Writing can be hard. Or easy and fun. Or fun and hard.

Putting words on paper might seem straightforward, but putting them all together in the best sequence? That’s another story – probably one you don’t feel like writing.  

Jokes aside, writing fulfills us, so we keep doing it. From writing a seven-part book series to jotting down a to-do list, writing is a part of being human. 

Over the years, writing has changed its forms many times. One of the biggest shifts was going digital. Novels, short stories, scripts, textbooks, research papers, and magazine articles: we can find everything online. 

And while nothing can replace the satisfaction of scribbling in your favorite notebook, writing software solutions can assist your process in ways traditional methods can’t. The best part? It’s free!

Whether you’re looking for creative artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools or a simple note-taking platform, this list of free writing software surely has something useful for your needs.

Best free writing software

Writing software enhances the writing process with insights and suggestions. Some platforms assist with research, grammar, and tone checking, making it perfect for all kinds of drafts, including online articles, scripts, and books. 

The list below contains real user reviews. For context, the vendors that offer a free trial are also considered free. To be included on this list, a solution must:

• Create AI-generated text to assist in some portion of the writing process.
• Suggest insights on improving the work.
• Present relevant resources intended to educate the writer.
• Correct grammatical errors.
• Create editable, text-based documents.
• Allow users to store multiple notes.
• Offer collaborative note-taking and note-sharing tools.

* This data was pulled from G2 in February 2024, and the product list is ranked alphabetically. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.

1. aiseo.ai

aiseo.ai combines the power of AI and search engine optimization (SEO) data to generate copy. It’s perfect for bloggers, copywriters, and content marketers aspiring to rank high on Google.

The software offers a variety of free tools for title generation, paraphrasing, rewriting, and rewording. It comes with a free 7-day trial that offers 60 credits with access to all features.

What users like best:

“I recently started using aiseo.ai, among several similar products, and I love them all! I think this is the only one with a readability improvement feature, and I really like it. It makes reading and understanding the text much easier and has helped me improve my writing. The other features are great too, but this is the feature that makes it stand out to me.”

– aiseo.ai Review, Kristen D.

What users dislike:

“One potential downside of using an AI Content Detector is that it may not always be completely accurate. While the tool is designed to identify characteristics commonly found in machine-generated content, it’s possible that it may flag content as being potentially machine-generated even if it’s actually written by a human. This could lead to unnecessary revisions or changes to the content, which could be time-consuming and frustrating for the user.”

– aiseo.ai Review, Dadash V.

2. Anyword

Marketers turn to Anyword to write copy that converts. With text personalization and robust predictive analytics, you can validate the potential of every message you create for your customers. In fact, Anyword has increased conversion rates by 30% for several clients. 

There’s a 7-day free trial available for new users, after which their access automatically converts to a free plan. 

What users like best:

“It does not distort the tone or messaging of what is already written. It just takes a draft and makes it more engaging and easy to read. It also helps that it offers multiple versions so users can pick which one best suits what they’re looking for and then they can edit it even more. It can simultaneously process large volumes of texts such as long-read blog articles.”

– Anyword Review, Seun O

What users dislike:

“It lacks several templates, such as meta descriptions, headlines, social media posts, conclusions, and templates for rewriting/rephrasing. These are the features that I would like to see added in the near future.”

– Anyword Review, Habib K.

3. Copy.ai

Use Copy.ai to generate content that’s more engaging and targeted and watch as it brings in faster and better results. The tool is perfect for sales and marketing teams trying to drive copy that closes more deals. From digital ads to social media posts, you can write any form of content with this writing tool.

The free version allows unlimited writing projects with 90+ copywriting tools. You can also register for a free demo to understand how to make the most of your plan.

What users like best: 

“The most important thing I like about Copy.ai is free credits. It helps me know about Copy.ai and AI generation. Also, the results are very satisfying, with many types of AI-generation word content for Facebook descriptions and YouTube title generation. The part I like the most is the landing page hero text; it greatly helps me.”

– Copy.ai Review, Kumaran R.

What users dislike:

“What I find is missing from this product is the ability to pull data from an existing website. I’m not interested in plagiarizing! I just mean facts or data listed on an informational website. I would like to pull specific information and then write commentary around it. Also, the grammar is bad (run-on sentences, switching from first to third person, etc.) I always need to run it through a grammar check software after. I would also love to see a feature like a script writer for creating video scripts.”

– Copy.ai Review, Kate A.

4. Evernote

Evernote has the ability to meet all your writing needs on a single platform. Whether you’re scanning documents, taking extensive notes, or jotting down a list, Evernote manages it all. 

You can get this free writing app for iOS, Android, Web, Windows, macOS, and Linux; it even has an offline mode. If you wish to upgrade to the paid professional plan, it comes with a free 30-day trial. 

What users like best:

“I have been using Evernote for a very long time, and I think the thing I like the most about it is that it just does such a good job of being both functional and fun. The user experience is clear and clean, I can search based on all kinds of tags, and there are many robust options for those times when I need more formatting than just basic headers and text.”

