8 Best Punctuation Checker Options

Here, we feature the 8 best punctuation checkers to help you edit and publish error-free writing.

Do you find yourself getting tripped up by commas and periods? If punctuation is a problem, then you may want to brush up on your grammar rules.

While you do, try one of these best punctuation checkers to make your writing more effective through proper punctuation. They can help you address issues like errant commas, missing full-stops and incorrect usage of the apostrophe.

Best punctuation checkers

Most punctuation checkers are built into grammar checkers. By using one of these, you can be confident that your writing will be error-free.

1. Grammarly

Who It’s For: Grammarly is for anyone who writes online. Bloggers, business writers, and even people making social media posts can all benefit from a checker that looks for spelling and punctuation mistakes as well as grammatical errors.
Pricing: Free to $30 a month

Grammarly business grammar checker
It catches a wide range of punctuation errors, like errant commas and lack of ending punctuation

Grammarly is a robust grammar checker that is free to use. It also includes an option to upgrade to a premium version for $30 a month. It catches a wide range of punctuation errors, like errant commas and a lack of ending punctuation.

Bloggers and online writers love Grammarly because it has a browser plugin that lets them check their work as they write. It also works well for businesses that need clean grammar.

I use Grammarly the most frequently to check and revise sentences and punctuation in articles and blog posts. It proposes rewrites and also catches other issues like missing full stops and incorrect apostrophe usage.

The Grammarly punctuation checker can fix documents on the fly

Read our Grammarly review

Pros
  • Instantly scan documents
  • Checks over 250 grammar and punctuation errors
  • Provides suggestions for fixing the problem
  • The paid version has a plagiarism checker
  • The paid version has a synonym suggestion feature
  • Compatible with Chrome, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Medium, Facebook, Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge
Cons
  • No offline editing option
  • High cost for the premium version
  • Less suitable for fiction
Best Grammar Checker
Grammarly
$30

We tested dozens of grammar checkers, and Grammarly is the best tool on the market today. It'll help you write and edit your work much faster. Grammarly provides a powerful AI writing assistant and plagiarism checker. Anyone who works with the written word should use it.

Become a Writer Today is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

2. ProWritingAid

Who It’s For ProWritingAid is for all professional writers, but it specializes in fiction writing. The option to buy one license for life makes it ideal for those who write professionally.
Pricing: $60 per year

ProWriting Aid punctuation checker
This app will catch spelling mistakes, writing style issues, typos, and grammatical errors

ProWritingAid is more than just a punctuation checker, though it does do that job. This powerful program will catch spelling mistakes, writing style issues, typos, and grammatical errors. It has a free version to allow people to try it before buying the paid option. However, you can only check punctuation up to 500 words. It costs $60 per year.

While editing my last book, I used the various reports inside of ProWritingAid to check individual book chapters. It worked nicely with Scrivener. As you can see in the below picture, it catches missing commas and other punctuation issues.

The ProWritingAid punctuation checker

Read our ProWritingAid review

Pros
  • Covers all aspects of grammar and punctuation, including contextual spelling
  • Mac and Windows supported by the paid version
  • Word Explorer feature to find synonyms
  • Reduce redundancies in writing
  • Compatible with Google Docs, Scrivener, Microsoft Word, Open Office
  • Chrome extension available
  • Option for a lifetime purchase price
Cons
  • Not compatible with Libreoffice
  • Can lag with large documents
  • Limited 500-word check on the free version
Best Grammarly Alternative
ProWritingAid
$1̶0̶ $8 per month

ProWritingAid is a powerful, accurate grammar checker and style editor. It's suitable for non-fiction and fiction writers and doesn't require a monthly subscription. Save 20% per month or year.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

3. WhiteSmoke

Who It’s For: WhiteSmoke is commonly used in the business world, but those who work with blogging and online writing can also benefit from it
Pricing: $6.99 per month

Whitesmoke proofreader
It has a style checker, grammar checker, punctuation checker, video tutorials and spell checker

WhiteSmoke is a web-based or desktop software that catches punctuation, spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language. It also has an algorithm that uses artificial intelligence to offer suggestions to correct errors. It has a style checker, grammar checker, punctuation checker, video tutorials and spell checker. It caught some punctuation issues in our test, however the user interface was slower than the above tools.

It costs $6.99 per month. Whitesmoke is a relatively useful tool, although Grammarly and ProWritingAid are both more powerful and easier to use.

Pros
  • A robust list of features
  • Good explanations for errors
  • Works on Windows and Mac computers
  • Works on Android and iOS mobile devices
  • Advanced checker
Cons
  • Does not have a free version
  • Some grammar checking results are inaccurate
  • Additional cost for mobile app
  • Requires Internet connection

4. Ginger

Who It’s For: Ginger is for someone who is looking for an alternative writing checker and who may want to translate their work into other languages.
Pricing: $13.99 per month

The Ginger grammar checker
The Ginger app checks for unneeded spaces, errant commas, semicolon issues and more

The Ginger software program includes a strong punctuation checking system. It checks for unneeded spaces, errant commas, semicolon issues, and more. This is a relatively useful grammar corrector that checks spelling and syntax as well as grammar and punctuation, so you can eliminate most writing errors and really improve your writing skills.

A few years ago, Ginger was a good alternative to ProWritingAid and Grammarly. However, today it lacks the same writing reports as its competitors and isn’t available on a Mac. It costs $13.99 per month, at a discount.

