Best 5 Writing Apps Redditors Use to Track Word Count and Writing Habits 

For writers, staying motivated and consistent often depends on having the right tools. Whether you’re working on a novel, freelance articles, or academic papers, tracking your word count and observing your writing habits can make a big difference. On Reddit, where communities like r/writing and r/productivity thrive, users frequently recommend apps that help monitor progress and build strong writing routines.

TL;DR: Redditors consistently recommend apps that go beyond simple word processors, offering tools specifically designed to track word count, set custom goals, and analyze writing patterns. Popular names include apps like Scrivener, 4theWords, and Dabble, all appreciated for their motivational features and clean interfaces. Whether you’re tracking a novel’s daily progress or looking to establish positive creative habits, this list is based on genuine, upvoted user feedback. We’ve reviewed and compiled the top five writing apps Redditors trust for productivity and inspiration.

1. Scrivener: The Writer’s Workhorse

Best for: Long-form Writing, Organization, and Custom Goals

Scrivener regularly tops the list among Reddit writers for its unmatched flexibility and powerful features tailored to serious writers. Not only is it an advanced word processor, but it also includes tools to track word counts by session or chapter, set daily goals, and visualize overall manuscript progress.

• Custom Word Count Targets: You can set and monitor daily, session-based, or project-wide word count goals.
• Integrated Outlining Tools: Use the corkboard, folders, and metadata to navigate large projects with ease.
• Cloud Sync: Works smoothly with Dropbox for working across devices.

What makes Scrivener especially beloved in threads like “Best tool for novel writing with word counts?” is how it combines structure and flexibility. Still, it does have a learning curve. Users recommend investing a few hours to learn its interface for long-term payoff.

2. 4theWords: Gamified Writing Goals

Best for: Motivation, Habit-building, and Gamification

This unique app uses RPG game mechanics to motivate writers. Redditors in r/WriteStreak and r/Nanowrimo often rave about how 4theWords makes daily writing less of a chore and more like a game. You complete writing tasks to defeat monsters, earn gear, and progress through a fantasy world.

• Daily Write Streaks: Encourages habits by tracking how many days you’ve written in a row.
• Built-in Word Counters: Every writing session tracks your output in real time.
• Community Challenges: Join events or set personal quests for extra motivation.

Redditor testimonials describe 4theWords as the perfect choice for writers who need visual progress incentives and frequent rewards. Several users who struggled with consistency say they finally built a routine thanks to its addictive structure.

3. Dabble: Clean Interface, Power Behind the Scenes

Best for: Novels, Distraction-free Environment, Cloud Synchronization

Dabble often shows up in recommendations on threads for new writers who want Scrivener-like features in a more modern, intuitive package. With a sleek, minimal interface, Dabble draws praise for keeping you focused while still offering powerful tracking tools under the hood.

• Project Goals and Daily Targets: Set a word count goal with deadlines, and let Dabble automatically divide your workload.
• Writing Habit Reports: Visualize your progress as charts and calendars tracking daily output.
• Real-Time Cloud Sync: Works across devices with nothing to install locally.

Reddit users often compare Dabble to Scrivener, noting that while it might have fewer formatting tools, it excels at being highly user-friendly. Many users appreciate that it doesn’t interrupt creative flow with too many technical features yet still gives insightful feedback through its charting tools.

4. The Most Dangerous Writing App: Extreme Focus Through Fear

Best for: Beating Writer’s Block and Eliminating Perfectionism

This app isn’t for the faint of heart. Recommended by Redditors who struggle with procrastination, The Most Dangerous Writing App helps destroy overthinking by punishing pauses. If you stop typing for more than a few seconds, your words disappear. That’s motivation to keep that cursor moving.

• Session Timers: Choose writing sprints from 3 to 60 minutes.
• Word Count Saves: Once you complete a timed session, all your work is saved and downloadable.
• Productivity Mode: No editing or backspacing allowed—it’s type or lose it.

Comments in subreddits like r/creativity show that while terrifying at first, the app becomes an incredible tool to get past mental blocks. Writers use it for brain dumps, outlining, and freewriting—especially during productivity sprints or events like NaNoWriMo.

5. Google Docs + WordCounter.net: Practical and Accessible

Best for: Simplicity, Collaboration, and Free Tracking

Not everyone needs a dedicated writing software with layers of features. Many Reddit users recommend using Google Docs paired with external tools like WordCounter.net. This duo offers simplicity, online accessibility, and useful writing stats for free.

• Real-Time Word Count: Google Docs shows a live word counter as you write.
• Export Options: Easy sharing and exporting into multiple formats.
• Word Usage Analysis: WordCounter provides keyword density, reading level, and more.

In countless Reddit threads discussing budget-friendly options, this pairing comes up frequently. Writers mention that while not specialized, it’s fast, intuitive, and effective for those who don’t want to bother with paid platforms or complicated setups.

Honorable Mentions

Beyond the top five, Redditors also mention several other tools based on personal needs:

• Pacemaker: Great for plotting long-term writing goals.
• Write or Die: An alternative to The Most Dangerous Writing App with customizable consequences.
• Flowstate: Minimal design with auto-delete pressure, similar to dangerous writing types.

These apps cater to niche styles of motivation, providing extra options for writers seeking more tailored systems.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right writing app is a personal journey. Redditors share their tools not just for their convenience, but for how these platforms improve productivity, focus, and discipline. Whether you’re someone who needs motivation through gamification or a distraction-free dashboard that quietly tracks your data, one of these five apps likely matches your style.

Start simple, but stay consistent—because at the end of the day, tracking words is about more than numbers. It’s about creating a writing life that evolves and grows over time.