Comparison · Grammar and proofreading tools
Grammarly vs Harper: which is better in 2026?
Grammarly92.5#1 in best grammar and proofreading tools
Harper89.5#3 in best grammar and proofreading toolsGrammarly ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#1 against #3, score 92.5 against 89.5).
- 92.5Editorial score89.5
- 4Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Grammarly if you want
Everyday grammar checks across browsers and apps.
Broadest reach: a browser extension, apps and a free plan that covers spelling and grammar. Tone and AI rewrites need Pro, and Harper keeps its checks on your device.
Choose Harper if you want
Private, free grammar checks on your own device.
Free, Apache-2.0 open source, with checks that run on your device. It covers grammar and spelling only, and its desktop app is listed for macOS.
The main differences
- Only Harper runs on macOS.
- Only Grammarly runs on iOS.
- Only Grammarly runs on Android.
- Only Grammarly runs on Web.
- Harper is open source; Grammarly is not.
Side by side
| Score | 92.5 | 89.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #1 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan; Pro $12 a month with a 7-day trial; Enterprise by sales contact | Free and open sourceFree and open source under Apache-2.0; no paid tier listed |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebBrowser extensioniOSAndroidWeb, Browser extension, iOS, Android | macOSBrowser extensionmacOS, Browser extension |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Where checks run | Browser extension, apps and web editor | On your device, in browsers and editors |
| Rewrites and paraphrasing | AI rewrites need the Pro plan | None; no AI model in the loop |
| Style guidance | Tone suggestions | Grammar and spelling only |
| Best for | Everyday grammar checks across browsers and apps | Private, free grammar checks on your own device |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Grammarly vs Harper
Choosing between the two
Learning CenterRead more about Grammarly and Harper
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