Is LanguageTool better than Microsoft Editor?

LanguageTool ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#2 against #5, score 91.0 against 86.5). LanguageTool is best for: open-source checking in many languages. Microsoft Editor is best for: checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.

Which is cheaper, LanguageTool or Microsoft Editor?

LanguageTool: Free grammar checking; Premium adds unlimited paraphrasing and more features. Microsoft Editor: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365.

Do LanguageTool and Microsoft Editor run on the same platforms?

LanguageTool supports Web, Windows, macOS, Browser extension. Microsoft Editor supports Web.

Comparison · Grammar and proofreading tools

LanguageTool vs Microsoft Editor: which is better in 2026?

LanguageTool91.0#2 in best grammar and proofreading tools

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

LanguageTool ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#2 against #5, score 91.0 against 86.5).

How we rank Share

91.0
Editorial score
86.5
4
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose LanguageTool if you want

Open-source checking in many languages.

Open-source core under LGPL-2.1, with browser add-ons, Office plugins and many languages. Free checking is solid, but paraphrasing is limited on the free tier.

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 LanguageTool runs on Windows.
Only LanguageTool runs on macOS.
LanguageTool is open source; Microsoft Editor is not.

Side by side

	LanguageTool	Microsoft Editor
Score	91.0	86.5
Rank in list	#2 of 10	#5 of 10
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree grammar checking; Premium adds unlimited paraphrasing and more features	Free plan, paid upgradesFree grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	WebWindowsmacOSBrowser extensionWeb, Windows, macOS, Browser extension	WebWeb
Made by	Not stated	Microsoft
Where checks run	Browser add-ons, desktop apps and Office plugins	Word and Outlook for the web
Rewrites and paraphrasing	Paraphrasing, limited on the free plan	Shorter wording suggestions
Style guidance	Style checking in many languages	Clarity and conciseness checks
Best for	Open-source checking in many languages	Checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web
Strengths	Core source code on GitHub under LGPL 2.1 Browser add-ons and Office plugins Covers dozens of languages	Built into Word and Outlook for the web Clarity and conciseness checks, not only spelling User dictionary for names and terms
Limits	Paraphrasing is limited in the free version Less focused on generating new text than AI-first tools	Full options work best with a Microsoft 365 subscription Works only inside Microsoft's own apps
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about LanguageTool vs Microsoft Editor

Is LanguageTool better than Microsoft Editor?: LanguageTool ranks higher in our list of grammar and proofreading tools (#2 against #5, score 91.0 against 86.5). LanguageTool is best for: open-source checking in many languages. Microsoft Editor is best for: checking grammar inside Word and Outlook on the web.
Which is cheaper, LanguageTool or Microsoft Editor?: LanguageTool: Free grammar checking; Premium adds unlimited paraphrasing and more features. Microsoft Editor: Free grammar checker; advanced checks work best with Microsoft 365.
Do LanguageTool and Microsoft Editor run on the same platforms?: LanguageTool supports Web, Windows, macOS, Browser extension. Microsoft Editor supports Web.