Best AI Keyboard Alternatives to Grammarly for Android & iPhone

Ever been in a situation where ur desperately tryna type a profeshional message on your phone but the keyboard just refuses to cooperate? We've all been there. While Grammarly dominated grammar correction for years, mobile users now have better options built right into their keyboards.

In this guide, I'll show you the best AI keyboard alternatives that can actually replace Grammarly on your smartphone - whether you're typing emails, texts, or social media posts. Having tested dozens of these apps personally over the past year, I've identified the ones that genuinely improve how you write from your phone.

What Are AI Keyboards and How Do They Work?

What exactly is an AI keyboard app? And how's it different from your regular keyboard? These are questions I get asked all the time, so let's break it down.

AI keyboards are basically smart typing assistants that replace your phone's default keyboard. But instead of just predicting the next word like old keyboards did, they use artificial intelligence to understand the context of your entire message. This means they can:

• Catch grammar and spelling mistakes as you type
• Suggest better word choices based on your writing style
• Rewrite sentences to sound more professional or casual
• Adjust tone for different situations (formal emails vs. casual texts)
• Translate between languages in real-time

The magic happens thru complex language models (similar to ChatGPT) that analyze your text. Some keyboards process everything locally on your device, while others send data to cloud servers for more powerful processing. This difference matters big time for privacy, which we'll talk about later.

I remember when I first installed an AI keyboard last year - the difference was immediate. Not just fixing spelling mistakes, but actually improving how my sentences flowed. It feels like having an editor watching over your shoulder, but without the awkward judgement.

Why Mobile Users Need Alternatives to Grammarly

Grammarly's a great tool for desktops, no doubt. I've used it for years. But on mobile? That's where things get problematic.

Here's the issue: Grammarly's mobile experience is kinda lacking compared to dedicated AI keyboards. Why? Because Grammarly operates as a separate app that doesn't integrate with your actual keyboard. This creates several annoying limitations:

1. App compatibility issues - Grammarly only works in certain apps, leaving you without help in many others
2. Clunky workflow - You often need to copy text to the Grammarly app, then copy it back
3. Limited real-time feedback - Corrections often come after you've finished typing
4. Battery drain - Running a separate correction app alongside your keyboard

One thing that rly frustrated me with Grammarly mobile was trying to write professional emails. I'd type something in Gmail, then have to copy it to Grammarly, check for errors, make edits, copy back... exhausting!

The alternatives we'll discuss actually replace your keyboard completely, meaning they work universally across all apps. Whether you're texting friends, writing emails, or commenting on social media, these AI keyboards provide assistance everywhere you type.

CleverType: The All-in-One Mobile Grammar Solution

When it comes to dedicated grammar correction on mobile, CleverType has emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the space. Unlike many competitors that just add basic predictive text, CleverType was specifically designed to address grammar and writing quality on smartphones.

What makes CleverType stand out? First, it's purpose-built for mobile writing rather than being a desktop tool awkwardly adapted to phones. This focus shows in several key areas:

Real-time Grammar and Spelling Correction

CleverType doesn't just catch typos - it identifies complex grammar issues as you type. I've found it particularly good at spotting:

• Subject-verb agreement problems
• Incorrect verb tenses
• Misplaced modifiers
• Punctuation errors
• Wordiness and redundancy

The correction happens instantly with subtle underlines that don't interrupt your flow. You can tap to accept suggestions or ignore them if you prefer your original wording.

Tone Adjustment Features

One feature I use constantly is the tone adjustment. Sometimes I start typing something that sounds way too formal or too casual for the situation, and CleverType offers alternatives that better match my intended tone.

For example, when I was messaging my boss about missing a deadline, CleverType suggested changing my casual "Sorry, can't finish this today" to a more professional "I apologize, but I won't be able to complete this by today's deadline."

Multilingual Support

For bilingual users like me who switch between languages, CleverType handles this surprisingly well. It supports over 40 languages and can detect when you switch languages mid-conversation without having to manually toggle settings.

Privacy Considerations

CleverType processes most corrections directly on your device, with only complex requests sent to their servers. According to their privacy policy, they don't store the content of your messages for training purposes, which is reassuring in today's privacy-conscious world.

The app uses a freemium model - basic grammar correction is free, while advanced features like tone adjustment and style suggestions require a subscription (currently around $7.99/month).

