kitio.aiGradGPT vs ESAI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. GradGPT has the lower starting price: about $36 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Rubric-based essay scoring
- Line-level feedback
- College chances calculator
- AI admissions counselor
- AP practice tests
- Admitted essay library
- Voice coach Brandi
- College and career tracks
- 25+ storytelling tools
- Essay support suite
- Common App integration
- Partner portal
| Feature | GradGPT | ESAI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AI college essay reviews scored on admissions rubrics | AI coach that helps students shape college and career stories |
| Category | Education | Education |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | $36/mo | $50/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 7-day trial |
| Made by | GradGPT eGbR | ESAI |
| Based in | Germany | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
GradGPT has the lower starting price: about $36 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- One essay review
- Application guides
- College and deadline tracker
GradGPT Plus
$36/mo
- 50 essay reviews a month
- Comments and score per draft
GradGPT Max
$96/mo
- Unlimited essay reviews
- 1,000+ admitted T20 essays
- Application walkthroughs
3 plans
Weekly
$19/week
- One-week sprint
- Core storytelling tools
- One story project
- Limited AI tools
Monthly
$50/mo
- 25+ storytelling tools
- Unlimited story projects
- Common App integration
- Essay support suite
Annual
$41/mo billed yearly
- Billed $500 a year
- All ESAI tools
- Career pathway guidance
- Priority support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
GradGPT
- Feedback tied to admissions rubrics
- Tracks progress across drafts
- Free review to try it
- Free plan includes one essay review
- Monthly plans add up during application season
- Focused on US college admissions
ESAI
- Voice-based coaching
- Covers college and career paths
- 7-day trial of core tools
- Aims to keep the student's own voice
- Monthly plan costs $50
- Weekly plan limits you to one project
- Not a replacement for a human counselor
Which one should you choose?
Choose GradGPT if you want:
- Feedback tied to admissions rubrics
- Tracks progress across drafts
- Free review to try it
Watch out: free plan includes one essay review.
Choose ESAI if you want:
- Voice-based coaching
- Covers college and career paths
- 7-day trial of core tools
Watch out: monthly plan costs $50.
GradGPT vs ESAI FAQ
What is the difference between GradGPT and ESAI?
GradGPT: AI college essay reviews scored on admissions rubrics. ESAI: AI coach that helps students shape college and career stories. Both are education tools.
Is GradGPT or ESAI cheaper?
GradGPT has the lower starting price: about $36 a month, against $50 for ESAI.
Do GradGPT and ESAI have free plans?
GradGPT: Yes. ESAI: No, 7-day trial.
Who makes GradGPT?
GradGPT is made by GradGPT eGbR, based in Germany.
Who makes ESAI?
ESAI is made by ESAI.
Which should I choose, GradGPT or ESAI?
Choose GradGPT if you value feedback tied to admissions rubrics and tracks progress across drafts. Choose ESAI if you value voice-based coaching and covers college and career paths.