16 Best Readability Checkers To Improve SEO Content

Creating high-quality content is only half the battle in SEO. If your writing isn’t easy to read, users will bounce quickly—and search engines notice. That’s why readability checkers are essential tools for bloggers, marketers, and businesses. They analyze sentence length, complexity, grammar, and overall flow, ensuring your content is both engaging and SEO-friendly.

In this article, we’ll explore the 16 best readability checkers that help improve clarity, boost user experience, and ultimately enhance search rankings.

Why Readability Matters in SEO

Search engines prioritize content that provides value to readers. High readability means:

• Lower bounce rates – Visitors stay longer when the content is easy to understand.
• Better engagement – Clear text encourages shares, comments, and backlinks.
• Higher conversions – Simple language guides readers smoothly through CTAs.
• Improved SEO rankings – Readability aligns with Google’s Helpful Content guidelines.

1. Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor highlights long sentences, passive voice, and adverbs, making your writing bold and clear.

• Best for: Content creators aiming for concise writing.
• Pricing: Free web version, desktop app $19.99.

2. Grammarly

Beyond grammar correction, Grammarly provides readability insights with Flesch reading ease scores.

• Best for: Writers who want AI-powered suggestions.
• Pricing: Free plan, Premium from $12/month.

3. ProWritingAid

A comprehensive editing tool offering readability reports, style suggestions, and detailed writing analytics.

• Best for: Professionals seeking in-depth reports.
• Pricing: Free limited plan, Premium from $10/month.

4. Yoast SEO (WordPress Plugin)

Yoast’s readability analysis checks transition words, sentence variety, and passive voice—perfect for on-page SEO.

• Best for: WordPress bloggers and businesses.
• Pricing: Free, Premium from $99/year.

5. Slick Write

This free tool checks readability, sentence flow, and vocabulary variety in real-time.

• Best for: Quick readability analysis.
• Pricing: Free.

6. Readable.com

A professional readability platform offering grade level checks, keyword density, and tone analysis.

• Best for: Agencies and marketing teams.
• Pricing: From $4/month.

7. WebFX Readability Test Tool

A simple online checker providing multiple readability formulas like Gunning Fog and SMOG Index.

• Best for: Quick SEO-oriented readability checks.
• Pricing: Free.

8. Microsoft Word Readability Checker

Built into Word, it uses the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formulas.

• Best for: Writers using Microsoft Office.
• Pricing: Included with MS Office.

9. Google Docs with Extensions

Pair Google Docs with add-ons like “Readable Pro” for live readability feedback.

• Best for: Teams collaborating online.
• Pricing: Free, with paid extensions.

10. Ginger Software

An AI-powered grammar and readability checker that helps rephrase complex sentences.

• Best for: Writers seeking rephrasing suggestions.
• Pricing: Free plan, Premium from $14/month.

11. LanguageTool

Multilingual grammar and readability checker with style improvements.

• Best for: Non-English content creators.
• Pricing: Free plan, Premium from $4.99/month.

12. WordCounter Readability Tool

Analyzes text length, keyword density, and readability grade levels.

• Best for: Bloggers needing simple metrics.
• Pricing: Free.

13. Typely

A distraction-free editor with readability scoring and emotional tone checks.

• Best for: Writers focusing on clarity and emotion.
• Pricing: Free.

14. PaperRater

Combines AI with readability and plagiarism detection for students and professionals.

• Best for: Academic and SEO writers.
• Pricing: Free, Premium from $14.95/month.

15. SEOReviewTools Readability Checker

Tailored for SEO professionals, analyzing readability scores with keyword focus.

• Best for: SEO specialists.
• Pricing: Free.

16. Copywritely

An SEO content optimization tool offering readability checks, keyword optimization, and duplicate detection.

• Best for: Marketers optimizing for search engines.
• Pricing: From $18/month.

How to Choose the Right Readability Checker

When selecting a tool, consider:

• Budget (Free vs. Premium)
• Use Case (SEO, blogging, academic writing, or marketing)
• Features (Grammar check, SEO integration, plagiarism detection)
• Integration (WordPress, Google Docs, browser extensions)

Final Thoughts

Readability isn’t just about grammar—it’s about creating content that resonates with real people while meeting SEO requirements. The tools above can help you refine your writing, improve engagement, and strengthen your overall content strategy.

If you’re unsure where to start, begin with Hemingway Editor or Grammarly, then scale up to advanced tools like Readable.com or Copywritely as your content needs grow.