Side by side
alex vs textlint
Both stand on writing style checkers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIExtensionWeb
alex offers configurable checks across several writing formats, with command-line, API, and integration options. Its own caveat is important: automated warnings are not a substitute for learning about inclusive communication.
Visit alex Free plan Open source APIExtensionLinux+4
textlint offers configurable natural-language linting across command-line, editor, CI, and programmatic workflows. Users need to install their own rules and meet the Node.js 20+ requirement.
Visit textlintThe facts
| alex | textlint | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Web | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | alexjs.com | textlint.org |
| On writing style checkers | #6 of 29 | #2 of 29 |
alex: what it does well
- Free plan and MIT-licensed open source
- Checks plain text, Markdown, MDX, and HTML
- Can suggest alternative wording
- Rules can be allowed or denied
- Integrations include GitHub Actions and VS Code
What to know first
- Requires Node 14 or later
- ESM only
- Automated checks cannot replace learning or listening
textlint: what it does well
- Supports Markdown and plain text by default.
- CLI can automatically fix problems.
- Integrates with listed editors and GitHub Actions.
- Can run as an MCP server.
- Free and MIT-licensed.
What to know first
- No rules are bundled by default.
- Requires Node.js 20 or later.
- HTML support requires a plugin.
Alternatives to alex Alternatives to textlint The whole list