Texpile vs VerbTeX

Texpile is a free, open-source desktop editor for LaTeX, Typst, and Markdown on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It combines visual and source editing in the same file, with live previews for LaTeX and Typst as users type. Editing works offline and does not require a compiler. LaTeX compilation requires the user's own TeX distribution, while Typst compiling and preview use tinymist. A built-in shell can run latexmk or another compile command. The editor can save project versions, show changes, and restore earlier versions. For collaboration, users can share a folder for real-time editing, and guests can join by code without an account. Shared sessions are end-to-end encrypted; the documentation identifies them as the feature that uses the network. Texpile can search a Zotero library and insert citations when Zotero is running with Better BibTeX installed. An optional local MCP server lets Claude Code or Codex read editor state and control app actions. The software is licensed under AGPL-3.0.

VerbTeX is a collaborative LaTeX editor with local and cloud project modes. It creates PDFs with PdfLaTeX, XeLaTeX, or LuaLaTeX and supports BibTeX and Biber bibliographies. Local Mode keeps.tex documents on the device, allows offline compilation, and does not require an account. Cloud Mode syncs projects with Verbosus and includes a web interface. The app integrates with Dropbox, Box, Git, iCloud, Zotero, and Mendeley, and includes an AI assistant using ChatGPT and Claude. The free plan allows 2 local projects and 2 cloud projects, with up to 2 documents per project and 2 uploads per project. VerbTeX Pro adds code completion and unlimited projects and documents; the listed options cost $3.99 a month or $8.99 USD once. The app has no ads. The developer reports that the app collects no data. Cloud Mode supports two-factor authentication in combination with Copiosus, and Pro encrypts content transmission using TLS. Platforms include Android, iOS, Mac, web, and Windows.