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The best AI for essay writing help

By Web Tool Ratings editors · Updated · How we rate

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AI is most useful before and after you write: brainstorming, outlining, finding sources and getting feedback. Submitting AI-written work as your own breaks most schools’ rules: check yours.

The full list

1

Best for feedback on drafts

Claude

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6 · Best for writers, analysts and developers working with long documents or code

Detailed, careful comments on structure and argument.

Category
AI assistant
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$20/mo
Billed yearly
$17/mo
From $20 /moVisit Claude Full review
2

Best for brainstorming & outlining

ChatGPT

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.7 · Best for most people: the best all-round AI assistant

Explore angles and build an outline fast.

Category
AI assistant
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$8/mo
From $8 /moVisit ChatGPT Full review
3

Best for finding sources

Perplexity

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · Best for research and questions where you want sources

Cited answers to start your research.

Category
AI assistant
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$20/mo
Billed yearly
$16.67/mo
From $20 /moVisit Perplexity Full review
4

Best for polishing

Grammarly

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 · Best for anyone who wants cleaner writing everywhere they type

Grammar, clarity and tone checks.

Category
AI writing
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$30/mo
Billed yearly
$12/mo
From $30 /moVisit Grammarly Full review
5

Best free with Google Docs

Google Gemini

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.6 · Best for people who live in Gmail, Docs and Android

Free help alongside your Docs.

Category
AI assistant
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$20/mo
From $20 /moVisit Google Gemini Full review

Compared at a glance

ToolOur ratingCategoryFree planPaid fromYear 1 (cheapest paid)
Claude 4.6/5AI assistantYes$20/mo$204
ChatGPT 4.7/5AI assistantYes$8/mo$96
Perplexity 4.5/5AI assistantYes$20/mo$200
Grammarly 4.5/5AI writingYes$30/mo$144
Google Gemini 4.6/5AI assistantYes$20/mo$240

Checked Oct 10, 2026. Details change: confirm on the provider’s site.

A good workflow

  1. Brainstorm and pick a thesis with an assistant.
  2. Find and read real sources (Perplexity, your library).
  3. Write the draft yourself.
  4. Ask for feedback on argument and clarity; revise.
  5. Polish with Grammarly.

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