In a world where effective digital communication is more vital than ever—especially in professional and remote settings—tools like Grammarly have gained immense popularity. However, not everyone finds Grammarly to be the perfect fit. Whether it’s cost, features, user interface, or performance, Reddit communities have been vocal about exploring lesser-known options that can help users write better daily emails. If you’re looking to sharpen your writing without relying solely on Grammarly, Redditors might just have the alternatives you’re looking for.
TL;DR: While Grammarly is undoubtedly powerful, many Reddit users have uncovered hidden gems that offer unique features or better align with individual needs. Apps like ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor, and LanguageTool offer similar, and sometimes superior, services, often at a fraction of the cost. For those who primarily use writing tools for everyday emails, these alternatives may offer a more streamlined and affordable experience. Below are the top 5 lesser-known Grammarly alternatives that Reddit users swear by.
1. ProWritingAid – Comprehensive for Everyday and Professional Communication
ProWritingAid consistently appears in Reddit threads like r/writing, r/Productivity, and r/technology as a top alternative to Grammarly. This robust tool is ideal for users who want in-depth feedback but without Grammarly’s sometimes-clunky suggestions.
- Pros: Offers detailed reports on style, grammar, overused words, readability, and more.
- Best For: Professionals, students, and content creators who write daily emails and reports.
- Pricing: More budget-friendly than Grammarly’s premium model; offers both free and affordable lifetime plans.
Redditors appreciate ProWritingAid’s integrations with MS Word and Google Docs, a vital feature for those writing emails or documents daily. The tool also supports a browser extension so you can proofread on the fly when sending out messages via Gmail, Outlook, or other email clients.
2. Hemingway Editor – Ideal for Simplicity and Clarity
If your goal is to write clear, effective, and concise emails, Hemingway Editor is another favorite among Reddit users. The app focuses less on conventional grammar checking and more on enhancing readability and sentence structure.
- Pros: Highlights passive voice, complex sentences, and adverb overuse.
- Best For: Users who want to write straightforward and easy-to-read emails.
- Pricing: Free online version; a one-time payment for the desktop version.
Reddit users in r/freelance and r/startups praise Hemingway for helping them tighten business pitches and client emails. It’s not a grammar guru per se but perfect for turning jargon-heavy content into something more digestible.
3. LanguageTool – Multilingual Grammar Master
LanguageTool wins Redditors’ hearts, particularly those who are bilingual or often write in languages other than English. While Grammarly only supports English, LanguageTool covers more than 25 languages including German, Spanish, and French.
- Pros: Excellent for multilingual users; integrates with most platforms.
- Best For: International professionals and remote workers writing in multiple languages.
- Pricing: Freemium model with fairly priced premium plans.
In subreddits like r/IWantToLearn and r/languagelearning, Redditors vouch for LanguageTool’s accuracy and effectiveness in catching grammar inconsistencies across multiple languages. Its browser extension enables on-the-go corrections, making it a perfect choice for daily emails.
4. Slick Write – The Speedy, Lightweight Checker
Slick Write is the go-to for Reddit users who prefer something fast, lightweight, and browser-friendly. It’s not as comprehensive as Grammarly or ProWritingAid, but it offers just enough for writing polished, grammatical emails.
- Pros: Extremely fast and user-friendly without unnecessary bells and whistles.
- Best For: People who need fast grammar checks without analytics or clutter.
- Pricing: Completely free as of now.
For someone who needs to dash off multiple emails a day, this tool saves time while still cleaning up your grammar and syntax. Redditors often mention its word variation and flow assistance as hidden strengths.
5. Quillbot – Focused on Paraphrasing and Rewriting
Although more commonly used for paraphrasing and rewriting, Quillbot has emerged as a surprising contender for grammar enhancement in email writing. Reddit threads on r/college and r/resumes often mention its ability to revamp dull or unclear sentences.
- Pros: Excellent paraphrasing capabilities along with grammar suggestions.
- Best For: Rewording or polishing routine emails to sound more fluent.
- Pricing: Freemium model, with advanced options for premium users.
Reddit users love combining Quillbot’s rewriting features with a glance-over in tools like LanguageTool for a double-layered approach. It’s especially useful when writing repetitive content like follow-ups or status update emails.
Bonus Tip: Combine Tools for Greater Efficiency
No single tool is perfect, and that’s something Redditors universally agree on. Many users recommend combining two or more tools—like using Hemingway for clarity, LanguageTool for grammar across languages, and Quillbot for tone and paraphrasing. Some workflows even include free browser extensions for on-the-go proofreading, followed by post-editing inside a desktop version for longer emails or newsletters.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Which Grammarly alternative is best for quick email checks?
A: For speed and simplicity, Reddit users recommend Slick Write. It does the job efficiently without adding too many steps to your workflow. - Q: Are there any good free grammar checkers?
A: Yes, Hemingway Editor and Slick Write both offer very good free versions. LanguageTool also provides a free tier that covers basic grammar checking and multiple languages. - Q: What’s a good tool for non-native English speakers?
A: LanguageTool is often praised by Redditors for its multilingual support and effectiveness in identifying errors that many ESL writers might overlook. - Q: Can I use these tools inside my email platform?
A: Many of them, like LanguageTool and ProWritingAid, offer browser extensions or integrations that work seamlessly with Gmail, Outlook, and other email services. - Q: Would using multiple grammar tools together make my writing better?
A: Absolutely. Several Reddit users combine tools based on specific strengths—clarity from Hemingway, grammar from LanguageTool, and rewording via Quillbot—for the most polished result.
When sharpening your daily communication, the key is choosing the tool or combination of tools that best fits your writing style, goals, and budget. The top Grammarly alternatives discussed here—lauded across Reddit threads—might just surprise you with their capabilities.