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Top 10 Best Writing Editing Software of 2026

Compare top writing editing tools to boost your prose. Find the best options – start editing smarter today!

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Crafting impactful writing requires more than just words—it demands precision, clarity, and adaptability; the right editing software acts as a constant companion, refining work across styles, genres, and workflows. Below, we highlight the leading tools that redefine efficiency and quality, from AI-powered real-time checkers to long-form project managers.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Grammarly - AI-powered writing assistant that checks grammar, clarity, style, and plagiarism in real-time across apps.
  2. 2#2: ProWritingAI d - Comprehensive editing tool providing in-depth analysis on style, grammar, readability, and overused words.
  3. 3#3: Microsoft Word - Professional word processor with advanced editing, tracking changes, and AI-powered suggestions via Editor.
  4. 4#4: Google Docs - Cloud-based collaborative editor with real-time editing, suggestions, and grammar checking.
  5. 5#5: Scrivener - Project management software for organizing and editing long-form writing like novels and scripts.
  6. 6#6: Ulysses - Distraction-free Markdown writing app with proofreading, goal tracking, and publishing tools.
  7. 7#7: Hemingway App - Tool that highlights complex sentences and adverbs to improve readability and conciseness.
  8. 8#8: QuillBot - AI paraphraser and grammar checker that rewrites text for clarity and variety.
  9. 9#9: LanguageTool - Open-source grammar, style, and punctuation checker supporting over 20 languages.
  10. 10#10: AutoCrit - AI editing platform tailored for fiction writers with genre-specific feedback and pacing analysis.

Our selections prioritize tools that excel in core functionality—grammar, style, and readability—while balancing innovation, ease of use, and value, ensuring they cater to writers ranging from novices to professionals.

Comparison Table

Choosing the right writing editing software can shape your workflow and output, and this comparison table breaks down top options like Grammarly, ProWritingAI d, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and more. It highlights each tool’s core features, unique strengths, and best use cases, empowering readers to find the perfect fit for their writing needs.

1Grammarly logo9.6/10

AI-powered writing assistant that checks grammar, clarity, style, and plagiarism in real-time across apps.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
9.7/10
Value
9.3/10

Comprehensive editing tool providing in-depth analysis on style, grammar, readability, and overused words.

Features
9.6/10
Ease
8.4/10
Value
9.0/10

Professional word processor with advanced editing, tracking changes, and AI-powered suggestions via Editor.

Features
9.5/10
Ease
8.8/10
Value
8.2/10

Cloud-based collaborative editor with real-time editing, suggestions, and grammar checking.

Features
7.6/10
Ease
9.7/10
Value
9.8/10
5Scrivener logo8.6/10

Project management software for organizing and editing long-form writing like novels and scripts.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
7.4/10
Value
9.3/10
6Ulysses logo8.7/10

Distraction-free Markdown writing app with proofreading, goal tracking, and publishing tools.

Features
8.9/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10

Tool that highlights complex sentences and adverbs to improve readability and conciseness.

Features
7.8/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
9.0/10
8QuillBot logo8.4/10

AI paraphraser and grammar checker that rewrites text for clarity and variety.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10

Open-source grammar, style, and punctuation checker supporting over 20 languages.

Features
8.8/10
Ease
7.9/10
Value
9.2/10
10AutoCrit logo7.8/10

AI editing platform tailored for fiction writers with genre-specific feedback and pacing analysis.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
7.2/10
1
Grammarly logo

Grammarly

general_ai

AI-powered writing assistant that checks grammar, clarity, style, and plagiarism in real-time across apps.

Overall Rating9.6/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
9.7/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

AI-driven tone detection and adjustment for contextually appropriate writing

Grammarly is an AI-powered writing assistant that provides real-time grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, and style corrections across web browsers, desktop apps, mobile keyboards, and integrations like Google Docs and Microsoft Word. It analyzes tone, suggests engaging rewrites, detects plagiarism, and offers generative AI tools for content creation via GrammarlyGO. With support for multiple languages and customizable goals, it's designed to elevate writing quality for personal and professional use.

