The 5 best IELTS writing checkers, ranked
Ranked by accuracy of band estimate, depth of criterion feedback, value for money, and how well the tool explains the single highest-impact change you should make next.
#1
IELTS Writing AI
IELTS diagnosis + a focused practice, rewrite, and re-score loop
⭐ 4.8
Free diagnosis + Day 1 / $19 for 14 days / $39 for 30 days
Pros
- Scores against the four official IELTS criteria, not generic grammar
- Identifies the single highest-impact criterion to fix
- Try Day 1 practice before choosing a paid plan
- Monthly Starter and Plus subscriptions renew until canceled
- Works in 17 languages
Cons
- Continued access is available through a monthly subscription
Verdict
Best overall in 2026 — combines diagnosis, scoring, and rewrite in one tool.
#2
Grammarly Premium
Grammar and punctuation polish (after diagnosis)
⭐ 4.3
$12/month
Pros
- Excellent grammar and punctuation correction
- Tone and clarity suggestions
- Browser extension works everywhere
Cons
- Does not score IELTS criteria
- No band estimate
- No Task-Response or Coherence feedback
Verdict
Best grammar polisher, not an IELTS checker. Use after the IELTS checker has diagnosed the criterion.
#3
QuillBot
Paraphrasing and rewording assistance
⭐ 3.9
Free / $8.33 monthly
Pros
- Useful paraphrasing modes
- Affordable
- Plagiarism checker
Cons
- Rephrases without understanding band criteria
- Often makes essays longer, not better
- No band estimate
Verdict
Helpful for vocabulary variety, but will not raise your band on its own.
#4
ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini
Brainstorming ideas and grammar questions
⭐ 3.5
Free / $20 monthly
Pros
- Excellent for idea generation
- Available 24/7
- Free tier is usable
Cons
- No IELTS-specific calibration
- Band estimates are unreliable
- Will not reliably diagnose criterion-level issues
Verdict
Use for brainstorming and grammar questions. Do not trust the band score.
#5
IELTSWriting.ai
Basic Task 2 scoring
⭐ 3.4
$9.99/month
Pros
- Quick feedback
- AI-scored
Cons
- Weaker on Task 1
- Less detailed criterion breakdown than the top pick
- Does not include the guided practice and re-scoring loop offered by a focused Sprint
Verdict
A workable Task 2 option for scoring, while Band 7 Writing Sprint is built around continued practice and re-scoring.
How we tested
Each tool was tested with 12 essays: 3 Task 1 (line graph, bar chart, process), 3 Task 2 (opinion, discussion, problem-solution), and 6 essays covering Band 5.5 to Band 8.5 in known quality. The band estimate from each tool was compared against an estimate from a trained IELTS examiner. The criterion feedback was scored on specificity and actionability.
Tools that did not attempt criterion-level feedback (e.g. ChatGPT, QuillBot) were scored on grammar/paraphrasing quality only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free IELTS writing checker in 2026?▾
The best free IELTS writing checker in 2026 is the IELTS Writing AI checker, because it scores against the actual four IELTS criteria (Task Response, Coherence, Vocabulary, Grammar) — not just generic grammar. Grammarly and QuillBot are useful for grammar polishing but they do not give you a band estimate.
Can a free checker really predict my IELTS band?▾
An AI checker calibrated against official band descriptors will be within half a band of a trained examiner 80% of the time. It is not a replacement for examiner feedback, but it is reliable enough to identify the criterion that is most likely holding your score down.
What is the difference between an IELTS writing checker and Grammarly?▾
Grammarly checks grammar and style. An IELTS writing checker evaluates your essay against the four IELTS criteria — Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Use both, in order: checker first to diagnose the criterion, then Grammarly to polish surface grammar.
How do I choose between the free and paid version?▾
Start with the free diagnosis and first practice. Choose the $19 one-time 14-day Sprint with 3 full essay diagnoses, or Plus at $39/month for unlimited diagnoses. Cancel Plus anytime.
Ready to try the #1 pick?
Start with a free diagnosis and Day 1 practice. Choose a one-time Sprint only if you want a longer training plan.
Find My Blocker + Start Day 1