In the world of digital writing, Grammarly has become synonymous with online proofreading and grammar checks. While it’s undoubtedly a powerful tool, it’s not the only option. A growing number of editors, students, and content developers are now exploring alternative tools that offer simpler interfaces, lighter footprints, and features tailored to specific types of writing. For those searching for a clean, streamlined editing experience, this list offers seven underrated Grammarly alternatives that might be exactly what you need.
TL;DR: Grammarly isn’t your only choice for improving your writing. Several lesser-known editing tools provide excellent grammar suggestions, style adjustments, and readability enhancements with fewer distractions. Some prioritize privacy; others shine in simplicity or focus on creative writing. Whatever your needs, one of these seven alternatives may suit your style better than Grammarly.
1. ProWritingAid
Why it stands out: Deep analysis meets affordability
ProWritingAid is a comprehensive writing assistant designed for fiction and business writers who need more than just a grammar checker. Unlike Grammarly, which leans heavily on surface-level errors and sentence structure, ProWritingAid dives into style, overused words, sentence length variety, and repeated sentence starts.
Key Features:
- 25+ writing reports for advanced editing
- Integrations with MS Word, Google Docs, and Scrivener
- Linguistic insights tailored to long-form content
Its detailed analytics make it a solid choice for writers who want to understand and improve the rhythm of their work. The lifetime plan also makes it more affordable over time.
2. Slick Write
Why it stands out: Lightweight and completely free
If you’re looking for a fast, browser-based tool that won’t slow down your system, Slick Write should be on your radar. It offers grammar, spelling, and style checks without any unnecessary frills or overwhelming interfaces.
Key Features:
- Flow, structure, and readability analysis
- Free to use with no sign-up requirements
- Customization for writing style and subject focus
Slick Write feels like a hidden gem—especially for students and casual bloggers who want something fast and functional without needing to sign up for another subscription.
3. Hemingway Editor
Why it stands out: Focus on simplicity and readability
Named after the famously concise writer Ernest Hemingway, this tool encourages clarity by analyzing your content’s readability. The Hemingway Editor spots hard-to-read sentences, difficult phrases, passive voice, and adverb overuse.
Key Features:
- Color-coded highlights for quick editing
- Desktop app available for offline use
- Readability score and sentence structure feedback
This is ideal for those who often write blog posts, online articles, or educational materials where clarity and brevity are essential. It doesn’t auto-correct or offer grammar suggestions like Grammarly, but that’s part of its charm—it forces the writer to think.
4. LanguageTool
Why it stands out: Multilingual grammar wizard
LanguageTool is a powerful proofreader that goes beyond English. Supporting over 25 languages, it serves as an excellent Grammarly replacement for bilingual or international writers.
Key Features:
- Grammar, style, and punctuation suggestions
- Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Google Docs, and more
- Premium version adds contextual editing and advanced style rules
While many tools are monolingual, LanguageTool helps non-native speakers write clean, professional text in languages like German, French, and Spanish. Its open-source nature also makes it highly dependable for those concerned about data privacy.
5. Writefull
Why it stands out: Designed with academic writing in mind
Writefull offers a unique twist: instead of just correcting grammar, it draws on millions of published academic articles to evaluate and enhance your content. It’s best suited for academic texts, theses, and scientific publications.
Key Features:
- Inline language feedback based on scientific corpora
- Built-in database of sentence structures used by academics
- Integrates with LaTeX editors and Overleaf
This alternative is not for everyday blogging or general writing—it is highly focused. For PhD candidates or researchers, though, Writefull could be an essential productivity tool.
6. Ginger Software
Why it stands out: A grammar tool with translation and rephrasing support
Ginger offers real-time grammar, punctuation, and spell checking, much like Grammarly, but with a few added bonuses like on-the-fly translation (over 40 languages) and sentence rephraser functionality.
Key Features:
- Built-in dictionary and thesaurus
- AI-based sentence rephrasing
- Personal trainer function to improve writing skills over time
It’s a well-rounded tool for ESL writers or professionals working in multinational settings. However, some of its best features require the premium version, which is still more affordable than Grammarly.
7. Typely
Why it stands out: Privacy-first and focused on clean writing
Typely is an excellent option for writers who want to focus without worrying about their data being harvested. It’s free, fast, and surprisingly accurate for casual editing and proofreading.
Key Features:
- Distraction-free writing environment
- Detailed reports and style analysis
- Export formats – choose from PDF, DOCX, or plain text
Typely skips intrusive AI suggestions and lets writers take the lead. It doesn’t match Grammarly’s depth, but for many, its focus on minimalism and privacy is a significant benefit.
Final Thoughts
While Grammarly continues to hold a strong foothold in the market, it’s not the only road to well-crafted and grammatically sound writing. Each of the tools listed above provides something unique—be it deeper analytical insight, simplicity, support for different languages, academic structuring, or robust privacy protections. The best tool for you depends on the type of writing you do and the kind of assistance you’re looking for.
Whether you’re a novelist, a student, a business writer, or someone trying to improve personal communication, there’s a Grammarly alternative waiting for you. Perhaps it’s time to look beyond the big names and discover the quiet heroes of the editing world.