// comparison · Writing
Grammarly PremiumvsLanguageTool: Which Should You Use?
Quick verdict: LanguageTool covers about 80% of what Grammarly Premium does — and it's open source, with a self-hostable server. Grammarly's edge is now mostly tone/style AI and its polished web editor.
Side-by-side
| Grammarly Premium | LanguageTool | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12/mo (Grammarly Premium annual) | $0 (free) |
| License | Proprietary subscription | Open source (FOSS), self-hostable, privacy-first |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Browser extension, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension, iOS, Android |
| File compatibility | Native formats | Strong feature parity |
| Learning curve | Established workflow | Easy |
| Best for | You write professional content and want tone, clarity, and engagement scores | You write in English, German, Spanish, French, or 20+ other languages |
When to use each
Stick with Grammarly Premium when
- You write professional content and want tone, clarity, and engagement scores
- You depend on Grammarly's GenAI for rewrites and brand-voice tuning
- You want a single subscription that works in every app you write in
- Your team uses Grammarly Business with shared style guides
Switch to LanguageTool when
- You write in English, German, Spanish, French, or 20+ other languages
- Privacy matters — you can self-host so your text never leaves your machine
- You want a strong grammar/style checker as a browser extension and desktop app
- You're a student or hobbyist and the free tier is plenty
Migration: Grammarly Premium → LanguageTool
Switch Score for LanguageTool: Easy · Strong feature parity. If you decide to move from Grammarly Premium to LanguageTool, plan a short adjustment window. Most users find that day-to-day work transfers within a week, with file-format quirks the most common source of friction.
Honest trade-offs of LanguageTool
- Style/tone scoring is less rich than Grammarly's polished UX
- Free tier limits checks per minute and feature-rich rewrites; LanguageTool Premium ($5/mo) lifts these
- AI rewrite suggestions exist but aren't as fluent as Grammarly Pro's
FAQ
How does LanguageTool's accuracy compare to Grammarly?
Grammar and spelling: very close. Stylistic suggestions and rewrites: Grammarly is ahead. For most writing, the difference is small.
Can I self-host?
Yes — the LanguageTool server is open source. Run it on your own machine or LAN and configure the extension to point at your URL.
Does it work in Word and Google Docs?
Yes — official add-ons for both, plus the browser extension catches it inside Gmail, Notion, and other web editors.