Paraphrasing is an essential skill for any content creator or student. The ability to restate text or ideas in your own words is critical for producing unique content and avoiding plagiarism accusations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the top 12 paraphrasing tools on the market to help you dramatically improve your paraphrasing efficiency.
What is Paraphrasing and Why Does it Matter?
Paraphrasing means rewriting text or restating ideas using your own vocabulary and sentence structures, while retaining the original meaning and information content.
It‘s an extremely valuable skill for:
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Students: Paraphrasing source materials helps students properly cite ideas in essays and assignments without directly copying passages. This avoids plagiarism while demonstrating understanding of the content.
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Content Creators: Unique content ranks better in SEO and keeps readers engaged. Paraphrasing tools help create fresh variations of existing text.
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Technical Writers: Rephrasing complex sentences with simpler vocabulary improves comprehension. Paraphrasing tools make technical documents more readable.
Simply put, paraphrasing helps communicate ideas better!
However, there‘s a fine line between paraphrasing and plagiarism. While paraphrasing reframes ideas in your own style, plagiarism involves directly copying text without credits.
This guide will help you paraphrasing properly using the best tools available.
Types of Paraphrasing Tools
There are two main categories of paraphrasing tools:
AI-Powered Paraphrasing Tools
AI-powered paraphrasing tools utilize machine learning models like GPT-3 to analyze text and rewrite sentences.
They "understand" the meanings of sentences before rephrasing, allowing them to make fewer grammar and meaning errors. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Examples include WordAi, Quillbot, Hix AI and Chimp Rewriter.
Rules-Based Paraphrasing Tools
Instead of AI, rules-based tools rely on an algorithmic approach with a built-in dictionary of synonyms and rewrite "rules".
They mechanically replace words/phrases with synonyms and alter sentence structures. They offer less accuracy but are generally free or low cost.
Examples include Spinbot, Paraphrasing Tool and Rewriter Tool.
In this guide, we evaluate both types of paraphrasing tools.
Key Features of Paraphrasing Tools
Here are some key features that differentiate paraphrasing tools:
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Accuracy – Does the tool retain the original meaning correctly after paraphrasing?
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Grammar – How good is the grammar of the rewritten sentences?
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Formats Supported – Can you directly paraphrase content from Word, Google Docs etc?
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Languages Available – Number of languages supported besides English
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Customization – Ability to tweak paraphrasing "style"
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Plagiarism Checks – Built-in plagiarism checking before/after paraphrasing
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Pricing – Free vs monthly subscription model
We will compare top tools on these criteria.
Top 12 Paraphrasing Tools Compared
Here is an in-depth evaluation of the 12 best paraphrasing tools available right now:
1. Quillbot
Quillbot utilizes advanced AI to rewrite text after understanding the meaning. This allows it to make fewer grammar/meaning errors.
Key Features
- Retains meaning very accurately post-paraphrasing
- Multiple rewrite styles: Standard, Fluency, Expand, Shorten, Formal, Creative
- Chrome/Word/Google Docs extensions available
- Plagiarism checker
- Free and paid versions
Pros
- Excellent paraphrasing accuracy
- Feature-rich paid version
- Browser extensions very convenient
Cons
- Only 125 words free version
- Expensive paid plans
Verdict: Quillbot offers best-in-class paraphrasing accuracy. It‘s a top choice if you want minimize meaning changes.
2. WordAi
WordAi utilizes powerful AI to churn out human-like variations of text articles. The rewritten text reads very naturally.
Key Features:
- Specifically designed for full-length articles
- Multiple rewrite styles
- Bulk content handling
- API access available
- 30-day free trial
Pros:
- Excellent for long-form content
- Natural readability
- Feature-rich
Cons:
- Expensive subscription plans
- No free version beyond trial
Verdict: WordAi is the gold standard for repurposing long articles with great readability.
3. Paraphraser.io
Paraphraser.io is a capable AI-based free paraphrasing tool with helpful features.
Key Features:
- Free account offers 500 word paraphrasing
- Retains original meaning very well
- Readability of rewritten text is good
- Multiple paraphrasing "Modes"
Pros:
- Free version generous 500 words
- Accuracy is very competitive
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Premium version relatively expensive
- No browser extensions
Verdict: For a free paraphrasing tool, Paraphraser.io offers great accuracy and features.
4. Spinbot
Spinbot is a popular free paraphrasing tool relying on interchangeable synonyms and resentencing rules.
Key Features:
- 10,000 character limit for free accounts
- Change sentence lengths
- Option to capitalize sentences
- Available as Chrome extension
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Helpful customization options
- Also available as browser extension
Cons:
- Accuracy not as good as AI tools
- No paid upgrade option
Verdict: Spinbot is the best fully-free paraphrasing tool available despite some accuracy issues.
5. Paraphrase Online
Paraphrase Online offers a simple yet easy-to-use interface for quick everyday paraphrasing needs.
