Whether you’re a student writing papers, a professional writing reports, or anyone who needs to type up documents on a mobile device, there are several great apps that can help you write and type essays on the go. In this article, we will review some of the top apps available for typing essays on phones and tablets and provide information on their key features to help you decide which one might work best for your needs.
Google Docs – One of the most full-featured options for writing essays on mobile is Google Docs. As both an online web app and mobile apps for iOS and Android, Google Docs allows you to create, edit, and collaborate on essays from any device. You can start writing on your phone and seamlessly switch to another device like a tablet or computer to continue working. Google Docs has all the standard word processing tools like font formatting, bullet points, headers, templates and more. You get unlimited free storage in Google Drive and can easily share docs to collaborate. An advantage is integration with Google Workspace so documents sync across devices.
Microsoft Word – With the power and familiarity of the full Microsoft Word desktop app, Word for mobile provides a rich experience for writing essays on the go. The Word app has the same ribbon toolbar and feature set as the PC/Mac version so if you’re used to Word you’ll feel right at home. You can open, edit and create Word documents locally on your phone or tablet, or access documents stored in OneDrive for cloud syncing across devices. Unlike Google Docs, Word has a monthly subscription fee for the full desktop app, but you do get more advanced features like styles, outlines, comments and tracked changes.
Evernote – While not primarily a word processor, Evernote is still a great essay writing companion app thanks to its robust note taking abilities. You can create new notes in Evernote to draft and organize essay components. Text formatting tools lets you add headings, lists, and bold/italic styles to structure content. Notes are searchable, taggable and can include file attachments, web clips, audio recordings and more. Evernote neatly syncs notes across all your devices via its web app so you’re never far from your work. The free version gives you good functionality but a premium subscription unlocks additional storage.
Ulysses – As a dedicated writing app designed for long-form writing projects like essays and books, Ulysses provides a clean distraction-free interface great for focusing. On mobile it automatically saves drafts as you write for peace of mind. Special features include markdown syntax, keywords, customizable sheet templates, and export to popular formats. The iOS and MacOS versions sync seamlessly via iCloud or Dropbox. A subscription is required but it’s affordable and removes ads. For serious writers, Ulysses delivers powerful tools without clutter to help take your essays to the next level.
Quip – An appealing option is Quip, which delivers an elegant, minimal interface optimized for quick mobile writing sessions. Write in Markdown or formatted text with basic styles and lists. Quip seamlessly syncs documents across devices via the web so you can pick up where you left off. Collaboration tools lets you share and co-write essays with classmates or colleagues. While less fully-featured than dedicated word processors, Quip is free to use and very convenient for composing on a phone during breaks or transit.
iA Writer – As another app targeting distraction-free writing, iA Writer strips away all non-essential interface elements for an elegant writing surface. Tools are minimal yet powerful, including markdown support, keywords, customizable templates and styles. iA Writer autosaves constantly for peace of mind. The iOS and Mac versions are completely synced via iCloud. Advanced writers may appreciate its focus on content over formatting distractions. A one-time purchase unlocks all features across platforms so you own it for life.
Pages – If you have an iPad or other Apple tablet, the Pages app takes advantage of the bigger screen for a familiar word processing experience optimized for touch. All the standard features like styled text, images, tables and collaboration tools are present. Documents seamlessly sync across iOS/iPadOS and macOS through iCloud Drive. Templates make it easy to start different essay types. While not positioned as a pure mobile writing app, Pages delivers the full desktop experience even on a tablet for composing on the go.
Writer – For Android users, Writer from Botnik is a pleasant distraction-free writing experience. Tools are sparse but cover common essay needs like headings, lists, font styling, and full-screen focus mode. Documents are Markdown-based and seamlessly synced through Google Drive or Dropbox. The free version works well but a subscription unlocks additional formatting controls and cloud space. It’s ad-free on Android, performs well even on budget devices, and seamless cloud sync makes it a viable option for mobile essay writing.
These are some of the leading options for writing and typing essays effectively on mobile. Factors like platform, features, collaboration needs, and cost will determine the best fit. But all provide the ability to write content on phones and tablets with syncing to desktop for a seamless writing experience wherever inspiration may strike. Experiment to find the mobile writing app that works best with your writing process and needs.
Andrew Stroud