Grammarly vs Hemingway Editor
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool
Grammarly
WritingHemingway Editor
Writing- Works everywhere you write (browser, apps, mobile)
- Catches errors other tools miss
- Tone detection prevents communication mishaps
- Pro features genuinely improve writing quality
- Unobtrusive integration into workflows
- Trusted by millions (credibility factor)
- Generous free tier for basic checking
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate
- Free online version available for quick edits
- Effective at enhancing writing clarity and conciseness
- One-time purchase for the desktop version, making it cost-effective
- Suggestions aren't always contextually appropriate
- Can strip personality from creative writing
- Pro pricing adds up ($12/month annual)
- Business tier expensive for teams ($15/user)
- Plagiarism checker less thorough than dedicated tools
- Generative AI features lag behind specialized writers
- Non-refundable subscriptions if plans don't fit
- Limited features compared to some subscription-based writing tools
- No grammar checking capability beyond basic suggestions
- Might not cater to advanced writing needs or specific genres
Detailed Comparison
Grammarly Overview
Grammarly is the writing assistant everyone knows - that little green icon checking your emails, documents, and social posts for errors. After years of evolution, it's grown from a spell-checker into a comprehensive writing improvement tool with AI generation capabilities. **The Ubiquitous Helper** Grammarly's greatest strength is presence. Install the browser extension, and it works on every website - Gmail, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google Docs, Slack. Add the desktop app, and it covers Word, Outlook, and other applications. The mobile keyboard extends coverage to texts and mobile apps. This everywhere-you-write coverage is unmatched. **Beyond Grammar** Modern Grammarly does far more than fix typos. It suggests rewriting wordy sentences for clarity. It detects whether your tone comes across as confident, friendly, or formal. It flags potentially unclear phrases. For professional communication, these higher-level suggestions often matter more than catching a missing comma. **The Tone Detector** Arguably Grammarly's most underrated feature. Before sending that email to your boss, see if it reads as "direct" when you meant "friendly" - and get suggestions to adjust. For anyone who's agonized over how a message might be received, this reduces anxiety significantly. **Pro Upgrades** The paid tier adds full-sentence rewrites, plagiarism detection, and vocabulary enhancement. The generative AI feature (2,000 prompts/month) helps draft content from scratch, though it's not as capable as dedicated AI writers like Jasper or Copy.ai. **For Teams** Business plans add brand style guides - define your company's terminology, formatting preferences, and voice. Analytics show team writing patterns and areas for improvement. For organizations managing brand consistency, these features add genuine value. **Pricing Realities** Free: Grammar, spelling, conciseness, basic tone Pro: $12/month (annual) or $30/month - adds rewrites, plagiarism, advanced suggestions Business: $15/user/month (annual) - adds style guides, analytics, admin controls **The Limitations** Grammarly suggestions aren't infallible. Accept everything blindly, and you might strip personality from creative writing or introduce awkward phrasings. It's best used as a second pair of eyes, not an autopilot. **Verdict** Grammarly remains the gold standard for writing assistance integrated into everyday workflows. The free tier handles basics well; Pro is worthwhile for professionals who write frequently. For AI content generation, dedicated tools outperform it - but for polishing and error-catching across all your writing, Grammarly's ubiquity is unbeatable.
Read full Grammarly review →Hemingway Editor Overview
Hemingway Editor stands out as a premier writing tool focused on enhancing the readability and clarity of text. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently produce written content, such as bloggers, students, and professionals in various fields. The tool operates on the principle of simplifying complex writing, making it an excellent choice for users who aim to communicate their ideas more effectively. The online version of Hemingway Editor is free and provides essential features that allow users to analyze their text for readability, sentence structure, and word choice. Users can quickly see their readability score and receive feedback on areas where their writing may be too complex or filled with passive voice. This can be incredibly helpful for anyone looking to refine their writing style and make their content more engaging. For those who require more robust features and offline access, Hemingway also offers a desktop version for a one-time fee of $19.99. This version includes additional formatting options and the ability to work without an internet connection, which is a significant advantage for writers who prefer a distraction-free environment. The pricing structure is appealing, especially when compared to subscription-based services that can add up over time. However, Hemingway Editor does have its limitations. While it excels at promoting clear and concise writing, it lacks comprehensive grammar checking features. Users looking for advanced editing capabilities may find it lacking in this regard. Additionally, the tool may not cater to specific genres or writing styles that require a more nuanced approach to language. In comparison to alternatives like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, Hemingway Editor is more focused on style and readability rather than grammar and punctuation. While these alternatives provide a wider range of writing assistance, they often come with subscription fees that can be prohibitive for casual users. In conclusion, Hemingway Editor is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve the clarity of their writing. It is particularly useful for those who want to ensure their content is accessible and engaging to a broad audience. While it may not be the best fit for every writer, its straightforward approach and one-time purchase model make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize readability and simplicity in their writing.
Read full Hemingway Editor review →Our Verdict
Both Grammarly (Free tier - Pro $12/mo) and Hemingway Editor (Free online - $19.99 desktop) compete in the Writing category, but they serve different needs.
Choose Grammarly if: You value works everywhere you write (browser, apps, mobile) and catches errors other tools miss. Plus, you can start for free.
Choose Hemingway Editor if: You prioritize user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and free online version available for quick edits. It also offers a free tier.