Best Proofreading Tools in 2026: Grammarly vs ProWritingAid vs Word Plugins

When I first started proofreading online, I thought all I needed was Microsoft Word’s spell check. But once I got into freelancing seriously, I quickly realized that professional proofreaders need more than just the basics. Clients expect polished work delivered fast, and the right tools can save hours while helping you catch mistakes you’d normally overlook.

In this post, I’m breaking down the best proofreading tools in 2026 that freelancers like us use: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Microsoft Word plugins. 

I’ll share the pros, cons, and who each tool is best suited for. And at the end, I’ll also show you how tools alone aren’t enough, and where you can level up your skills. Price change all the time atm so make sure you do your research 🙂

Grammarly: The Polished All-Rounder

When most people think of proofreading tools, Grammarly is the first name that comes to mind. It’s one of the most popular options among freelancers, and I’ve personally leaned on it countless times for quick corrections and style adjustments. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a blog post, or checking client work, Grammarly makes the process smoother.

What I like about Grammarly:

• Real-time grammar and spelling corrections.
• Style suggestions that make writing clearer.
• The browser extension works across email, Google Docs, and most platforms.

Drawbacks:

• The free version is limited (mainly spelling and grammar).
• Advanced features like tone detection and clarity suggestions require Grammarly Premium ($12/month).
• It sometimes over-corrects, which isn’t ideal for creative writing.

Best for: Beginners and freelancers who want an easy, plug-and-play tool that works across different platforms.

ProWritingAid: The Deep-Dive Editor

Grammarly is great for quick fixes, but sometimes you need a tool that digs deeper. That’s where ProWritingAid comes in. It’s more than just a proofreading checker; it’s an editor that provides detailed reports and insights into your writing. When I’m working on long-form content or client projects that require more than surface-level corrections, this is the tool I turn to.

What I like about ProWritingAid:

• In-depth reports on readability, sentence variety, overused words, and style.
• One-time payment options in addition to subscriptions (lifetime license for $399 or $30/month).
• Integrates with Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener (a big win for book editors).

Drawbacks:

• The interface can feel overwhelming at first.
• Slower than Grammarly if you’re working on huge files.
• Reports can be too detailed for simple proofreading tasks.

Best for: Freelancers who want more than grammar corrections, especially those who edit books, reports, or long-form content.

Microsoft Word Plugins: The Old Reliable

Even though new proofreading apps have become popular, Microsoft Word still deserves a spot on this list. Almost every freelancer has used Word at some point, and its built-in spelling and grammar checker has quietly improved over the years. Plus, with plugins and add-ins, you can extend its functionality and make it a solid proofreading companion.

What I like about Word’s tools:

• Free with a Microsoft 365 subscription ($6.99/month).
• Built-in grammar and spelling check is straightforward and reliable.
• Add-ins like Editor, PerfectIt, and Hemingway Editor can give it more depth.

Drawbacks:

• Basic compared to Grammarly or ProWritingAid.
• Some plugins cost extra.
• Works best only inside Word, not across the web.

Best for: Freelancers who already live inside Word and want simple proofreading software for beginners without extra subscriptions.

Comparison Table: Grammarly vs ProWritingAid vs Word Plugins

It’s one thing to read through features and pricing, but sometimes you just need a side-by-side look. Here’s a quick comparison of the three proofreading tools to help you decide which fits best with your workflow:

Which Tool Should You Choose?

With all three tools offering unique benefits, the real question is: which one makes the most sense for you? The answer depends on the kind of proofreading you’re doing and how much support you need. I’ve used all three, and I can tell you there’s no single “best” choice; it really comes down to your work style.

Here’s my take:

• If you want something fast and user-friendly → Go with Grammarly.
• If you’re working on books or need deep insights → ProWritingAid is worth it.
• If you already use Word daily and don’t want extra costs → Stick with Word + plugins.

I switch between Grammarly and ProWritingAid depending on the project. But remember, tools are only half the battle.

Upskilling Beyond the Tools

No matter how advanced proofreading software gets, it will never fully replace the skills of a trained proofreader. The best tools are just that, tools. If you want to charge higher rates, attract better clients, and build a real career, you’ll need to invest in learning the craft.

That’s why I recommend Proofread Anywhere. It’s a program designed for freelancers who want to turn proofreading into a real business. 

You’ll learn not just grammar rules, but also how to market yourself, find clients, and manage projects; the parts no app can do for you. What I like about upskills is having the edge that those tools can’t provide for the clients. 

Level Up Your Proofreading Skills and Income in 2026

The best proofreading tools in 2026 are the ones that fit your needs and workflow. Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Microsoft Word plugins each bring something different to the table, and many freelancers (myself included) end up using a mix of them depending on the project.

But if you want to move beyond catching typos and start building a profitable proofreading career, pair your favorite tool with training through Proofread Anywhere.

👉 Ready to take your skills (and income) to the next level? Check out the Proofread Anywhere workshop and start building your freelance proofreading business today.