Microsoft SwiftKey: Predictive Text Master

Microsoft's SwiftKey has been around longer than most AI keyboards, and that experience shows in its polished performance. While not exclusively focused on grammar like CleverType, it offers excellent text prediction that helps prevent errors before they happen.

Adaptive Learning Technology

What impressed me most about SwiftKey is how quickly it learns your personal writing style. After just a week of use, it was accurately predicting phrases and sentences I commonly use in different contexts.

The keyboard actually creates a personal dictionary based on your writing habits. It remembers:

• Names you frequently type
• Slang or abbreviations you use
• Common phrases specific to your work or personal life
• Your typical sentence structures

This adaptive learning means SwiftKey becomes more accurate over time. I've had moments where it predicted entire sentences correctly after I typed just 2-3 words!

Multilingual Capabilities

SwiftKey excels at multilingual typing. You can enable multiple languages simultaneously, and the keyboard will automatically detect which language you're using without manual switching.

I regularly type in both English and Spanish, and SwiftKey handles the transitions seamlessly. It even learns my Spanglish habits!

Customization Options

If you're particular about your keyboard experience, SwiftKey offers extensive customization:

• Dozens of themes and colors
• Adjustable keyboard size
• Customizable autocorrect aggressiveness
• Optional number row
• One-handed mode for larger phones

Grammar Assistance

While not as comprehensive as dedicated grammar tools, SwiftKey does offer basic grammar correction. It catches common errors like:

• Missing apostrophes
• Subject-verb agreement issues
• Common homonym mix-ups (their/there/they're)
• Basic punctuation errors

The primary drawback? SwiftKey's grammar correction isn't as robust as specialized options like CleverType. For casual communication it's sufficient, but for professional writing, you might want something more comprehensive.

Gboard: Google's AI-Powered Keyboard

Gboard, Google's keyboard offering, has evolved from a simple typing tool into a sophisticated AI assistant. It's particularly strong on Android devices, where the integration with Google's ecosystem creates a seamless experience.

Google's Language Intelligence

Gboard leverages Google's massive language datasets to power its suggestions and corrections. This gives it some advantages:

• Excellent at predicting contextually appropriate words
• Strong at recognizing trending terms and new slang
• Capable of understanding intent in complex sentences

The keyboard also benefits from Google's continuous AI improvements. I've noticed Gboard getting noticeably smarter with each update, especially in understanding the context of conversations.

Voice Typing Excellence

Where Gboard truly shines is voice typing. Google's speech recognition technology is arguably the best available, making Gboard the top choice if you frequently dictate messages.

I recently dictated an entire email while walking, and the accuracy was remarkable - even with background noise and my occasionally mumbled words. The voice typing also handles punctuation commands naturally ("comma," "new paragraph," etc.).

Smart Features Beyond Text

Gboard integrates several helpful tools directly into the keyboard:

• Google Search built-in (search and share results without switching apps)
• GIF and emoji search
• Google Translate integration
• Clipboard manager with smart suggestions
• Floating keyboard option

Grammar and Writing Help

Gboard's grammar correction has improved significantly in recent updates. It now catches a wide range of errors, including:

• Spelling mistakes
• Basic grammar errors
• Punctuation problems
• Word choice suggestions

However, it still lacks the more sophisticated writing assistance offered by specialized tools. It won't help much with tone adjustment or style improvements.

One area where Gboard lags behind is in explaining why something is incorrect. It simply offers corrections without the educational component that helps improve your writing over time.

Other Notable Alternatives Worth Considering

Beyond the big three we've covered, several other AI keyboards deserve mention for their unique approaches to improving mobile writing.

Fleksy: Speed-Focused with Gestures

Fleksy takes a different approach, focusing on typing speed through an innovative gesture system. While not as grammar-focused as other options, its unique features include:

• Gesture-based typing and editing (swipe to delete words, etc.)
• Highly customizable layout and size
• Extensions system for adding specialized features
• Basic grammar correction focused on common errors

I found Fleksy particularly useful for quick messaging when perfect grammar wasn't critical. The gesture system has a learning curve but becomes incredibly efficient once mastered.

Typewise: Privacy-Focused Design

Typewise stands out with its commitment to privacy and its unique hexagonal keyboard layout designed specifically for thumb typing.

