The 5 apps, ranked
Ranked by depth of criterion feedback, accuracy of band estimate, value for money, and how well the app identifies the single highest-impact change you should make next.
#1
IELTS Writing AI
Web app · Free / $4.99 essay / $39 monthly
AI band score + 4-criterion diagnosis + sentence-level fixes
⭐ 4.8
Pros
- Scores all four IELTS criteria, not just grammar
- Free first scan with no card, no signup
- Identifies the single highest-impact criterion to fix
- Paid report includes a Band 7 rewrite of your weakest paragraph
Cons
- Web only — no native mobile app (mobile browser works fine)
Verdict
Best overall — the only app that scores against the actual IELTS criteria rather than generic grammar.
#2
IELTS Practice Plus (by British Council)
iOS + Android · Free with optional paid tier
Full exam practice with official content
⭐ 4.3
Pros
- Official British Council content
- Full Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking practice
- Mock tests with timer
Cons
- Writing feedback is generic — no criterion-level scoring
- Best for full exam practice, not for writing improvement
Verdict
Best for full exam practice. Pair with a writing-specific tool.
#3
Grammarly (mobile + desktop)
iOS + Android + browser · Free / $12 monthly
Grammar and punctuation polish
⭐ 4.2
Pros
- Excellent grammar and punctuation correction
- Browser extension works on every site
- Tone and clarity suggestions
Cons
- Does not score IELTS criteria
- Will not raise your band on its own
Verdict
Best grammar polisher, not an IELTS checker. Use after a criterion-level tool.
#4
IELTS Writing Aid: Andrew
iOS + Android · Free / $4.99 monthly
Vocabulary and grammar for Task 2
⭐ 3.9
Pros
- Task 2 sentence structure templates
- Topic-specific vocabulary lists
- Affordable monthly plan
Cons
- No band estimate
- Limited criterion feedback
Verdict
Helpful for vocabulary. Not a replacement for a real checker.
#5
E2 IELTS
iOS + Android + web · $5–$30 monthly
Live tutor sessions with mock tests
⭐ 3.7
Pros
- Real tutors available 24/7
- Mock tests with human grading
Cons
- Expensive for daily practice
- Band estimates can vary by tutor
Verdict
Best for occasional mock tests, not daily practice.
The fastest path from 6.5 to 7.0
Daily loop. Pick one Task 2 topic from Cambridge IELTS 17–19, write a timed essay (40 minutes), submit to the #1 app above, and look at the criterion scores. The criterion with the lowest score is your bottleneck.
Weekly fix. Spend one day on the lowest-scoring criterion only. Read the band 6 and band 7 descriptors for that criterion. The differences are exactly what to fix. Re-write one essay focused on that criterion.
Track progress. After 4 weeks you should see your lowest criterion move from 6.0 to 6.5. After 8 weeks, 6.5 to 7.0. If the criterion does not move, switch apps — your bottleneck has changed and you may need a teacher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best app for IELTS Writing in 2026?▾
The best IELTS Writing app in 2026 is the IELTS Writing AI checker — it gives you criterion-level scoring (Task Response, Coherence, Vocabulary, Grammar) in under 60 seconds, identifies the single weakest criterion, and offers a free first scan. Pair it with one strategy book and you have everything you need to reach Band 7.
Are free IELTS Writing apps good enough to get Band 7?▾
Free apps can absolutely get you to Band 7, but only if they give criterion-level feedback. Grammar-only apps like Grammarly cap you around Band 6.5 because they ignore the criterion that most often holds candidates back — Task Response. The free first scan of a criterion-scoring tool is the most cost-effective option.
Do I need an app if I already have a teacher?▾
An app is the fastest way to get feedback between teacher sessions. Most IELTS teachers meet once a week, which means six days of writing with no feedback. A free checker fills that gap. Use both: app for daily feedback, teacher for strategy and monthly reviews.
What should I look for in an IELTS Writing app?▾
Four things: (1) criterion-level scoring, not just grammar; (2) specific suggestions tied to the band descriptors; (3) ability to track improvement over time; (4) a free first scan so you can verify it works on your writing before paying.
Ready to see your band by criterion?
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