Comparison
FlowWrite vs Apple Writing Tools
Apple Intelligence brought Writing Tools to macOS Sequoia. It's free, but is it good enough? Here's an honest comparison.
TL;DR
Apple Writing Tools is a good starting point for basic proofreading in Apple apps. But if you need grammar correction that works in every app, supports multiple languages, or catches complex errors, FlowWrite is significantly more capable.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | FlowWrite | Apple Writing Tools |
|---|---|---|
| App coverage | Every Mac app | Apple apps + select third-party |
| Grammar accuracy | High (AI-powered) | Basic |
| Languages | All major languages | English primarily |
| Translation | Any language pair | Not available |
| Writing modes | 5 (correct, translate, shorten, expand, style) | 3 (proofread, rewrite, summarize) |
| Workflow | Select + Tab (instant) | Select + right-click + menu |
| Speed | < 2 seconds | 3-8 seconds |
| Privacy | Cloud AI, never stored | On-device (some cloud) |
| Price | Free (20/day) / $2.99/mo | Free |
| Requirements | macOS 13+, any Mac | macOS 15+, Apple Silicon, 8GB+ |
Where Apple Writing Tools Falls Short
1. Limited App Support
Writing Tools only appears in apps that explicitly support it — primarily Apple's own apps (Mail, Notes, Pages, Safari) and some updated third-party apps. If you use VS Code, Slack, Discord, Chrome, or any app that hasn't added support, Writing Tools simply isn't available.
FlowWrite works in every Mac app because it operates at the system level, intercepting text selection regardless of the application.
2. Grammar Detection Is Basic
Apple's "Proofread" feature catches basic errors but misses nuanced issues like:
- Subject-verb agreement in complex sentences
- Incorrect word usage (affect vs. effect)
- Comma splices and run-on sentences
- Tone and formality mismatches
3. The "Rewrite" Feature Changes Meaning
One of the most common complaints about Apple Writing Tools is that the "Rewrite" feature often changes the meaning or tone of your text. It tends to make text more generic and "AI-sounding." FlowWrite's correction mode preserves your voice while fixing only actual errors.
4. No Translation
Apple Writing Tools doesn't include translation. FlowWrite can translate between any language pair with a single keystroke.
5. Hardware Requirements
Apple Writing Tools requires macOS Sequoia on an Apple Silicon Mac with at least 8GB of RAM. If you have an Intel Mac or older macOS, you can't use it at all. FlowWrite works on macOS 13+ and supports both Apple Silicon and Intel.
When Apple Writing Tools Is Enough
Apple Writing Tools is a good fit if you:
- Only write in Apple apps (Mail, Notes, Pages)
- Need only basic spell-checking and proofreading
- Want maximum privacy with on-device processing
- Have a compatible Mac and don't want to install anything
When You Need FlowWrite
FlowWrite is the better choice if you:
- Use non-Apple apps (Slack, VS Code, Chrome, Discord, etc.)
- Write in multiple languages or need translation
- Want accurate grammar correction, not just basic proofreading
- Prefer a faster, keyboard-driven workflow
- Have an Intel Mac or older macOS version
Upgrade Your Mac's Grammar Checking
Apple Writing Tools is a start. FlowWrite takes it to the next level — every app, every language, one keystroke.
Download FlowWrite — FreemacOS 13+ · Apple Silicon & Intel · No account required