LanguageTool
A grammar and style checker for 25+ languages. The browser extension needs a paid Premium plan.
Why it's a strong pick
LanguageTool checks writing in 25+ languages, and its core engine is open source. That makes it a real option for people who write in more than one language, or who want to run their own server. The trade-off is big: LanguageTool's help center says the browser extension is now Premium-only. You need a paid plan to use it. Free use is on the LanguageTool website, with usage limits.
What it does
LanguageTool checks grammar, style and spelling as you write on web pages. It also has an AI paraphraser that rewrites sentences. The GitHub project describes it as a style and grammar checker for 25+ languages. The help center lists English variants (US, GB, AU, CA, NZ and ZA), German (DE, AT, CH), French, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch, among others. It does not offer spell check for Chinese, Japanese, Persian or Tamil. The extension's store publisher is LanguageTooler GmbH. LanguageTool belongs to Learneo, Inc., which also owns QuillBot.
Key features
- 25+ languages. Grammar and style checks beyond English.
- English variants. Separate checks for several regional versions of English.
- AI paraphraser. Rewrites sentences to be simpler, shorter or more formal.
- Open-source core. The core is under LGPL 2.1 or later, and anyone can run their own server.
- Premium for the extension. The help center says the extension now needs a Premium plan. It also mentions a Premium trial. Check current terms on languagetool.org.
Who it's for
LanguageTool suits people who write in several languages and are willing to pay for the extension. If you do not want to pay, you have two routes: use the free web editor with its limits, or self-host the open-source server. Self-hosting means you run the server yourself, and the Premium features are not in the open-source version, per the GitHub project. For a side-by-side view of other tools, see Grammarly alternatives. For an offline, open-source option, see Harper.
Is the LanguageTool extension free?
No. LanguageTool's help center has an article on the "premium-only version of the LanguageTool browser extension". It says free users work on the website with usage limits. The extension needs a paid plan, and we list no prices here. Check languagetool.org/premium for current terms.
Some older guides, including earlier versions of this page, called it free. That is out of date.
How many languages does LanguageTool support?
LanguageTool describes itself as a style and grammar checker for 25+ languages. Its help center lists English variants, German variants, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch, and more. It notes there is no spell check for Chinese, Japanese, Persian and Tamil. Check the help center's language page for the full, current list.
Where does my text go?
A grammar checker has to read what you type, so your text goes to the vendor's servers. LanguageTool's API page says texts sent to the API are not stored and that its servers are hosted in Germany. Its privacy policy says it follows GDPR.
Privacy terms have changed over time, so read the current privacy policy before you paste sensitive text.
What permissions does LanguageTool ask for?
We did not read a permission list from the vendor, so we do not list one. The extension has to read the text fields you write in. Check the install prompt in Chrome for the current permissions before you add it.
FAQ
Do I need an account? Yes, in practice. The extension needs a Premium plan, which means a paid account.
Is LanguageTool open source? The core is, under LGPL 2.1 or later. The extension's Premium features are not part of the open-source version.
Who owns it? Learneo, Inc. owns LanguageTool, and also QuillBot.
Good to know
Before you install, decide whether you want to pay. If not, try the free web editor first. Its limits apply, so a long document may need to be checked in parts.
Other grammar checkers to compare
LanguageTool is one of 8 picks in our Grammar Checkers guide, which compares them side by side and explains how to choose. The other picks:
- Grammarly: Grammar, spelling, punctuation and tone suggestions as you write in Chrome. A free plan and a paid Pro plan.
- QuillBot: A grammar checker and paraphraser in one extension. Free plan, paid Premium. Read the privacy settings first.
- ProWritingAid: A grammar and style checker with 25+ writing reports for self-editing. Free plan, paid plans.
- Wordtune: A rewrite-first writing tool from AI21 Labs. Free Basic plan with daily limits, paid plans above it.
- Sapling: Grammar, rephrasing and autocomplete aimed at work messages. Free plan, paid Pro and team plans.
- Ginger: Checks spelling and grammar as you type. A free plan with limits, and a paid Premium plan.
- Harper: A free, open-source grammar checker that does its work offline in your browser.
See alternatives: Grammarly alternatives
This is a third-party extension, not built or maintained by Xplorekit. We link to the official Chrome Web Store listing. Install and permissions are between you and the extension's own publisher.