– Evernote Review, Sara C.

What users dislike:

“One thing I don’t like is the way notes are managed. When you’re a beginner with few notes, it works very well, but for more advanced users with a lot of information, this management is very short.”

– Evernote Review, Jesus M.

5. Frase.io

With Frase.io, optimizing your content for search engines is a matter of minutes, not hours. This all-inclusive free writing software provides everything from content briefs to analytics post publishing so you can make popular content. 

You can begin with a five-day (pretty much) free trial at only $1 and cancel your plan anytime you want.

What users like best:

“Frase.io is easy to use and gives you everything you need to create excellent content. I love how easy it’s to research competitors, find reference sources to use for blog posts, and create outlines and briefs. Most of all, their team is always looking to improve the product and takes customer feedback seriously.”

– Frase.io Review, Chris F.

What users dislike:

“Too many updates and changes to the user interface. There should be a ‘use the old layout’ option. I’m used to getting what I need from the layout. It would be cool if you could connect SEMrush or Ahrefs to get the traffic data.”

– Frase.io Review, Marc P.

6. Grammarly Business

Grammarly Business offers advanced AI-powered features and a distraction-free writing experience. It improves word choices, refines sentence tone, enhances content clarity, and fixes grammatical errors.

The free forever plan is available for all platforms and is accessible through your browser or the app for desktops. You can also download it for Mac, iPhone, and other mobile devices. 

What users like best:

“Grammarly Business is the best to write content error-free. It has a  grammar checker and a spell check feature that easily identifies errors. We can install Grammarly Extension in our Chromium or Chrome Browser, which can help all websites where we want to write the correct content. Even G2 uses this service to allow customers to write error-free reviews.”

– Grammarly Business Review, Devang S.

What users dislike:

“Sometimes, Grammarly may suggest corrections that are not necessary or even incorrect. This can frustrate users who rely on the software to catch errors.”

– Grammarly Business Review, Husnain M.

7. Google Workspace

Google Workspace is powered by Google AI to create, connect, and collaborate. And when it comes to free word processors, Google Docs is the go-to answer for millions of users. With a premade template gallery, you can create all kinds of content, including project proposals, meeting notes, and newsletters.

Perfect for individuals or teams, users can sign up for Google Docs for free and get unlimited access to all features, including real-time collaboration and auto-save. 

What users like best:

“One of the things I appreciate is how easy it is to collaborate with other people in real time. Google Docs, for example, allows several people to edit the same document simultaneously, which is very useful for teamwork. In addition, having all the tools integrated into a single platform, such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar, makes work much more efficient and organized.”

– Google Workspace Review, Luã Fhelyp G.

What users dislike:

“One area that could be improved is integrating Google Workspace and other third-party applications. While many integrations are available, they’re not always seamless and can require manual work. Enhancing the integration capabilities would make connecting with other tools easier for my work.”

– Google Workspace Review, Alejandro D.

8. Jasper

Jasper encourages collaboration and the pursuit of creative writing ideas over word count. The software works for more than 29 languages and comes with a Chrome extension. Designed to match your brand voice and style guide, Jasper also optimizes your copy for SEO.

The starter plan is free forever for up to five users. Jasper also offers a one-hour AI masterclass tutorial to communicate best practices for using this tool. 

What users like best:

“Jasper is a great AI that will create helpful written content. Jasper is everything I have come to expect over the many years of using this AI. You can be sure pricing will be around the same as other competitors, if not less expensive. I use the highest tier, saving time and money as I learn how to use the platform.”

– Jasper Review, Justin D.

What users dislike:

“It makes our content creation easy and fun to use. The mental fatigue and self-talk about what I wrote not being good enough are no longer factors. I can start with an idea, Jasper runs with it, I tweak around the edges to clarify the message/point/CTA, and what would take me hours or days to do, is completed way faster and much better than what I have previously created.”

– Jasper Review, Jonathan F.

9. Peppertype.ai

Peppertype.ai learns from your writing style and makes it more competitive to work best for your audience. It provides an intelligent text editor, an SEO assistant, and integrations that ensure your writing is free from grammatical errors. 

New users can get a seven-day free trial to get started with this tool and enjoy unlimited access to all the features.

What users like best:

“I’ve used this tool to create countless pieces of content. It’s really easy to use and is a great way to create high-quality content quickly. I’ve used it to create blog posts, ad copy, and Facebook posts. I love how it’s written with a conversational tone that feels natural. And it’s never written a line that my audience would find boring. I can literally create any type of content in seconds with Peppertype.ai. I’ve gotten content out the door in less than five minutes, which is great!”

– Peppertype.ai Review, Pallav B.

What users dislike:

“Sometimes the input contents are not recognized correctly, and Peppertype returns the same input as output but takes the credits. They should not take the credit if they’re not rewriting anything.”

– Peppertype.ai Review, Md Farhanul I.

10. Rytr

Rytr uses AI technology to create the best versions of written content. From social media captions and video ideas to business pitches and product descriptions, Rytr helps make the most compelling copy for your projects.