Key features include:

• 100% offline processing - nothing leaves your device
• Unique hexagonal key layout that reduces typos (takes getting used to!)
• Auto-correction algorithm that learns from your corrections
• Basic grammar assistance focused on common errors

The privacy-first approach means Typewise offers slightly less advanced AI features than competitors who use cloud processing, but the trade-off might be worth it for privacy-conscious users.

Paragraph AI: Writing Coach in Your Pocket

Paragraph AI takes a different approach, functioning as both a keyboard and a writing coach. Its features include:

• Comprehensive grammar and spell checking
• Detailed explanations of grammar rules when corrections are suggested
• Readability scoring and suggestions for improvement
• Tone analysis and adjustment recommendations

I've found Paragraph AI particularly helpful when writing longer content on mobile. The readability feedback helps break up complex sentences and improve overall clarity.

How to Choose the Right AI Keyboard for Your Needs

With so many options available, how do you pick the right AI keyboard for your specific situation? Here's a framework I use when recommending keyboards to friends and colleagues:

Consider Your Primary Use Case

Different keyboards excel in different scenarios:

• Primarily professional writing: CleverType or Paragraph AI offer the most comprehensive writing assistance
• Multilingual use: SwiftKey has the strongest multilingual capabilities
• Voice typing: Gboard leads in speech recognition accuracy
• Privacy concerns: Typewise processes everything locally
• Speed over perfect grammar: Fleksy's gesture system maximizes efficiency

Device Compatibility

While most keyboards work on both iOS and Android, performance can vary significantly between platforms:

• Gboard generally works best on Android due to deeper integration
• SwiftKey provides a more consistent cross-platform experience
• Some specialized keyboards may only support one platform or offer reduced features on their secondary platform

Learning Curve Tolerance

Some advanced keyboards require an adjustment period:

• Conventional layouts like Gboard are easiest to adopt
• Gesture-based systems like Fleksy require practice
• Alternative layouts like Typewise's hexagonal keyboard have the steepest learning curve but may offer benefits once mastered

Free vs. Premium Features

Consider which features you're willing to pay for:

• Basic autocorrect and predictive text are available in all free versions
• Advanced grammar checking, tone adjustment, and writing tips typically require subscriptions
• Most premium plans range from $3-10 per month, with annual discounts available

I personally recommend starting with the free version of 2-3 keyboards that seem to match your needs, using each for a few days to see which feels most natural. Most premium features can be tested with free trials before committing.

Privacy Considerations: What Happens to Your Typed Text?

When using AI keyboards, it's crucial to understand how your text is processed and what data is collected. This varies significantly between providers, so I want to break down the key privacy considerations.

On-Device vs. Cloud Processing

Keyboards generally use one of two approaches:

1. On-device processing: All text analysis happens locally on your phone
   • Advantages: Better privacy, works offline
   • Disadvantages: Less powerful AI capabilities, uses more device resources
2. Cloud processing: Text is sent to remote servers for analysis
   • Advantages: More sophisticated suggestions, lighter on battery
   • Disadvantages: Privacy concerns, requires internet connection

Among our recommendations:

• Typewise processes everything on-device
• CleverType uses a hybrid approach (basic corrections on-device, advanced features in the cloud)
• Gboard and SwiftKey primarily use cloud processing

Data Collection Policies

Here's what the major keyboards say about data collection:

Gboard

Google's privacy policy indicates they may save your typed text to improve their services. You can opt out of sharing usage statistics, but some data collection is inherent to how the service works.

SwiftKey

Microsoft collects some data about your typing patterns but claims not to store the actual content of what you type. They offer a "privacy keyboard" mode that disables advanced features but enhances privacy.

CleverType

According to their policy, they don't store the content of your messages for training purposes but do analyze patterns to improve predictions specific to your account.

Typewise

The most privacy-focused option, Typewise processes everything on your device and claims to collect no personal data about your typing.

Sensitive Information Considerations

For those who frequently type sensitive information (banking details, medical information, confidential work data), consider:

• Temporarily switching to a standard keyboard for sensitive information
• Using an on-device processing keyboard like Typewise
• Checking if your keyboard app has an "incognito" or "privacy" mode

I personally use a hybrid approach - a cloud-based keyboard for most typing and a privacy-focused one for sensitive information. This balances convenience with security.