Read our comparison Grammarly vs Ginger

Pros
  • Translation feature
  • Quality punctuation checker
  • Translation into over 40 languages
  • Available for Android, iOS, and Windows desktop
Cons
  • Lacks a MacOS platform
  • Does not connect directly with Google Docs
  • Small font
Ideal for Non-English Speakers
Ginger
$20

Ginger is a popular alternative to Grammarly. Although it doesn't have as many features, it's relatively accurate and affordable. It's also useful for non-english speakers.

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

5. PaperRater

Who It’s For: PaperRater works well as an online proofreader for writers who do not do a high volume but want software to check their work.
Pricing: $11.21 per month

Best free plagiarism checker
PaperRater also checks for passive voice construction.

PaperRater proofreads through an online platform to help you find errors in punctuation and grammar quickly. It is a free online system, so you have nothing to download and no costs for use. PaperRater also checks for passive voice construction. It costs $11.21 per month, although you can check five pages for free.

Pros
  • No paid versions or upgrades needed
  • Checks grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word voice
  • Option to set your voice to match different writing styles
  • Provides overall writing score
Cons
  • Not as many features as other programs with premium plans
  • Only available on a web-based platform
  • Does not integrate with a word processor like MS Word or Libreoffice
  • The free version has many ads

6. LanguageTool

Who It’s For: This tool is for anyone who wants to tighten up their writing and works well for non-English language speakers who want to write well in English.
Pricing: Free to $4.43 per month

Best punctuation checker - LanguageTool
LanguageTool has a free punctuation checker built into the program

LanguageTool is a helpful tool for checking English grammar as well as grammar in many different languages. It is an open-source application, and it has a free punctuation checker built into the program. Most people find that it is simple to use so they can start checking their work right away for common grammatical mistakes. It costs approximately $5 per month.

Pros
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Accurate grammar and punctuation checker
  • Sentence structure analysis in the premium plan
  • Generous 20,000 word limitation even with the free version
  • Compatible with LibreOffice, Google Docs, and Microsoft Word
Cons
  • No plagiarism checker
  • Grammar checker a bit simplistic
  • Not as widely supported as other punctuation checkers

7. After The Deadline

Who It’s For: After the Deadline was created with online writers in mind, including website content creators and bloggers.
Pricing: Free

After the Deadline - grammar checker review
It highlights grammar and punctuation errors in green with spelling errors in red

After the Deadline, also called Polish My Writing, provides quick and simple grammar and spelling checking. It highlights grammar and punctuation errors in green with spelling errors in red.

This program was made by the creators of WordPress. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in development or being maintained. So don’t expect updates. To be honest, it’s easier to use the Chrome plugin for Grammarly. However, After the Deadline is free.

Pros
  • Style suggestions
  • Active and passive voice suggestions
  • Simple to use
  • Built for WordPress plugin
  • The free, open-source, web-based program
Cons
  • Fewer feature compared to other options
  • No download option
  • No longer actively maintained

8. Antidote

Who It’s For: Those who prefer editing their work locally rather than online or with cloud software
Pricing: $59.95 per year

Antidote works locally on your machine

Antidote is a lesser-known grammar and punctuation checker. Developed in France, it’s available on Mac Windows, Linux and Chromebook.

It costs $59.95 per year. Unlike, other checkers here, Antidote works locally on your computer. It’s a good choice if you dislike uploading your work to the cloud or online. It’s popular with businesses and academic institutions.

That said, the company also offers Antidote+, which operates online like Grammarly.

Pros
  • Works locally
  • Integrates with many desktop writing apps
  • Mobile version available
  • Supports other languages
  • Supports custom dictionaries
Cons
  • No browser plugin
  • Missed some errors that Grammarly caught

Our Testing Criteria

We regularly update this roundup of punctuation checkers as the products evolve. We test new features by checking articles, book chapters, and blog posts for grammatical mistakes and other issues. Typically, we test using them by using the web app and or the desktop app.

Why You Can Trust Us

I’ve written and published dozens of articles for newspapers, magazines and online publications including, Forbes and Lifehacker. I’m also a best-selling non-fiction author, a trained journalist and a copywriter.

Punctuation software forms a key part of my writing workflow for non-fiction. I use this software to improve my work and also to check work by freelance writers who publish content on this site.

Final Word on the Best Punctuation Checker

The best punctuation checker includes a built online grammar checker that helps you edit and fine-tune a piece of writing. We like ProWritingAid and Grammarly due to their accuracy, price point and ease of use. Antidote is another interesting option that’s suitable for those who dislike cloud software. We also like them as they help with analyzing readability.

In short, these tools will help you transform a piece of writing into a powerful, effective work.

FAQs on the Best Punctuation Checker

Is there a free punctuation checker?

Online punctuation checker tools are often part of online grammar checkers, and many of these have free versions. Grammarly and ProWritingAid are examples of free options.

Is there an app that checks punctuation?

The best way to check punctuation is with a grammar checker. Not only will you catch missing apostrophes and commas, but you will also catch other grammar mistakes and spelling errors. Consider using one as part of your self-editing workflow.

Join over 15,000 writers today

Get a FREE book of writing prompts and learn how to make more money from your writing.

Powered by ConvertKit

Author

  • Nicole Harms has been writing professionally since 2006. She specializes in education content and real estate writing but enjoys a wide gamut of topics. Her goal is to connect with the reader in an engaging, but informative way. Her work has been featured on USA Today, and she ghostwrites for many high-profile companies. As a former teacher, she is passionate about both research and grammar, giving her clients the quality they demand in today's online marketing world.