Pros

  • Comprehensive real-time corrections for grammar, style, clarity, and tone
  • Seamless integrations across browsers, apps, and platforms
  • Advanced AI tools like plagiarism detection and generative rewriting

Cons

  • Many premium features require subscription
  • Occasional over-suggestions or false positives
  • Data privacy concerns with cloud-based analysis

Best For

Professionals, students, and content creators seeking polished, error-free writing in any environment.

Pricing

Free basic plan; Premium at $12/month or $144/year; Business plans from $15/user/month.

Visit Grammarlygrammarly.com
2
ProWritingAI d logo

ProWritingAI d

specialized

Comprehensive editing tool providing in-depth analysis on style, grammar, readability, and overused words.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.6/10
Ease of Use
8.4/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Its 25+ specialized reports that provide holistic document analysis, such as pacing, dialogue tags, and alliterations, unmatched by real-time-only competitors.

ProWritingAI d is a comprehensive writing editing tool that provides in-depth analysis beyond basic grammar checks, including style improvements, readability scores, pacing, and over 25 specialized reports on aspects like repeats, clichés, and sensory details. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and more, offering real-time suggestions alongside full-document critiques. Designed for novelists, bloggers, academics, and professionals, it helps refine writing for clarity, engagement, and professionalism.

Pros

  • Extensive suite of 25+ detailed reports for structural and stylistic analysis
  • Broad integrations with popular writing apps like Word, Docs, and Scrivener
  • Customizable goals and style guides tailored to genres and audiences

Cons

  • Overwhelming number of suggestions can slow down editing workflow
  • Free version severely limited; full power requires premium subscription
  • Occasional performance lag with very large documents

Best For

Serious authors, novelists, and professional writers who want deep, report-based feedback to elevate their craft.

Pricing

Free basic version; Premium at $20/month, $120/year, or $399 lifetime.

Visit ProWritingAI dprowritingaid.com
3
Microsoft Word logo

Microsoft Word

enterprise

Professional word processor with advanced editing, tracking changes, and AI-powered suggestions via Editor.

Overall Rating9.0/10
Features
9.5/10
Ease of Use
8.8/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Microsoft Editor: AI-driven writing assistant providing in-depth suggestions for grammar, style, and readability beyond basic checks

Microsoft Word, accessible via office.com, is a leading word processing application within the Microsoft 365 suite, designed for creating, editing, and formatting professional documents. It offers powerful tools for writing assistance, including spell check, grammar correction, and style suggestions through the integrated Microsoft Editor. Users can collaborate in real-time, track changes, and utilize templates for various document types, making it suitable for both individual and team workflows.

Pros

  • Comprehensive editing suite with track changes, comments, and styles
  • AI-powered Microsoft Editor for grammar, clarity, and formality suggestions
  • Seamless real-time collaboration and cloud integration

Cons

  • Full features require paid Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Web version lacks some desktop app capabilities
  • Can feel bloated with features for simple editing tasks

Best For

Professional writers, students, and collaborative teams needing robust, industry-standard document editing.

Pricing

Free web version available; full features via Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month) or Business plans ($6/user/month).

4
Google Docs logo

Google Docs

other

Cloud-based collaborative editor with real-time editing, suggestions, and grammar checking.

Overall Rating8.5/10
Features
7.6/10
Ease of Use
9.7/10
Value
9.8/10
Standout Feature

Real-time co-editing allowing multiple users to edit simultaneously with live cursors

Google Docs is a free, cloud-based word processing application that enables users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in real-time from any device. It provides essential writing and editing tools including spell check, grammar suggestions via Google’s built-in checker, find and replace, and voice typing. While not a dedicated editing suite, it excels in collaborative environments with version history and seamless sharing within Google Workspace.

Pros

  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration
  • Unlimited free storage and access
  • Automatic saving and version history

Cons

  • Limited advanced grammar or style editing tools
  • Requires internet connection for full functionality
  • Basic formatting compared to desktop alternatives

Best For

Teams and casual writers needing free, collaborative editing for everyday documents.

