Grammar Checker Tools Compared
Grammarly and LanguageTool are the best all-round free checkers. ProWritingAid suits detailed style reports, Hemingway suits cutting long sentences, and Microsoft Editor is already in Word. See our full guide.
Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team
- Grammarly and LanguageTool are the best all-round free checkers.
- We compare 7 tools on who they help, features and limitations.
- Price labels appear only where the tool’s homepage confirms them.
Grammar Checker Tools Compared: quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Free or paid |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | Students who want real-time grammar, spelling and clarity suggestions | Free and paid plans |
| LanguageTool | Students writing in English and other languages | Free and paid plans |
| ProWritingAid | Students who want detailed style reports | Free and paid plans |
| Hemingway Editor | Writers who want shorter, clearer sentences | Free |
| Microsoft Editor | Students who already write in Word | Free |
| Ginger | Learners who want basic grammar correction | Free and paid plans |
| Writer.com | Organisations enforcing a house style | Free and paid plans |
"Free or paid" is shown only when the tool’s own homepage states it; otherwise check the site. These are independent picks, not affiliate links.
1. Grammarly
Grammar, spelling, clarity and tone checker with browser and Word add-ons
- Who it helps: Students who want real-time grammar, spelling and clarity suggestions.
- Key features: Browser and app integration; tone and clarity suggestions; paid plan adds more.
- Price: Free and paid plans (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Suggestions can flatten your voice; generative features may be restricted by your course.
2. LanguageTool
Multilingual grammar and style checker, open-source core
- Who it helps: Students writing in English and other languages.
- Key features: Grammar and style checking in many languages; browser and Office add-ons.
- Price: Free and paid plans (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Free version has limits on advanced suggestions.
3. ProWritingAid
Grammar and in-depth style reports (overused words, sentence length, readability)
- Who it helps: Students who want detailed style reports.
- Key features: Reports on overused words, sentence length, readability and more.
- Price: Free and paid plans (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Many reports can overwhelm; best used selectively.
4. Hemingway Editor
Highlights long, hard-to-read sentences, adverbs and passive voice; shows grade level
- Who it helps: Writers who want shorter, clearer sentences.
- Key features: Highlights long sentences, passive voice and adverbs.
- Price: Free (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Rules suit plain style; academic writing sometimes needs longer sentences.
5. Microsoft Editor
Microsoft's grammar and style checker in Word, Outlook and Edge
- Who it helps: Students who already write in Word.
- Key features: Built-in spelling, grammar and refinements in Microsoft 365.
- Price: Free (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Advanced suggestions need a Microsoft 365 subscription.
6. Ginger
Grammar checker and sentence rephraser
- Who it helps: Learners who want basic grammar correction.
- Key features: Grammar and spelling correction; rephrasing suggestions.
- Price: Free and paid plans (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Less detailed than larger checkers.
7. Writer.com
Enterprise AI writing and style-guide platform (business writing)
- Who it helps: Organisations enforcing a house style.
- Key features: Style-guide enforcement and team terminology.
- Price: Free and paid plans (as stated on its homepage).
- Limitations: Built for businesses, not individual students.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Which free grammar checker is best?
Grammarly and LanguageTool have strong free plans. Run your essay through one, then proofread yourself.
Is using a grammar checker allowed?
Correcting your own grammar is usually allowed; check your course policy for AI rewriting features.
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