Overleaf vs MonsterWriter - When to use which?

The easiest way to collaborate on scientific documents.

MonsterWriter brings together LaTeX-quality typesetting, the simplicity of traditional word processors, and collaboration features like those of Overleaf.

Try now - it’s free

Watch Intro on YouTube

Screenshot of the MonsterWriter user interface

DOCX

PDF

$A Icon of the LaTeX file format showing MonsterWriter is able to export as LaTeX source files for maximum flexibility$ LaTeX

HTML

Article

Thesis

APA Style 7th Edition

Journal

And more templates

MonsterWriter vs. Overleaf

TL;DR: Productivity vs. Flexibility

MonsterWriter prioritizes ease of use and a smooth writing experience, while tools like Overleaf offer maximum customization and control through LaTeX. Choose based on whether you value productivity or advanced flexibility.

Scroll down for the detailed comparison table.

But before we get serious, enjoy an epic meme. (Caution: Side effects may include uncontrollable motivation!)

	MonsterWriter Desktop	MonsterWriter SaaS	Overleaf
Time required to learn the tool	Low	Low	Very High LaTeX knowledge is required
Optimized for scientific writing	✔️	✔️	✔️
Offline Editing	✔️	❌	❌
No subscription needed for serious use	✔️	❌	❌
Real-time Collaboration	❌	✔️	✔️
Comments	❌	✔️	❌
Stay organized with built-in to-dos	✔️	✔️	❌
Usable as knowledge base (like notion.com)	✔️	✔️	❌
Add citations by ISBN, DOI, URL, etc.	✔️	✔️	❌
First-class integration with Zotero and Citedrive	✔️	✔️	❌
Export as HTML, Markdown and docx	✔️	✔️	❌
Export as LaTeX	✔️	✔️	✔️
Highly customizable layout	Want your institution's template included? Contact us: info@monsterwriter.app		✔️

What Our Users Say

“

I have given the software a decent play and test run - writing, exporting in different formats, inserting tables, photos etc - and all went well - the footnoting, referencing will be a huge time saver. Happy.

Reg-B

Appsumo review

“

Intersting tool. Features of Overleaf with a simpler interface. Must try.

Anonymous

Gumroad review

“

...it seems like at every turn MonsterWriter offers you just the tools required for what you are currently doing or planning to do as it offers just the right number of options

STar78692

Appsumo review

Pricing

Help support further development and unlock new features

Free

Write unlimited articles
Create ToDo lists
Templates access
Connect to Zotero
Import BibLaTeX
Categorize documents
Unlimited Exports
Use in Browser
Collaboration
Teams

Monster PRO

Write unlimited articles
Create ToDo lists
Templates access
Connect to Zotero
Import BibLaTeX
Categorize documents
Unlimited Exports
Use in Browser
Collaboration
Teams

One Time

$34.99

Monster Cloud

Write unlimited articles
Create ToDo lists
Templates access
Connect to Zotero
Import BibLaTeX
Categorize documents
Unlimited Exports
Use in Browser
Collaboration
Teams (coming soon)

Free during Beta. Try Now!

In Overleaf you pick the template first, in MonsterWriter you pick the template last

MonsterWriter tries to get you to write as fast as possible. You will be able to focus on your content right from the beginning.

Choose from one of the existing templates.
Each template provides custom configurations.
As an institution, you can request for your template to be added. Contact us: info@monsterwriter.app

Add citations automatically

The details of your citations will be added automatically by MonsterWriter when you enter a website link, the ISBN, or the DOI code of a quote you recently used in your paper.