Pricing

Completely free for personal use; Google Workspace business plans start at $6/user/month.

Visit Google Docsdocs.google.com
5
Scrivener logo

Scrivener

specialized

Project management software for organizing and editing long-form writing like novels and scripts.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
7.4/10
Value
9.3/10
Standout Feature

The binder system, which allows modular organization of complex projects while viewing them as a single continuous document

Scrivener is a robust writing application tailored for long-form projects like novels, scripts, theses, and research documents, emphasizing organization and structure over traditional word processing. It features a binder for dividing content into scenes and chapters, visual tools like corkboards and outliners, and a powerful compile function for exporting to multiple formats. While it includes basic editing tools such as spellcheck, comments, and revisions, it prioritizes project management for solo writers rather than advanced grammar analysis or collaboration.

Pros

  • Exceptional project organization with binder, corkboard, and outliner
  • Flexible compile tool for professional exports in various formats
  • Distraction-free full-screen mode and Scrivenings view for seamless editing

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users due to complex interface
  • Limited advanced editing features like grammar/style suggestions
  • No built-in collaboration or cloud syncing for teams

Best For

Solo writers tackling large-scale projects such as novels, screenplays, or academic papers who need strong organizational tools.

Pricing

One-time purchase: $59 for Mac/Windows, $23.99 for iOS; free updates within major versions.

Visit Scrivenerliteratureandlatte.com
6
Ulysses logo

Ulysses

specialized

Distraction-free Markdown writing app with proofreading, goal tracking, and publishing tools.

Overall Rating8.7/10
Features
8.9/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

The unified library with keyword search and filtering for effortless project management

Ulyses is a distraction-free writing app exclusively for macOS and iOS, designed for long-form content creation with Markdown support and a unique sheet-based organization system. It allows users to manage projects through libraries, groups, and filters, set writing goals, and perform basic proofreading with style suggestions. Publishing options include direct exports to WordPress, Medium, and ePub, making it suitable for authors and bloggers.

Pros

  • Intuitive sheet and library organization
  • Live Markdown preview and goal tracking
  • Seamless iCloud sync across Apple devices

Cons

  • Apple-only (no Windows/Android support)
  • Subscription required for full features
  • Limited advanced editing tools like AI grammar checks

Best For

Long-form writers and bloggers on Apple devices seeking a focused, organized Markdown workflow.

Pricing

$5.99/month or $39.99/year (annual plan), with 14-day free trial.

Visit Ulyssesulysses.app
7
Hemingway App logo

Hemingway App

specialized

Tool that highlights complex sentences and adverbs to improve readability and conciseness.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
7.8/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
9.0/10
Standout Feature

Color-coded highlights for complex sentences, adverbs, and passive voice

Hemingway App is a specialized writing editor designed to enhance readability and simplicity in prose, inspired by Ernest Hemingway's concise style. It analyzes pasted text, color-coding complex sentences (red/yellow), adverbs (blue), and passive voice (green), while providing readability scores like grade level and word count. The free web version offers instant feedback, with a paid desktop app for offline use and exports.

Pros

  • Intuitive color-coded highlighting for quick readability fixes
  • Free online version with core functionality
  • Promotes bold, clear writing without unnecessary complexity

Cons

  • No grammar or spell-checking capabilities
  • Limited to style/readability; lacks rephrasing suggestions
  • Desktop app requires one-time purchase for offline access

Best For

Writers, bloggers, and journalists aiming to simplify prose and improve readability scores without full grammar tools.

Pricing

Free web app; desktop version $19.99 one-time purchase.

