If you’re looking for a reliable, free Grammarly alternative, Steer might be exactly what you need—especially if you’re a Mac user. Steer’s native Mac integration makes it easy to correct grammar, improve clarity, and refine your writing without the cost or limitations you might find with Grammarly. Here’s a closer look at why Grammarly may not be ideal for everyone and how Steer addresses these issues.
Why Grammarly May Not Be the Best Fit
While Grammarly has many useful features, it falls short in several areas:
1. High Cost for Premium Features
Free Version Limitations: Grammarly’s free plan only includes basic grammar and spell checks. To access advanced features like tone detection, clarity adjustments, and advanced grammar, you’ll need a premium plan, which can be costly. Many users feel that these additional features don’t justify the price, especially if they only need occasional edits.
Subscription Models: Grammarly offers monthly and annual subscriptions, which add up quickly. For students, freelancers, and budget-conscious professionals, these prices are often too high to justify, especially when more affordable alternatives exist.
2. Limited Language Support
English-Centric: Grammarly primarily caters to English users and offers limited features for non-English speakers. If you’re working across languages or communicating with international teams, this lack of multilingual support can be frustrating.
Lack of Customization for Non-Native Speakers: Grammarly’s suggestions don’t always consider the unique nuances of other languages, making it less versatile for multilingual writing needs.
3. Cumbersome User Experience
Manual Error Correction: Grammarly requires users to manually click through each mistake one by one, which can be time-consuming and disruptive to the writing flow. This process can become tedious, especially for longer documents or frequent writers.
Inconsistent Desktop Integration: While Grammarly does offer a desktop app, its performance is often unreliable. Users may experience syncing issues, crashes, or limited functionality compared to the browser extension, making it less practical for consistent use across various writing platforms.
Steer—A free Grammarly alternative that solves these issues
Here’s why Steer is an excellent free alternative for MacOS users who want streamlined, effective writing help:
1. Works Directly in Any App
In-App Functionality: Unlike Grammarly, Steer integrates into any Mac app you're working in—email, Slack, Google Docs, you name it. You don't have to switch tabs or open a new window to edit, saving you time and keeping you focused.
Quick Corrections: Steer corrects errors right where you're typing. Whether you need to fix a typo or adjust your tone, you get instant edits without breaking your flow.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Steer offers quick keyboard shortcuts that allow you to proofread and improve your writing on the spot. With just a few keystrokes, you can instantly enhance your text without interrupting your workflow.
2. Multilingual Support
Edits Across Languages: Steer supports English, French, German, and more. If you’re communicating with international teams or clients, Steer has you covered, making it a versatile choice for global users.
3. Designed for Professional Communication
Clarity and Conciseness: Steer helps you keep your messages concise and clear, which is crucial for professional environments. Instead of lengthy explanations or vague suggestions, Steer’s edits focus on making your message professional and easy to understand.
Tone and Context Adjustments: Steer tailors its tone suggestions based on the app you’re using. This makes it easy to keep things formal for emails or light and friendly in casual messaging apps.
Free to Download on MacOS
Steer is completely free for MacOS users, making it an affordable alternative to Grammarly without sacrificing quality. For those on Windows, there’s also a waitlist sign-up option so you can be the first to know when it’s available.
Key Benefits of Steer Over Grammarly
Direct integration with any Mac app
Free-to-use, with premium-level features
Supports multiple languages, not just English
Designed for real-time editing without disrupting workflow
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible writing tool that works on your Mac, Steer could be a great fit. It’s an intuitive, reliable Grammarly alternative that keeps your writing sharp without the premium price tag. Give it a try and see how Steer simplifies the writing process while keeping your work professional.