LanguageTool Review

LanguageTool is an Open Source application that was “developed by a group of language enthusiasts and software developers,” according to the LanguageTool site.

Since this tool is powered by Open Source software, it’s one of the most unique online grammar checkers on our list.

In this LanguageTool review, we weight the pros and cons of this grammar checker.

Here’s what makes it a great candidate.

Disclosure: These reviews are reader-supported. We might earn a small commission if you purchase something through our site. Learn more

Our Verdict

LanguageTool might not be worth your time because of its limited features. We recommend Grammarly. It’s on the pricey side, but you can save 20% with our link. 

Grammarly Best All-Around

$11.66 /mo – before discount
PROS
  • 86/86% accuracy
  • 16+ billion database
  • 150k+ word limit
  • 5 device limit
  • 1-hour response
CONS
  • Only English
  • Expensive without our link

LanguageTool Limited Features

$19 /month
PROS
  • User-friendly interface
  • Accurate grammar checker
  • Strong device compatibility
  • Tons of different languages
CONS
  • No plagiarism detector
  • No reporting
  • No human review
  • Not all devices supported

Grammarly Premium Walkthrough Video

LanguageTool Pros

1. Clean, Easy-to-Navigate Interface

LanguageTool has a clean interface that just about anyone can use.

Example screenshot of LanguageTool's interface.
LanguageTool’s interface.

2. Accurate Grammar Checker

The grammar checker is significantly accurate, and it identifies a ton of the same grammar mistakes time and time again.

For example, the grammar checker tool almost always recognizes words that are usually spelled with a hyphen, such as “hard-earned.”

Example screenshot of LanguageTool's grammar checker tool.
LanguageTool’s grammar checker tool.

3. Premium Plan Helps Ensure Concision

While there are some features available with the free version of LanguageTool that can help users write with more clarity, the paid plan can almost guarantee it.

It can even help users detect uses of the wrong gender within a salutation, which is perfect for double-checking quick emails you might need to send in a pinch.

4. Limitations Aren’t Incredibly Low

The free version of LanguageTool includes a limit of 20,000 characters per individual check, while the enterprise has a limit of 40,000 characters per individual check.

5. Strong Device Compatibility

LanguageTool can be accessed via web or mobile browser and is compatible with:

  • LibreOffice
  • Microsoft Word
  • Firefox and Chrome
  • Google Docs

On top of that, the LanguageTool community has developed countless plugins and add-ons for tons of programs, like CheckMate or Android.

6. Tons of Different Languages

The good news about LanguageTool is that you can use it to check grammar in tons of different languages.

Example screenshot of LanguageTool's language features.
LanguageTool language features

This grammar checker currently supports:

  • Asturian
  • Belarusian
  • Breton
  • Catalan
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Esperanto
  • French
  • Galician
  • German
  • Greek
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Khmer
  • Persian
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Romanian
  • Russian
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Slovak
  • Slovenian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Tagalog
  • Tamil
  • Ukrainian

Users can also select their desired language by country or with the auto-detect feature.

Example screenshot of LanguageTool's auto-detect feature.
LanguageTool’s auto-detect feature.

7. Accessible Forum Available

LanguageTool’s only real form of customer service is their forum.

Example screenshot of Language Tool's forum service.
Language Tool’s forum service

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The forum is packed full of helpful content, and you can even search for specific keywords to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Example screenshot of LanguageTool's forum page.
LanguageTool’s forum page.

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Every rose has its thorn. Here are the downsides to LanguageTool.

LanguageTool Cons

1. Not the Most Sophisticated Grammar Checker

While this tool has a lot going for it, it definitely isn’t the most online sophisticated grammar checker out there. For sure, it does make the job i.e. corrects grammar mistakes or spelling errors yet some stuff is missing.

For example, it didn’t catch any uses of passive voice.

Example screenshot of Language Tool's no passive voice feature.
No passive voice feature.

2. No Plagiarism or Reporting Options

At this time, LanguageTool doesn’t offer any kind of plagiarism tools. They also don’t seem to give users a way to export and download copies of their grammar reports.

3. No Human Review or Style Guide Listed

This checking tool doesn’t allow you to order human reviews of your work, so if you need an advanced analysis of your writing, think twice about this tool.

LanguageTool also doesn’t list the style guide used within their software to analyze grammar and suggest corrections.

This checker has a free option, but you can also pay to upgrade to a premium plan for access to higher limits or more concise suggestions.

4. Not All Devices Supported

Most of the different device apps aren’t officially supported by the LanguageTool team, so users should try them at their own risk.

Example screenshot of LanguageTool' software plug-in.
Example of LanguageTool’s software plug-in.

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LanguageTool Cost

With LanguageTool premium, users can choose to pay monthly, every three months, or every year.

Pricing is as follows:

  • Monthly subscription: $19 per month
  • Three-month subscription: $39 every three months
  • Yearly subscription: $59 every year

Do I Recommend LanguageTool?

Yes, if you need a multi-language grammar checker.

This grammar checker software is compatible with so many different languages, unlike a few others like Grammarly that really only work with English.

While there aren’t any plagiarism checking options available, LanguageTool is still a strong competitor in the online grammar checking world. If you need a checking tool for plagiarism or an alternative spelling checker, check out WhiteSmoke.

It’s accurate, uses OpenSource software, and has tons of potential for many different uses.

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