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Comparison · Grammar and proofreading tools

Microsoft Editor vs ProWritingAid: which is better in 2026?

Microsoft Editor86.5#5 in best grammar and proofreading toolsProWritingAid88.0#4 in best grammar and proofreading tools

ProWritingAid ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#4 against #5, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 86.5
    Editorial score
    88.0
  • 1
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Microsoft Editor if you want

Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.

Built into Word and Outlook for the web, with a free grammar checker. Its full set of options is tied to a Microsoft 365 subscription, and it works only in Microsoft's apps.

Choose ProWritingAid if you want

Long drafts that need style and pacing reports.

Style and pacing reports that cover book-length drafts, with a free plan for light use. Premium costs $30 a month billed monthly, so it suits longer projects.

Side by side

Microsoft EditorProWritingAid
Score86.588.0
Rank in list#5 of 10#4 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan; Premium $30 a month billed monthly; Premium Pro $36 a month billed monthly
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoNo
PlatformsWebWebWebWeb
Made byMicrosoftNot stated
Where checks runWord and Outlook for the webWeb editor
Rewrites and paraphrasingShorter wording suggestionsSuggestions within reports
Style guidanceClarity and conciseness checksStyle and pacing reports
Best forChecking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the webLong drafts that need style and pacing reports
Strengths
  • Built into Word and Outlook for the web
  • Clarity and conciseness checks, not only spelling
  • User dictionary for names and terms
  • Free plan is available
  • Story tools for planning and plot analysis
  • Detailed style and pacing reports
Limits
  • Full options work best with a Microsoft 365 subscription
  • Works only inside Microsoft's own apps
  • Premium costs $30 a month billed monthly
  • Focused on book-length writing
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Microsoft Editor vs ProWritingAid

Is ProWritingAid better than Microsoft Editor?
ProWritingAid ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#4 against #5, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Microsoft Editor is best for: checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web. ProWritingAid is best for: long drafts that need style and pacing reports.
Which is cheaper, Microsoft Editor or ProWritingAid?
Microsoft Editor: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365. ProWritingAid: Free plan; Premium $30 a month billed monthly; Premium Pro $36 a month billed monthly.
Do Microsoft Editor and ProWritingAid run on the same platforms?
Microsoft Editor supports Web. ProWritingAid supports Web.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

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