Visit Hemingway Apphemingwayapp.com
8
QuillBot logo

QuillBot

general_ai

AI paraphraser and grammar checker that rewrites text for clarity and variety.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
9.2/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Multi-mode paraphraser with seven distinct styles (e.g., Creative, Formal, Expand) for tailored rephrasing

QuillBot is an AI-powered writing assistant primarily known for its advanced paraphrasing capabilities, allowing users to rephrase text in multiple modes such as Standard, Fluency, Creative, and Formal to enhance clarity, tone, or length. It also includes grammar checking, summarization, plagiarism detection, and a citation generator, making it a versatile tool for editing and refining written content. The platform offers a user-friendly web interface, browser extension, and integrations with tools like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

Pros

  • Exceptional multi-mode paraphraser that adapts to various writing styles and needs
  • Integrated grammar checker and plagiarism detector for comprehensive editing
  • Free tier with generous limits and seamless browser extension for quick access

Cons

  • Premium subscription required for unlimited use and advanced features like full plagiarism checks
  • Paraphrasing can sometimes alter the original meaning or introduce inaccuracies
  • Fewer integrations and customization options compared to top competitors like Grammarly

Best For

Students, bloggers, and content creators who need quick paraphrasing and basic editing to refine drafts without heavy investment.

Pricing

Free plan with limited paraphrases and basic features; Premium at $9.95/month (billed annually at $119.88/year) or $19.95/month for unlimited access.

Visit QuillBotquillbot.com
9
LanguageTool logo

LanguageTool

specialized

Open-source grammar, style, and punctuation checker supporting over 20 languages.

Overall Rating8.4/10
Features
8.8/10
Ease of Use
7.9/10
Value
9.2/10
Standout Feature

Broadest multilingual grammar checking with support for 20+ languages including rare ones like Asturian and Esperanto

LanguageTool is an open-source proofreading software that detects and corrects grammar, spelling, style, and punctuation errors across over 20 languages. It functions as a browser extension, standalone application, API, or integration with tools like LibreOffice, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word. The tool emphasizes privacy by processing text locally in the free version, with premium upgrades for advanced checks and higher usage limits.

Pros

  • Exceptional multilingual support for over 20 languages
  • Strong privacy focus with local processing in free version
  • Versatile integrations with browsers, apps, and office suites

Cons

  • Interface feels dated and less polished than competitors
  • Free version limits advanced style and repetition checks
  • Occasional false positives in complex sentences

Best For

Multilingual writers, privacy-conscious users, or those needing affordable grammar checking for non-English languages.

Pricing

Free basic version; Premium at €4.99/month or €19.90/year per user for advanced features.

Visit LanguageToollanguagetool.org
10
AutoCrit logo

AutoCrit

specialized

AI editing platform tailored for fiction writers with genre-specific feedback and pacing analysis.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
7.2/10
Standout Feature

Genre benchmarking that compares your manuscript directly to top-selling books in your category

AutoCrit is an online writing analysis tool tailored for fiction authors, offering in-depth manuscript critiques based on genre-specific benchmarks from bestselling novels. It evaluates elements like pacing, dialogue, word choice, adverbs, clichés, and show vs. tell ratios through interactive dashboards and reports. The platform helps writers identify strengths and weaknesses to refine their prose effectively.

Pros

  • Genre-specific feedback benchmarked against bestsellers
  • Comprehensive analytics for pacing, dialogue, and style issues
  • Interactive dashboard with actionable suggestions

Cons

  • Limited utility for non-fiction or academic writing
  • Subscription-only model with no lifetime option
  • Data-heavy reports can overwhelm beginners

Best For

Fiction writers seeking targeted, data-driven edits to match genre conventions.

Pricing

Starts at $30/month or $297/year for Pro plan; 14-day free trial available.

Visit AutoCritautocrit.com

Conclusion

After reviewing the top 10 writing and editing tools, Grammarly stands as the top choice, offering real-time, multi-faceted AI assistance across platforms. ProWritingAI d excels with its in-depth style and readability analysis for detailed feedback, while Microsoft Word remains a professional staple with strong tracking and advanced suggestions. Together, these tools cover diverse needs, from long-form projects to daily writing, ensuring polished results.

Grammarly logo
Our Top Pick
Grammarly

Start your writing journey by trying Grammarly—its intuitive AI feedback can transform your work, whether you’re drafting a novel, email, or report, and help you refine every piece with ease.