Microsoft Editor
Spelling, grammar and style checks built into Word and Outlook on the web
- #5 of 10 in best grammar and proofreading tools
- Free plan, paid upgrades
- Free to use
- Web
Ranked 5 of 10 in best grammar and proofreading tools
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.
Best for Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web
About Microsoft Editor
Editor is the spelling, grammar and writing feature in Word and Outlook for the web. It checks spelling, grammar, capitalization and punctuation, and it suggests clearer and shorter wording for wordy sentences. It can build a user dictionary for names and terms, and the page also lists a similarity checker for reviewing documents.
Editor belongs to Microsoft's own apps rather than to a browser extension, so it is most useful for people who already write in Word or Outlook. Microsoft's page calls its grammar checker free and says Editor works better with a Microsoft 365 subscription, which adds advanced clarity and formality checks.
Key features
- Spelling and grammar
- Clarity and conciseness checks
- User dictionary
- Similarity checker
- Multiple languages
Strengths
- Built into Word and Outlook for the web
- Clarity and conciseness checks, not only spelling
- User dictionary for names and terms
Limits
- Full options work best with a Microsoft 365 subscription
- Works only inside Microsoft's own apps
Where Microsoft Editor ranks
How Microsoft Editor compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Where checks run | Rewrites and paraphrasing | Style guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#3 Harper | 89.5 | Free and open source | macOSBrowser extension | On your device, in browsers and editors | None; no AI model in the loop | Grammar and spelling only |
#4 ProWritingAid | 88.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | Web editor | Suggestions within reports | Style and pacing reports |
| #5Microsoft Editor | 86.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | Web | Word and Outlook for the web | Shorter wording suggestions | Clarity and conciseness checks |
#6 Antidote | 85.5 | Subscription | WindowsmacOSWebiOS, iPadOS | Windows and Mac apps, plus web | Suggestions for reworking sentences | Style suggestions and language guides |
#7 QuillBot | 83.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WebBrowser extension | Chrome extension and web tools | Paraphraser included | Tone analysis |
The full comparison table for best grammar and proofreading tools has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Microsoft Editor
All 9 alternatives
GrammarlyAlso runs on iOS, Android.
LanguageToolIs open source; also runs on Windows, macOS.- HarperIs open source; also runs on macOS.
- ProWritingAidWriting editor with style reports and story tools for authors
- AntidoteAlso runs on Windows, macOS, iOS.
- QuillBotAI paraphrasing tool with a free Chrome extension for grammar checks
Questions about Microsoft Editor
- Is Microsoft Editor free?
- Microsoft Editor can be used without paying: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Microsoft Editor open source?
- No. Microsoft Editor is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Microsoft Editor support?
- Microsoft Editor is available on: Web.
- What is Microsoft Editor best for?
- Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web. In our ranking of grammar and proofreading tools it is number 5 of 10 with a score of 86.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Microsoft Editor?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Grammarly, LanguageTool, Harper, ProWritingAid.
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