Is Harper better than Microsoft Editor?

Harper ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#3 against #5, score 89.5 against 86.5). Harper is best for: private, free grammar checks on your own device. Microsoft Editor is best for: checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.

Which is cheaper, Harper or Microsoft Editor?

Harper: Free and open source under Apache-2.0; no paid tier listed. Microsoft Editor: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365.

Do Harper and Microsoft Editor run on the same platforms?

Harper supports macOS, Browser extension. Microsoft Editor supports Web.

Comparison · Grammar and proofreading tools

Harper vs Microsoft Editor: which is better in 2026?

Harper89.5#3 in best grammar and proofreading tools

Microsoft Editor86.5#5 in best grammar and proofreading tools

Harper ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#3 against #5, score 89.5 against 86.5).

How we rank Share

89.5
Editorial score
86.5
2
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

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.

Choose Microsoft Editor if you want

Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.

Built into Word and Outlook for the web, with a free grammar checker. Its full set of options is tied to a Microsoft 365 subscription, and it works only in Microsoft's apps.

The main differences

Only Harper runs on macOS.
Only Microsoft Editor runs on Web.
Harper is open source; Microsoft Editor is not.

Side by side

	Harper	Microsoft Editor
Score	89.5	86.5
Rank in list	#3 of 10	#5 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source under Apache-2.0; no paid tier listed	Free plan, paid upgradesFree grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	macOSBrowser extensionmacOS, Browser extension	WebWeb
Made by	Not stated	Microsoft
Where checks run	On your device, in browsers and editors	Word and Outlook for the web
Rewrites and paraphrasing	None; no AI model in the loop	Shorter wording suggestions
Style guidance	Grammar and spelling only	Clarity and conciseness checks
Best for	Private, free grammar checks on your own device	Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web
Strengths	Free and open source under Apache-2.0 Checks run on your device, with no telemetry Fast enough for live checks as you type	Built into Word and Outlook for the web Clarity and conciseness checks, not only spelling User dictionary for names and terms
Limits	Desktop app is listed for macOS only No AI rewriting or tone suggestions	Full options work best with a Microsoft 365 subscription Works only inside Microsoft's own apps
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Harper vs Microsoft Editor

Is Harper better than Microsoft Editor?: Harper ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#3 against #5, score 89.5 against 86.5). Harper is best for: private, free grammar checks on your own device. Microsoft Editor is best for: checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.
Which is cheaper, Harper or Microsoft Editor?: Harper: Free and open source under Apache-2.0; no paid tier listed. Microsoft Editor: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365.
Do Harper and Microsoft Editor run on the same platforms?: Harper supports macOS, Browser extension. Microsoft Editor supports Web.