nvALT vs Byword

nvALT has a simple text box at the top (similar to that of a web browser) and when you start typing inside it, nvALT immediately displays a drop-down box of all the notes that contain the text you are searching for. The more you type, the more the search is narrowed down.

Has built-in support for MultiMarkdown 3.

nvALT is not only used for simple text editing but also as a powerful tool for taking notes, TODOs, phone numbers and every other piece of information that can be stored in a plain-text file.

This is because nvALT is not designed only as a tool to write text, but also as a powerful search and organize tool for plain-text files.

In addition to plaintext, Byword can export to HTML, PDF, RTF.

Byword de-emphasizes the syntax itself, while emphasizing its effects. It appropriately adds style, like italic and bold, to text that's designated by markdown and dims the syntax so it does not getting in the way of comprehension. Additionally, there are commonly used hotkeys (⌘b, ⌘i, etc) that can be used to apply style without having to know the syntax or having to type it out each time.

For example, while authoring a bulleted list hitting return automatically prepares a new bulleted line.

Byword is available on a Mac, an iPhone and an iPad.

Documents can be synced using iCloud or Dropbox from within the editor for use across all devices.