Bottom line: LanguageTool’s free Basic plan checks grammar, spelling, and punctuation in short texts — up to 2,000 characters per text field — and throws in 3 AI sentence rephrasings a day. Its edge over better-known checkers is language range: the platform works in 30+ languages. For emails and short posts it is genuinely useful free; for long documents, the character cap pushes you to Premium fast.
Free-plan details checked October 17, 2026, against LanguageTool’s official Premium comparison page. This is a research-based review; we do not claim hands-on testing.
What does LanguageTool do?
LanguageTool is a grammar and style checker that goes beyond basic spellcheck: it flags incorrect word order, tense and agreement errors, punctuation problems, word confusion, and basic style issues, with explanations for each suggestion. It works where you already write — browser extensions for the major browsers, add-ons for word processors and email, desktop and mobile apps, and a web editor. Its core technology is open source, and it can be used in common browsers and word processors without an account.
What is actually free on LanguageTool?
The Basic plan costs $0. Based on LanguageTool’s own Basic-versus-Premium comparison, free includes:
- Basic grammar, punctuation, and spelling checks in the editor and browser add-ons.
- 2,000 characters per text field — roughly a long email or a couple of paragraphs at a time.
- 3 AI sentence rephrasings per day: have a sentence rewritten to be more formal, more fluid, or shorter.
- Limited Picky Mode: a stricter checking mode, with full access reserved for Premium.
- 30+ languages on the platform: the checker covers far more languages than most English-first rivals.
The 2,000-character limit is the real shape of the free plan. Checking an email? Fine. Checking a long article? You will split it into many chunks, which gets old quickly — know that before you build a workflow on free.
What does LanguageTool Premium add?
Premium raises the limit to 150,000 characters per text field, adds more than 20,000 additional checks for English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, and Portuguese, makes AI sentence rephrasing unlimited, and adds a personal dictionary, text statistics, and a personal style guide. If you write long documents or write professionally in a second language, those advanced checks are the actual product; Basic is the tasting menu.
Pros and cons of LanguageTool’s free plan
Pros
- Real grammar and punctuation checking free, not just spellcheck
- 30+ languages — the strongest multilingual story among free checkers
- Works inside your browser, email, and word processor; no account needed for basic use
- 3 AI rephrasings a day is a small but real taste of the Premium rewriter
Cons
- 2,000 characters per check makes long documents painful on free
- 20,000+ advanced checks and full Picky Mode are Premium-only
- Personal dictionary and style guide require Premium
- Suggestions explain the rule, but style advice can still over-correct informal writing
Who is LanguageTool best for?
Multilingual writers, students, and professionals who mostly check short texts: emails, applications, posts, and assignments in English or another supported language. If English is your only language and your texts are long, a rival’s free tier may fit better. If you write in German, Spanish, French, or several languages week to week, LanguageTool free is the first checker to try.
Frequently asked questions
Is LanguageTool free?
Yes. The Basic plan is free with basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks, a 2,000-character limit per text field, and 3 AI sentence rephrasings per day.
How many languages does LanguageTool support?
The platform works in 30+ languages. Premium’s 20,000+ additional checks apply to English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, and Portuguese.
Do I need an account to use LanguageTool free?
No. LanguageTool says it can be used without a user account in common browsers and word processors; a free account is needed for its editor apps.
What is the free character limit on LanguageTool?
2,000 characters per text field on Basic. Premium raises it to 150,000 characters.
Verdict: The best free grammar checker for anyone who writes in more than one language — as long as your texts are short. Hit the 2,000-character wall regularly, and Premium is the honest next step.