6 Best Plugins and Alternatives to Merlin AI in 2026

Tired of bouncing between tools for writing, summarizing, and checking if something was written by AI?

People are using AI assistants more than ever, but not all tools are easy to use or flexible enough.

If you're looking for a Merlin AI alternative or AI plugin that helps you write, study, and stay organized, this list is for you.

Whether you’re searching for an AI summarizer, AI writing assistant, or an AI detector, there are better alternatives out there.

In this guide, we'll cover the 6 best AI plugins and alternatives to Merlin AI in 2026. Let's dive in!

What is Merlin AI?

Merlin AI is an AI Chrome extension that gives you ChatGPT features on any website. It’s built to help users quickly summarize content, generate replies, and answer questions without needing to switch tabs.

Merlin also includes tools like an AI detector, writing assistant, and search summarizer. Students use it mostly for research, writing, and studying.

However, it might not be the best option for everyone. Some people prefer tools that focus on other use cases, or just prefer a cheaper option. That's why we listed out 6 great alternatives below.

How to Use Merlin AI

Merlin AI works directly in your browser. Once you install the extension, you can use shortcuts to activate it while browsing.

For example, you can highlight text on a webpage and get a summary, or write emails and let Merlin suggest responses.

It also has an AI detector built-in that tries to identify if a piece of content was AI-generated. The writing assistant tool can help you draft text for essays or messages, while the research and summarizing features make it easy to go through long articles fast.

If you need a tool with more features or a free plan, check out the alternatives below.

Is Merlin AI Free?

Merlin AI offers some free queries every day, but to get unlimited access and more features, you will have to upgrade to a paid plan.

If you are willing to upgrade, Merlin is a great option. However, if you're looking for a great tool on a budget, we recommend checking out some other options below.

3 Reasons to Give AI Assistants a Try

AI assistants are becoming a must-have tool for anyone who reads, writes, or studies online.

If you're tired of doing everything manually or wasting time switching between tools, AI assistants can change the way you work.

Here are three reasons to give AI assistants a try:

• Speed Through Research - Get instant summaries of long articles or papers without reading every word.

• Write Smarter, Not Harder - Draft essays, emails, or messages with the help of AI suggestions that make your writing clearer and more effective.

• Stay One Step Ahead - Use AI to answer questions, organize your thoughts, and prep for assignments or tests without falling behind.

These tools aren’t just about working faster—they help you work better. Whether you’re reading, writing, or reviewing, an AI assistant can take the pressure off.

Best Plugins and Alternatives to Merlin AI

Looking for a Merlin AI alternative? These six tools stand out in 2025 for students who want an AI summarizer, AI detector, or AI writing assistant in their daily study routine.

Here's our list of the best plugins and alternatives to Merlin AI:

1. AI Blaze

First up on our list of the best Merlin AI alternatives is AI Blaze.

AI Blaze is your personal AI assistant that helps you answer questions, improve your writing, summarize anything, and save time!

Plus, AI Blaze helps students study and get help with homework!

Features

• Answer questions with AI - Get the answer to any question you have with AI.

• Improve your writing with AI - Generate text, rewrite text, and improve your writing anywhere you work with AI.

• Summarize text, articles, and PDFs - Generate summaries of text, articles, and PDFs (including ones with images) in seconds.

• Instantly use GPT-4 on any website - Use keyboard shortcuts or a dynamic sidebar to use AI prompts on any site.

• AI Blaze is free! Forget about licenses or subscriptions.

2. Monica AI

Monica AI is a writing and productivity assistant that integrates with your browser. It helps with generating emails, paraphrasing content, and summarizing articles.

Tools like Monica AI also include grammar help and tone adjustments, making it a helpful AI writing assistant. It also has a chatbot mode for more complex tasks.

3. Originality AI

Originality AI is mostly known as an AI detector, useful for checking if something was written using AI. It’s used by teachers and students to stay transparent with their work.

This tool scans content and gives a score that shows how likely something was written by an AI. While it’s not a writing assistant, it’s a great tool to pair with others if you’re looking to check AI-written text.

4. Unriddle AI

Unriddle AI (aka Anara AI) helps you turn long documents and research papers into quick, digestible notes. You upload a file or paste a link, and it summarizes everything into bullet points or flashcards.

This makes it easier for students to prep for exams or review readings without spending hours. Tools like Unriddle are great for research and review.

5. ZeroGPT

ZeroGPT is another AI detector that checks if text was created by AI tools. People use it to make sure their work isn’t flagged as AI-generated before submission.

It works by analyzing sentence patterns and language structure. The tool is simple to use—just paste in your text and get a prediction.

6. Lindy AI

Lindy AI is built more like a productivity assistant than just a writing tool. It can help you organize tasks, take notes, write messages, and schedule reminders.

You can use it to manage both classwork and personal to-dos. Tools like Lindy AI also include AI chat features for help with writing and research.

Ready to Find Your Go-To AI Assistant?

Merlin AI is a useful tool, but it’s not the only option out there. Whether you need help writing, summarizing, or checking for AI-generated content, these six alternatives offer better flexibility and features. Try out a few and see which one fits best with your study style.

To recap, our suggestion for the best Merlin AI alternative and AI plugin is AI Blaze. AI Blaze is your personal AI writing assistant that helps you answer questions and improve your writing on any website for free!