LanguageTool vs Grammarly: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LanguageTool and Grammarly comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LanguageTool
Open-source grammar checker
Best for you if:
- • You need grammar & style features specifically
- • Open-source grammar and style checker supporting 30+ languages including 6 English dialects
- • AI paraphraser rewrites sentences to be simpler, shorter, or more formal
Grammarly
AI writing assistant
Best for you if:
- • You need ai writing features specifically
- • AI writing assistant
- • Grammar and spelling checks
| At a Glance |  LanguageTool |  Grammarly |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Grammar & Style | AI Writing |
Rating | 87/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | LanguageTool | Grammarly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Grammar & StyleAI Writing | AI WritingGrammar & Style |
Understanding the Differences
Both LanguageTool and Grammarly solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.LanguageTool positions itself as "open-source grammar checker" while Grammarlyfocuses on "ai writing assistant". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose LanguageTool
LanguageTool makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Grammarly
Grammarly is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, LanguageTool lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: LanguageTool
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Grammarly is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Grammarly
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: LanguageTool
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with LanguageTool, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated LanguageTool higher (87/100). But the community has upvoted Grammarly more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What LanguageTool Does Better
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Grammarly If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with LanguageTool (87/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. LanguageTool scores higher in our analysis, but Grammarly might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LanguageTool or Grammarly better?
Based on our analysis, LanguageTool scores higher with 87/100. LanguageTool isfreemium while Grammarly is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from LanguageTool to Grammarly easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do LanguageTool and Grammarly offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. LanguageTool is freemium with a free tier.Grammarly is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.