Grammarly vs ProWritingAid: Which AI Writing Assistant Is Better?

Both Grammarly and ProWritingAid promise to make you a better writer. But they approach the problem differently.

After testing both extensively on everything from emails to novel chapters, here's how they compare.

Quick Comparison

Grammarly: The All-Purpose Assistant

What It Does

Grammarly catches grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity issues in real-time. It works across browsers, apps, and devices.

Key Features

• Grammar & Spelling: Highly accurate corrections
• Clarity Suggestions: Rewrite for concision
• Tone Detection: Know how your writing sounds
• GrammarlyGO: AI writing assistance
• Style Customization: Set formality, tone, audience
• Browser Extension: Works everywhere you type
• Mobile Keyboard: iOS and Android

Pricing

Strengths

• Ubiquitous: Works almost everywhere
• Accurate: Rarely gives bad advice
• Fast: Real-time, non-intrusive
• Simple: No learning curve

Weaknesses

• Surface-level: Good for fixes, not deep improvement
• Can be prescriptive: Sometimes flags stylistic choices as errors
• Limited for fiction: Not designed for creative writing

ProWritingAid: The Writer's Workshop

What It Does

ProWritingAid provides deep analysis of your writing style, going beyond grammar to improve structure, readability, and flow.

Key Features

• 20+ Writing Reports: Detailed style analysis
• Style Improvements: Pacing, dialogue, structure
• Readability Scores: Understand who can read your work
• Overused Words: Catch repetition
• Sentence Structure: Vary your rhythm
• Word Explorer: Find better alternatives
• Scrivener/Word Integration: Works in writing apps

Pricing

Strengths

• Deep analysis: Truly improves your writing, not just fixes it
• Fiction-friendly: Understands creative writing needs
• Lifetime option: One-time payment available
• Educational: Explains why, not just what

Weaknesses

• Steeper learning curve: Many features to explore
• Fewer integrations: Doesn't work everywhere
• Slower: Analysis takes more time
• Can overwhelm: 20+ reports can paralyze new users

Head-to-Head Testing

Test 1: Grammar and Spelling

Sample: Business email with intentional errors

Winner: Grammarly (more accurate on basics)

Test 2: Style Improvement

Sample: Blog post with style issues

Winner: ProWritingAid (deeper analysis)

Test 3: Fiction Writing

Sample: Novel chapter with dialogue and description

Winner: ProWritingAid (understands creative writing)

Test 4: Speed and Convenience

Winner: Grammarly (faster, more accessible)

Who Should Use Which?

Choose Grammarly If:

• You want quick fixes without thinking about it
• You work across many apps and websites
• Your writing is mostly business/professional
• You value convenience over depth
• You're not a native English speaker

Choose ProWritingAid If:

• You write fiction or creative content
• You want to genuinely improve as a writer
• You're willing to learn the tool
• Deep analysis matters more than speed
• You want a lifetime pricing option

The Best of Both?

Some writers use both:

• Grammarly as the always-on safety net (browser extension)
• ProWritingAid for deep editing sessions on important work

At $22/month combined (or less with annual plans), this covers all bases.

My Recommendation

For most people: Grammarly Premium

The convenience factor wins. It catches 90% of issues with zero friction.

For serious writers: ProWritingAid Premium (or Lifetime)

If you're writing novels, essays, or content where style matters, ProWritingAid's depth is worth it.

For students/budget-conscious: ProWritingAid Lifetime

One payment of $399 means you never pay again. If you'll use it for years, it's the best value.

The Bottom Line

Both tools are genuinely useful. The choice depends on:

• Convenience vs. depth
• Business vs. creative writing
• Subscription vs. one-time payment

Try both free tiers before committing. You'll quickly feel which fits your workflow.

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