Grammarly vs LanguageTool
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
A writing assistant for grammar, clarity and tone, with generative AI features, working across many apps and browsers.
AI tool · Freemium
A multilingual grammar, style and spell checker with an open-source core.
Our verdict
Grammarly is a broad, polished writing assistant that covers grammar, clarity, tone and AI rewrites across many apps and devices, so it suits everyday English writing like emails and documents. LanguageTool is a multilingual grammar, style and spell checker with an open-source core and a self-hostable option, so it suits people writing in several languages or who care most about privacy and control. Both are freemium, and neither has been hands-on tested by us yet.
Pick Grammarly if you mainly write everyday English and want tone checks and AI rewrites working across many apps, including iOS and Android.
Pick LanguageTool if you write in multiple languages, want an open-source core you can self-host, or prefer a privacy-conscious grammar checker.
| Key difference | Grammarly | LanguageTool |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Grammar, clarity and tone for everyday writing | Multilingual grammar, style and spell checking |
| Languages | Primarily English-focused writing support | 30+ languages, best for non-English writing |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, Chrome, macOS, Windows |
| Extra features | Generative AI rewrites and tone detection | Open-source core that can be self-hosted |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium; advanced style suggestions need premium |
Written with AI from both products' catalogue entries · updated 2026-10-29
Who each one is for
Choose Grammarly if you need…
- Proofreading everyday writing
- Tone checks on emails
Choose LanguageTool if you need…
- Writing in multiple languages
- Privacy-conscious grammar checking
Side-by-side
| Grammarly | LanguageTool | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Writing · Editing & grammar | Writing · Editing & grammar |
| Price | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | Web, Chrome, macOS, Windows |
| Works with | Chrome, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365 | Chrome, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
Grammarly
A writing assistant for grammar, clarity and tone, with generative AI features, working across many apps and browsers. Catches errors wherever you type. Suggestions can flatten a distinctive voice; accept them selectively.
LanguageTool
A multilingual grammar, style and spell checker with an open-source core. Best for non-English writing. Advanced style suggestions require premium.
Best for
Grammarly
- Proofreading everyday writing
- Tone checks on emails
LanguageTool
- Writing in multiple languages
- Privacy-conscious grammar checking
Strengths
Grammarly
- Grammar and clarity suggestions
- Tone detection
- Generative rewrites
- Works across apps via extension
LanguageTool
- 30+ languages
- Style suggestions
- Browser and Office add-ins
- Self-hostable core
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Grammarly or LanguageTool?
Grammarly is a broad, polished writing assistant that covers grammar, clarity, tone and AI rewrites across many apps and devices, so it suits everyday English writing like emails and documents. LanguageTool is a multilingual grammar, style and spell checker with an open-source core and a self-hostable option, so it suits people writing in several languages or who care most about privacy and control. Both are freemium, and neither has been hands-on tested by us yet. Pick Grammarly if you mainly write everyday English and want tone checks and AI rewrites working across many apps, including iOS and Android. Pick LanguageTool if you write in multiple languages, want an open-source core you can self-host, or prefer a privacy-conscious grammar checker.
What is the difference between Grammarly and LanguageTool?
Grammarly: A writing assistant for grammar, clarity and tone, with generative AI features, working across many apps and browsers. LanguageTool: A multilingual grammar, style and spell checker with an open-source core. Grammarly suits proofreading everyday writing, while LanguageTool suits writing in multiple languages.
Are Grammarly and LanguageTool free?
Grammarly: Freemium. LanguageTool: Freemium.
What are other alternatives to Grammarly and LanguageTool?
Other options people compare them with include ProWritingAid, QuillBot, Wordtune, Hemingway Editor, DeepL.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.