Key Features:
- Allows 1000 word paraphrasing
- Retains original meaning reasonably well
- Lets you edit synonyms appropriately
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Easy-to-use minimal interface
- Synonym editing improves accuracy
Cons:
- Light on advanced features
- Accuracy issues with longer sentences
Verdict: Paraphrase Online is ideal for fast, everyday paraphrasing despite limited features.
6. Paraphrasing Tool
Paraphrasing Tool utilizes a hybrid rules/AI-based algorithm for flexible paraphrasing. It offers good accuracy overall.
Key Features:
- 10,000 character limits for free users
- Multiple paraphrasing "Modes"
- Option to retain capitalized words
Pros:
- Free version quite generous
- Accuracy fairly decent
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Overall features limited
- Readability can be improved
Verdict: Paraphrasing Tool offers a handy free solution for simpler paraphrasing needs.
7. Rewriter Tool
Rewriter Tool relies mainly on algorithms, rules and synonyms for paraphrasing text. It‘s easy to use but accuracy suffers.
Key Features:
- 10,000 character limit
- Retains capitalized words
- Multiple language support
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Quick and easy paraphrasing
Cons:
- Accuracy and grammar issues
- Limited features
Verdict: Rewriter Tool offers a fast paraphrasing solution, but has room for improvement in accuracy.
8. Rephraser
Rephraser uses a rules-dictionary combo to paraphrase text, but remains completely free. The toolbar integrates nicely with web browsers.
Key Features:
- Toolbar integrates with Chrome/Firefox
- Instant paraphrasing highlighted text
- Tweak sentence lengths
Pros:
- Browser toolbar very convenient
- Completely free to use
Cons:
- Accuracy is below par
- Very limited features
Verdict: Rephraser offers browser-based convenience for quick paraphrasing despite accuracy issues.
9. Seo Tools Centre
Seo Tools Centre is an AI-powered paid paraphrasing API targeted towards developers. It can be integrated into websites/apps.
Key Features:
- Developer API
- Multiple language support
- Customizable paraphrasing styles
Pros:
- Robust API capabilities
- Multi-language support
Cons:
- Not suitable for casual users
- Expensive
Verdict: Seo Tools Centre excels for developers needing paraphrasing API integration.
10. Prepostseo
Prepostseo stands out with its free plagiarism checker along with standard paraphrasing features.
Key Features:
- Free plagiarism checker
- Upload docs from Google Drive/OneDrive
- Multiple language support
Pros:
- Built-in plagiarism checker
- Cloud upload integration helpful
Cons:
- Accuracy not the best
- Premium version expensive
Verdict: Prepostseo adds nice extras like plagiarism checks to a decent paraphrasing tool.
11. Chimp Rewriter
Chimp Rewriter (Aiditorial) is a robust paid paraphrasing application designed for longer content generation.
Key Features:
- Specialized for long-form content
- Multi-language support
- Customization options
Pros:
- Works very well for full articles/papers
- Feature-rich
Cons:
- Desktop software not as convenient
- Expensive subscription
Verdict: Chimp Rewriter excels at repurposing long-form content.
12. Spinner Chief
Spinner Chief has been a long-time player in the article spinning and paraphrasing space. It offers advanced features via desktop software.
Key Features:
- Specialized for full articles
- Advanced substitution, rearrangement and expansion
- Built-in grammar and spell checks
Pros:
- Excellent for full content pieces
- Very feature rich
Cons:
- Desktop application less convenient
- Steep learning curve
Verdict: Spinner Chief still remains a top choice for hardcore article rewriting and spinning.
Paraphrasing Tool Recommendations
Here are some quick recommendations based on common use cases:
- Students/Academic writing: Quillbot, Paraphrasing Tool
- Website Content: WordAi, Spin Rewriter
- Technical Content: Quillbot, Paraphraser.io
- Social Media Posts: Paraphrase Online, Spinbot
- Translations: Quillbot, WordAi
For most casual everyday paraphrasing involving simpler text, free tools like Spinbot and Paraphrase Online are good enough.
For advanced article rewriting and spinning, WordAi and Spinner Chief lead the pack.
Tips for Using Paraphrasing Tools Effectively
While paraphrasing tools dramatically improve efficiency, there are still ways to optimize their output further:
- Review paraphrased sentences carefully for inadvertent meaning changes
- Manually fix any grammar issues in the rewritten text
- Double check paraphrased text through a plagiarism checker
- Use multiple paraphrasing tools in combination for best results
- Edit the final paraphrased output lightly before publishing
With practice, you will quickly learn to utilize these tools properly for your use case.
Conclusion
Paraphrasing tools utilize cutting-edge AI and computational algorithms to rewrite and repurpose text efficiently while avoiding plagiarism risks.
They save hours of manual effort while offering customized spinning for any writing needs. From assignments and essays to website content and social posts, these intelligent tools optimize text for better clarity, engagement and uniqueness.
We hope our detailed feature comparison helps you pick the best paraphrasing assistant for your specific needs. Let your writing reach its full potential!