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While generative artificial-intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT can proofread and edit text for grammar and style, using these tools as go-to editors can be a cumbersome process that requires continually copying text and entering prompts. For anyone looking for more holistic help improving their writing, a number of browser extensions use generative AI to offer continuous editing support across emails, documents, social-media posts, and software platforms. When enabled, these tools suggest writing improvements in real time wherever a user is working online.
We tested the editing prowess of six browser extensions: Grammarly, ProWritingAid, QuillBot, Writer, WordTune, and Sapling. Based on our testing, we recommend Writer for its smooth user experience, high-quality edits, and customization options that make it easier to achieve a desired tone. Our top pick is followed closely by the slightly less intuitive but more affordable ProWritingAid, which is also easy to use and thorough in picking up on potential issues. Both our picks have multiple subscription levels, with a free option for ProWritingAid and a 14-day free trial for Writer.
Our recommendations:
Writer is our top pick, giving users a low-lift, accessible way to strengthen their writing without diluting the intended voice.
Pros:
- Conversational, easy-to-understand explanations for changes that add a human feel to the editing process.
- A well-organized dashboard with cheerful color-coding for easy scannability.
- A higher level of detail in rephrasing suggestions compared to competitors, with the option to ask for alternatives that are shorter, simpler, or more polished.
Cons:
- With no free tier, its lowest-priced level is the most expensive of the tools we tested.
- Some tone filters for rephrasing, such as the option to make text “more witty,” had lackluster suggestions.
ProWritingAid, our second-choice pick, is just a little less streamlined, but its detailed customization settings, educational dashboard, and free tier make it a solid option.
Pros:
- In addition to listing each issue within a piece of text, the dashboard highlights overall strengths and weaknesses for higher-level takeaways.
- Ability to tailor recommendations to different contexts, such as business, academia, and web copy, and writing formats, such as memos and sales emails.
Cons:
- Has a separate add-on for Google Docs.
- Unlimited suggestions are only available for paying users, and users of the free product can quickly run into usage caps.
- Dashboard isn’t as visually appealing or easy to navigate through.
Read the full review at charterworks.com.