Setting Up and Optimizing Your New AI Keyboard

Once you've chosen a keyboard, these tips will help you get the most out of it based on my experience:

Installation and Permissions

1. Download your chosen keyboard from your app store
2. Follow the setup instructions (usually involves enabling the keyboard in your device settings)
3. Review and adjust permissions - many keyboards request full access to improve functionality
4. Consider which permissions are necessary vs. optional

Training Period Tips

AI keyboards improve with use, but you can accelerate the learning process:

• Use the keyboard consistently for at least a week
• Manually correct suggestions you don't like (this helps the AI learn)
• Import your data if the app offers this (many can analyze your previous texts/emails)
• Explore the settings menu for personalization options

I found that SwiftKey and CleverType dramatically improved after about 10 days of regular use, once they'd learned my writing patterns.

Customization for Your Writing Style

Most AI keyboards have settings you can adjust to match your preferences:

• Autocorrect aggressiveness (how readily it changes your words)
• Suggestion style (conservative vs. aggressive predictions)
• Special dictionaries for technical terms or industry jargon
• Typing sound and haptic feedback settings
• Visual theme and layout

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems, these solutions address the most common issues:

Keyboard Lag

• Clear the keyboard's cache in app settings
• Disable unused features (GIFs, themes, etc.)
• Check for app updates

Poor Predictions

• Ensure you've used the keyboard consistently to train it
• Check if you've accidentally enabled a specialized mode
• Reset your language model if predictions suddenly worsen

Battery Drain

• Disable unused features, especially cloud-connected ones
• Check for background processes in the keyboard app
• Consider switching to a more efficient keyboard if problems persist

With proper setup and a short training period, most AI keyboards will significantly improve your mobile typing experience.

The Future of AI Keyboards: What's Coming Next

The field of AI keyboards is evolving rapidly. Based on current developments and my conversations with industry experts, here's what we can expect in the near future:

More Sophisticated Language Understanding

Next-generation AI keyboards will likely incorporate more advanced language models similar to GPT-4, allowing them to:

• Understand complex context across entire conversations
• Offer substantive content suggestions beyond grammar
• Adapt more precisely to different writing contexts

Enhanced Multimodal Capabilities

Future keyboards will likely expand beyond text to include:

• Better integration of voice, text, and image input
• Seamless switching between typing and dictation
• Image recognition to suggest text based on what your camera sees

Deeper App Integration

We're starting to see keyboards that don't just correct text but understand the app you're using:

• Email-specific features when in Gmail or Outlook
• Professional terminology when in work apps
• Casual suggestions in messaging apps
• Social media-optimized text in platforms like Instagram

Improved Privacy Solutions

As privacy concerns grow, expect to see:

• More powerful on-device processing that maintains privacy without sacrificing features
• Clearer controls over what data leaves your device
• Specialized "privacy modes" for sensitive communications

Personalization Through AI

The most exciting development may be truly personalized writing assistance:

• Keyboards that recognize your unique voice and maintain it
• Suggestions that align with your personal or brand writing style
• Adaptation to different "personas" you use in different contexts (professional vs. personal)

These advancements will likely blur the line between keyboards and full writing assistants, making mobile writing nearly as powerful as desktop alternatives.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Mobile Writing Assistant

After exploring the best AI keyboard alternatives to Grammarly for mobile devices, it's clear that the right choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.

If grammar correction and writing quality are your primary concerns, CleverType offers the most comprehensive solution designed specifically for mobile. Its real-time feedback and tone adjustment features make it particularly valuable for professional communication.

For those who type in multiple languages or value predictive text that learns your style, Microsoft SwiftKey provides an excellent balance of features with strong multilingual support.

Google users, particularly on Android, will find Gboard's deep integration and voice typing capabilities hard to beat, especially with its continuous improvements in grammar correction.

Privacy-conscious users should consider Typewise for its commitment to on-device processing, while those seeking maximum typing speed might prefer Fleksy's gesture-based approach.

The good news? Most of these keyboards offer free versions that provide significant improvements over standard mobile keyboards. I recommend trying 2-3 options that align with your priorities to find your perfect match.

What's been your experience with AI keyboards? Have you found one that works particularly well for your needs? Share your thoughts and experiences!