Grammarly vs. ProWritingAid: Which Editing Tool is Right for You?

Whether you’re drafting an email, working on a novel, or creating content for your blog, clear and polished writing is essential. That’s where editing tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid come in.

Both tools promise to elevate your writing by catching errors, improving readability, and enhancing your style—but they’re not identical. Each tool caters to different needs, and choosing the right one can make a significant difference in your workflow and results.

This guide compares Grammarly and ProWritingAid across key factors like features, strengths, weaknesses, and best use cases to help you decide which tool best suits your writing style and goals.

I picked these two editing tools not only because they're the most popular, but because I've had the chance to use them both for years (both the free and the premium version).

Grammarly and ProWritingAid are two of the most popular editing tools available today, each offering unique features and catering to different types of writers. Let’s compare their features, strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you decide which one suits your writing needs.

Features Comparison

Grammar & Mechanics:

Both tools excel at identifying typos, grammar mistakes, and issues like subject-verb agreement or awkward sentence structures.  

Advanced Features:

• Grammarly: Offers a plagiarism checker (premium plans only), a contextual thesaurus, and real-time suggestions tailored for formal, casual, or creative tones.  
• ProWritingAid: Stands out with detailed reports on writing style, readability, and overused words. It also integrates seamlessly with Scrivener, a favorite tool for novelists.  

Strengths

Grammarly:

• User-friendly interface perfect for beginners.  
• Accurate grammar and punctuation checks.  
• Plagiarism detection included in premium plans.  
• A robust free version for basic editing needs.  

ProWritingAid:

• Comprehensive feedback on writing style, including sentence variety and pacing.  
• Affordable pricing, especially with its lifetime plan.  
• Integrations with popular writing tools like Scrivener and Microsoft Word.  
• Reports that help creative writers refine their craft.  

Weaknesses

Grammarly:  

• Premium plans are pricey, especially for long-term use.  
• The free version lacks depth compared to ProWritingAid.  
• Suggestions can feel rigid, which may stifle creativity.  

ProWritingAid:

Free plan limits document size (500 words) and rephrases (10 per day).  
The interface may feel overwhelming to first-time users due to its many reports.  
Customer support is slower compared to Grammarly.  

Best Use Cases

Grammarly:
Grammarly is ideal for everyday writing tasks like emails, resumes, blog posts, and social media captions. Its simplicity and real-time suggestions ensure clarity and professionalism. It also works well for non-fiction.

ProWritingAid:

ProWritingAid is better suited for creative writers, students, and bloggers who want detailed insights into their writing style. It’s perfect for refining drafts and improving storytelling.  

Addressing Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Editing tools can replace human editors.

Not true. These tools are assistants that help catch errors but can’t match a professional editor’s ability to address tone, nuance, or emotional impact. Because these tools don't always understand context, their suggestions can sometimes be wrong.

• Myth: The free versions are enough.

Well, it depends on what you do. If you only need to make sure your emails are always error free and polished, then the free version might be enough. While both free plans offer value, the advanced features in the paid versions provide a significant edge.  If you're a writer, you need all the help you can get not because you're incompetent but because these tool help you save time and let you focus on storytelling.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your decision depends on your priorities:  

1. Budget:

ProWritingAid is more affordable, especially if you opt for the lifetime plan.

2. Editing Needs:

• Grammarly is perfect for quick, straightforward edits and plagiarism checks.
• ProWritingAid excels in offering deeper analysis and style suggestions.

3. Platform Compatibility:

While both integrate with popular platforms like Word and Google Docs, ProWritingAid’s compatibility with Scrivener makes it especially appealing for novelists.

Key Takeaways

• Grammarly is the go-to tool for professional documents and general writing tasks. Its polished interface and ease of use make it a great choice for non-fiction writers.  
• ProWritingAid is a creative writer’s dream, offering granular feedback to refine style and structure.  

Most importantly, these tools are not meant to replace your voice. Editing suggestions are there for consideration, not blind acceptance. Trust your instincts and use editing tools as a way to enhance, not overshadow, your unique writing style.  

Final Thoughts

Both Grammarly and ProWritingAid are valuable tools, but the best one depends on your writing goals. Use Grammarly if you want simplicity and speed. Choose ProWritingAid if you’re looking for a deeper dive into your writing craft.  

No matter which tool you pick, remember that your creativity and judgment are irreplaceable. Tools can refine your work, but your voice is what will make it stand out.