The free forever plan supports more than 30 languages and has an inbuilt plagiarism checker for a seamless experience. 

What users like best:

“I’ve been using Rytr for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. It’s incredibly intuitive and easy to use, and the quality of the content it generates is top-notch. I’ve tried other AI writing and editing tools before, but none compares to the speed, accuracy, and convenience that Rytr offers. It’s definitely the best AI writing tool out there!”

– Rytr Review, Abdi A.

What users dislike:

“While AI writing can undoubtedly create exceptional quality content, its programming restricts it from offering truly creative or original ideas. Additionally, Rytr needs an internet connection to work optimally. If I’m in a region with slow or unreliable internet, it might be difficult for me to benefit from it.”

– Rytr Review, Chibuike U.

11. Scalenut

Scalenut helps marketers build their brands through AI-generated content, content planning, and keyword research. This free writing program offers a customizable user interface for multiple file formats. 

Try out Scalenut for free with a 7-day trial that comes with AI templates, an SEO editor, and search engine research page analysis functionalities. 

What users like best:

“One of the standout features of Scalenut is its user-friendly interface. The platform is easy to navigate, and the reports generated by its tools are well-organized and straightforward. This makes it a great option for businesses that may not have much SEO experience.

The platform offers tools for keyword research, content optimization, competitor analysis, backlink tracking, and more. After trying it for the first time, I realized it works great!”

– Scalenut Review, Teofil K.

What users dislike:

“Customization. While Scalenut is designed to be easy to use, it may not offer the same level of customization or flexibility as other AI platforms. This may limit the ability of businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs or integrate it with existing systems and workflows.”

– Scalenut Review, Yashel M.

12. Scrivener

Scrivener is the go-to free script writing software for thousands of users, including self-published authors, screenwriters, non-fiction writers, and academics. With integrated research, outline, and writing support, creative writing becomes effortless. 

Also known for being one of the best book writing software tools, Scrivener supports footnotes, various text styles, and easy organization with its drag-and-drop function. Download the mobile app for iOS or the desktop version for Windows and macOS and get a free trial for 30 days (subject to use).

What users like best:

“When I’m writing, I need to keep things as organized as possible, and Scrivener makes that not only possible but easy and efficient with its organizational tools. It allows me to create multiple folders, manage my writing and outlines, and research characters how I want. It’s ideal for working on a long project like a novel.”

– Scrivener Review, Alex T.

What users dislike:

“I wish using cloud services to sync your writing was a little more intuitive. If you have two devices open working on the same document, it’s possible to save over changes without being able to get them back.”

– Scrivener Review, Sydney R.

13. Writesonic

Writesonic is a complete solution for AI writing, copywriting, and paraphrasing. It works for long-form content like blog posts and website content and short copy like ads and emails. Writesonic’s platform supports over 25 languages and it’s the perfect addition for writers, entrepreneurs, e-commerce companies, and marketing teams.

New users can sign up for a free trial with their Google or Apple IDs or create a new account using their business email. 

What users like best:

“The options it offers with different tools. You can do literally whatever you need for your blog or social media ads. I like that it’s consistent with bullet points, subheadings, and everything else that really needs to be done.”

– Writesonic Review, Simon P.

What users dislike:

“The tool sometimes generates content that is not entirely accurate or relevant to the intended use case and may require manual editing or rewriting. Additionally, sometimes I faced technical issues with the platform’s interface and functionality. While generating articles using the AI tools, I noticed that the same sentences are used repeatedly.”

– Writesonic Review, Santosh E.

FAQs on free writing software

1. How do I choose from several free writing software?

Choosing the right free writing software depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Assess your writing needs and prioritize essential features.
• Choose user-friendly software that fits your workflow.
• Ensure compatibility with your devices and file formats.
• Opt for cloud synchronization for easy access and backup.
• Consider reviews and recommendations from other writers.

2. What are the challenges of using free writing software over paid options?

Choosing free writing software comes with some challenges when compared to paid options:

• Free software offers fewer tools and options.
• Storage space and export choices are restricted.
• Intrusive ads can disrupt your workflow.
• Updates are sporadic, leaving you with outdated features.
• Integration with other software is often lacking or non-existent.

Some of these capabilities may be available in free versions, but they will most certainly be restricted compared to their expensive equivalents.

3. Is free writing software compatible with different devices and operating systems such as Mac and Windows?

Many free writing software options are compatible with desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. While most options are cross-platform and can be used on multiple operating systems, they may have restrictions or limitations on certain platforms. Make sure to check compatibility before choosing a particular software.

Metaphors be with you.

If the complexity of the written language and the search for metaphors keep you up at night, turning to free writing software is the right call. 

Say goodbye to struggling with active-passive voice or the incorrect use of adverbs. AI writing assistants not only conduct spell checks and proofreading for your drafts but also generate content ideas from plain text. Whether you’re working on a script, sales copy, or a newsletter, writing software has features that get your words on the page.

Of course, many writing software solutions specialize in different kinds of writing as well. Check out the best free script writing software in 2024 to choose the perfect tool for drafting a screenplay.