WritingTool replaces 4 paid apps
One open-source tool, 4 subscriptions it can stand in for. Each pairing below is curated and verified by hand, with the honest catch spelled out. No votes, no pay-to-list.
licenseLGPL-2.1
runson your machine
installInstall LibreOffice 24.2+, Java 17+, then add the downloaded .oxt LibreOffice extension
enginesLanguageTool rules locally; optional AI rewriting through an OpenAI-compatible API, with local endpoints such as LocalAI specifically supported
dataChecks, profiles and cached document-analysis data run on the local computer; document text is sent away only when a remote LanguageTool or configured AI endpoint is used
setupJava 17 and a recent LibreOffice are mandatory, and users must manually install and approve the extension
facts verified 2026-08-14
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
the catchIt is centered on LibreOffice rather than working continuously across browsers, email and arbitrary desktop apps like Grammarly.
the verdict →all Grammarly alternatives →
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
the catchIts LanguageTool-based checks are strong inside LibreOffice, but browser, email, mobile, and cross-application coverage are much weaker than LanguageTool's.
the verdict →all LanguageTool alternatives →
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
the verdict →all Hemingway Editor Plus alternatives →
A LibreOffice extension with long-document checks, style statistics, profiles, and local AI; installing Java is the cover charge.
the verdict →last updated 2026-08-14 · up to $420/yr replaced · no votes, no pay-to-list