Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Grammarly · ✍️ ai writing
Grammarly vs WritingTool
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge. Here is how WritingTool ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Grammarly ($30/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
WritingTool
$0.00/mo · LGPL-2.1
Grammarly vs WritingTool Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Grammarly (Paid) | WritingTool (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $30 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $360 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $360) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,600) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source LGPL-2.1 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 65 (active jul 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Grammarly to WritingTool
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It is centered on LibreOffice rather than working continuously across browsers, email and arbitrary desktop apps like Grammarly.
How to deploy WritingTool
Install Java 17 or newer, LibreOffice 24.2 or newer and the WritingTool extension
What it takes to run
Java and LibreOffice are mandatory, and optional AI needs a separately configured service
Where your data lives
Documents remain normal LibreOffice files; checking is local unless a remote LanguageTool or AI endpoint is configured
Why fork WritingTool instead of vibe-coding a Grammarly clone?
You can build grammar checks and rewrites, but Grammarly's moat is cross-app extensions, inline UX, enterprise controls, writing telemetry, and long-running language quality.
Grammarly vs WritingTool FAQ
Is WritingTool a good free alternative to Grammarly?+
Yes. WritingTool is a verified open-source (LGPL-2.1) replacement for Grammarly. A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
What is the catch when switching from Grammarly to WritingTool?+
It is centered on LibreOffice rather than working continuously across browsers, email and arbitrary desktop apps like Grammarly.
How much do you save switching from Grammarly to WritingTool?+
Grammarly costs $30/mo ($360/yr) per seat, whereas WritingTool is $0/mo. Switching saves $360/yr for a solo user, $1,800/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,600/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host WritingTool instead of Grammarly?+
Install: Install Java 17 or newer, LibreOffice 24.2 or newer and the WritingTool extension. Setup: Java and LibreOffice are mandatory, and optional AI needs a separately configured service
