AI Writer vs ShortlyAI

AI Writer vs ShortlyAI

Comprehensive comparison for 2026 — features, pricing, and expert verdict

Updated: March 2026 · 5 min read

AI Writer

5.0
Overall Score
$29/mo
Try AI Writer
VS

ShortlyAI

5.0
Overall Score
$79/mo
Try ShortlyAI

Overview

AI Writer and ShortlyAI are two of the most talked-about solutions in the AI writing space. Whether you are a small business owner, a growing startup, or an established enterprise, picking the right tool can significantly impact your workflow and results. Let us break down how these two platforms compare across the metrics that matter most.

Ratings Comparison

Overall
5.0
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
9.0
Value
4.0
3.0

Feature Comparison

FeatureAI WriterShortlyAI
Long FormYesYes
Short FormNoYes
Seo ToolsYesNo
TemplatesNoNo
Tone ControlNoNo
Plagiarism CheckNoNo
MultilingualNoNo
Api AccessYesNo
Team CollaborationNoNo
Browser ExtensionNoNo
Free PlanNoNo
Starting Price$29/mo$79/mo
Founded20152020

Feature Analysis

Both AI Writer and ShortlyAI share a solid foundation of core features including Long Form. Where AI Writer pulls ahead is with exclusive access to Seo Tools and Api Access, which can be a deciding factor for teams that rely on these capabilities. On the other hand, ShortlyAI uniquely offers Short Form, giving it an edge for users who prioritize this area. Looking at user ratings, AI Writer holds an overall score of 5/10 and an ease of use score of 5/10, while ShortlyAI scores 5/10 overall and 9/10 for ease of use. These ratings reflect real user experiences and can indicate differences in usability, support quality, and overall satisfaction.

Pricing Breakdown

When it comes to pricing, AI Writer offers a more budget-friendly entry point at $29/mo, compared to ShortlyAI's starting price of $79/mo. Neither platform offers a free plan, so you will need to budget for at least the starting tier from the beginning. Be sure to take advantage of any trial periods they may offer.

Pros & Cons

AI Writer

  • Auto-generates citations and sources
  • One of the oldest AI writing tools
  • Good for research-heavy articles

Cons

  • -Dated interface and UX
  • -Writing quality below newer competitors
  • -Limited features for the price

ShortlyAI

  • Clean distraction-free interface
  • Good at continuing your writing naturally
  • Simple /write command makes it intuitive

Cons

  • -Very expensive for limited features
  • -No templates, SEO tools, or team features
  • -Acquired by Jasper, future uncertain

Who Should Choose Which?

The ideal user for each platform differs considerably. AI Writer is best suited for research articles, cited content, SEO writing, fact based content, making it a strong choice if you fall into any of these categories. ShortlyAI, meanwhile, shines for blog posts, long form articles, stories, distraction free writing, which means it may be the better pick if your needs align with those use cases. Founded in 2015, AI Writer describes itself as "AI article writer that cites sources and verifies claims." ShortlyAI, established in 2020, positions itself as "Distraction-free AI writing tool focused on long-form content." Both platforms have been in the market for a similar duration, giving each ample time to refine their offerings and build a loyal user base.

Our Verdict

After analyzing all the data, **AI Writer** comes out slightly ahead in this comparison, thanks to more features (3 vs 2), more competitive pricing. However, this does not mean ShortlyAI is a poor choice — far from it. ShortlyAI excels in its own right, particularly for blog posts and long form articles. Our recommendation: if you value auto-generates citations and sources, go with AI Writer. If clean distraction-free interface matters more to you, ShortlyAI is the way to go. Either way, both are solid platforms that have earned their place in the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI Writer better than ShortlyAI?
It depends on your needs. AI Writer scores 5.0 overall while ShortlyAI scores 5.0. AI Writer is best for research articles and cited content, while ShortlyAI excels for blog posts and long-form articles.
Which is cheaper, AI Writer or ShortlyAI?
AI Writer starts at $29/mo and ShortlyAI starts at $79/mo. Overall value depends on which features you need.
Can I switch from AI Writer to ShortlyAI?
Yes, most users can migrate between these platforms. Both AI Writer and ShortlyAI support data import/export. The migration process typically involves exporting your data from one platform and importing it into the other. Some tools also offer migration assistance to make the transition smoother.
What do users say about AI Writer vs ShortlyAI?
On review platforms, AI Writer holds an overall rating of 5/10 and an ease of use score of 5/10. ShortlyAI has an overall rating of 5/10 and ease of use score of 9/10. Users praise AI Writer for auto-generates citations and sources and ShortlyAI for clean distraction-free interface.
Which should I choose in 2026, AI Writer or ShortlyAI?
In 2026, we recommend AI Writer for most users based on its overall score and feature set. However, ShortlyAI remains a strong contender, especially if you prioritize clean distraction-free interface. Try both free trials before committing.