Writing assistants that catch grammar, style and clarity issues — including private and free options.
LanguageTool covers most users, especially with self-hosting. Microsoft Editor is free for anyone in Office. DeepL Write is the best rewriter.
Grammarly's tracking and data-sharing model isn't right for every workflow, and its monthly price adds up. These alternatives cover similar ground with different trade-offs in privacy, focus, and price.
Open-source grammar and style checker, with a self-hosted option and a hosted premium tier.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users; non-English writing (covers many European languages well).
Built into Microsoft Word, Outlook, and a free browser extension.
Best for: Anyone with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Style and structure analysis aimed at fiction and long-form writers, with depth Grammarly doesn't match.
Best for: Novelists, essayists, anyone editing long manuscripts.
Highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and adverbs. No accounts, no upload — runs in the browser.
Best for: Tightening drafts before they go anywhere else.
AI-powered rewriting from the team behind DeepL Translator. Strong on natural-sounding English.
Best for: Non-native English speakers polishing drafts.
Most do, including Grammarly. LanguageTool's self-hosted edition and Hemingway are exceptions.
Check before installing — corporate policies on browser extensions and writing assistants vary widely.
Other AI assistants worth trying — for privacy, accuracy, free use, or different strengths.
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