Head-to-Head
Grammarly vs QuillBot (2026)
Grammarly
Freemium★ 4.6
QuillBot
Freemium★ 4.2
Grammarly and QuillBot are the two most widely used AI writing improvement tools, but they solve different problems. Grammarly is primarily an editing assistant - it catches grammar, spelling, clarity, and tone issues in real time across every app you write in. QuillBot is primarily a rewriting and paraphrasing tool - it transforms existing text into new versions, which makes it more useful for repurposing content and avoiding repetition. Many writers use both: Grammarly for real-time editing while writing, QuillBot for reworking finished drafts.
Feature Comparison
Real-Time Editing
Grammarly's browser extension and desktop app provide real-time corrections across Gmail, Docs, Slack, and every web app. QuillBot requires pasting text.
Paraphrasing Quality
QuillBot's paraphrase tool with multiple modes (standard, fluency, formal, creative) is best-in-class. Grammarly's rewrite suggestions are more limited.
Grammar & Spelling
Grammarly is the benchmark for grammar checking with fine-grained explanations. QuillBot's grammar checker is functional but less detailed.
Tone Detection
Grammarly's tone detector and goal-setting features adjust suggestions to audience and formality level. QuillBot has basic tone modes but less nuance.
Plagiarism Detection
Grammarly includes a plagiarism checker on Premium plans. QuillBot includes a basic plagiarism checker on paid plans.
Content Repurposing
QuillBot is purpose-built for repurposing: summariser, paraphraser, and translator in one tool. Grammarly does not support content repurposing workflows.
Pricing
QuillBot Premium at $4.17/mo (annual) is significantly cheaper than Grammarly Premium at $12/mo. QuillBot wins on price for comparable features.
Verdict
This comparison is context-dependent. Grammarly scores 28/35 and QuillBot scores 25/35. Choose based on your specific workflow needs.
Bottom Line
Grammarly and QuillBot solve overlapping but distinct problems. Grammarly is a comprehensive writing assistant: grammar, clarity, tone, plagiarism, and AI rewriting in one. QuillBot is the strongest paraphrasing tool on the market plus a competent grammar checker, plus citation generator and summariser. Grammarly is the better choice if writing assistance is your primary need across email, docs, and Slack. QuillBot wins if you do a lot of paraphrasing (academic writing, content rewriting, ESL students) because the modes (Standard, Fluency, Academic, Creative) are uniquely useful. Pricing: Grammarly Premium $12-30/mo, QuillBot Premium $9.95/mo or $39.95/year.
Pick Grammarly
You write across many surfaces (email, docs, Slack, Google Docs) and want one tool that improves grammar, clarity, and tone everywhere. Grammarly browser extension is the deepest integration in the category. Best for professionals, writers, and anyone who writes 1000+ words daily across multiple apps.
Pick QuillBot
You paraphrase frequently. QuillBot is the best paraphrasing tool by a significant margin and is the standard tool among ESL students, academic writers, and content rewriters. Annual price is unmatched at under $40/year. Best for students, researchers, and anyone whose work involves restating existing text.
Frequently asked
Does QuillBot do everything Grammarly does?
No. QuillBot has grammar checking but it is less comprehensive than Grammarly Premium. Grammarly catches more nuanced clarity, tone, and consistency issues. QuillBot wins specifically on paraphrasing and is acceptable as a basic grammar checker but not as a complete writing assistant.
Is QuillBot detected by AI detectors?
Sometimes. QuillBot output can be flagged by tools like Turnitin and GPTZero, especially when used aggressively in academic settings. The Standard and Formal modes are less detectable than Creative or Fluency modes. For academic submissions, treat any AI-paraphrased text as risk.
Does Grammarly have a free version?
Yes, and the free tier is genuinely useful. It catches grammar and basic spelling issues. Premium adds clarity rewrites, tone adjustments, plagiarism, and full AI suggestions. For casual writers, the free tier is enough; for professionals, Premium is the meaningful upgrade.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many academic writers and ESL students run both: Grammarly for grammar and tone, QuillBot for paraphrasing. Combined cost is roughly $20/mo or $130/year, which is reasonable for serious writers.