Two of the most-used AI writing tools, pulled apart on price, quality and who each one is actually built for. We tested both so you can skip the trial-and-error.
Want most generous free tier among rivals? Copy.ai starts at $36/mo. Want best-in-class for seo briefs/optimization? Frase starts at $14.99/mo — Frase is the cheaper entry.
AI copywriting with strong workflow automation and a usable free tier
SEO-focused content creation and optimization tool
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Copy.ai and Frase meter usage differently — subscription vs subscription. So the "cheaper" answer depends entirely on how much you produce.
| Plan | Copy.ai | Frase |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes — 2,000 words/mo, 1 Brand Voice, 200 workflow credits, no card | No |
| Entry paid | $36 Starter | $14.99 Solo |
| Creator sweet spot | $99 Pro — ~$99/mo; more seats and workflow power | $14.99 Solo — Entry plan for individual SEO writers |
| Billing model | subscription | subscription |
Pricing verified May 2026 — always confirm current rates on the official site.
Solo marketers and freelancers on a budget; short-form copy at volume.
SEO writers researching, briefing and optimizing articles to rank.
Frase starts cheaper at $14.99/mo versus $36/mo for Copy.ai. But the billing models differ (subscription vs subscription), so "cheaper" depends on your usage volume.
Copy.ai is built for solo marketers and freelancers on a budget; short-form copy at volume. Frase is built for seo writers researching, briefing and optimizing articles to rank. Pick based on the workflow that matches yours, not the price tag.
Free tiers typically block commercial use; the paid plans unlock commercial rights. Copy.ai has a free tier; Frase doesn't either.