is there a Scrivener app for Android? No. Scrivener does not have an Android app. It is available on Mac, Windows, and iOS only. Android authors looking for a similar experience should try LivingWriter or Reedsy Studio, both of which offer chapter-based structure and book organization tools.
What happened to iA Writer for Android? iA Writer removed its Android app from the Google Play Store in 2024. It is currently available on Mac, Windows, and iOS only.
Are there any free book writing apps for Android? Yes. Reedsy Studio, Novelist, Google Docs, Markor, and Google Keep are all free. Reedsy Studio is the strongest free option specifically for book writing, offering chapter drafting, writing goals, and professional manuscript export at no cost.
Can I write a book on my Android phone? Yes. Apps like LivingWriter, Reedsy Studio, and Google Docs are capable of handling full-length manuscripts on Android. Many authors use a Bluetooth keyboard paired with their phone or tablet to make long writing sessions more comfortable.
