How Does This Sound vs Hemingway Editor
We analyze how your message lands emotionally, not just reading level.
Quick Summary
Choose How Does This Sound if:
- ✓ You want to check how your message might be perceived emotionally
- ✓ You're worried about sounding rude, passive-aggressive, or dismissive
- ✓ You need cultural sensitivity checking
- ✓ Privacy matters (BYOK option)
Choose Hemingway Editor if:
- ✓ You want to improve readability with grade-level scoring
- ✓ You need to eliminate passive voice
- ✓ You want to write shorter, punchier sentences
- ✓ You're working on long-form content or creative writing
Our recommendation: Use both! Hemingway Editor for what it does best, then How Does This Sound for a final "will this sound wrong?" check.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | How Does This Sound | Hemingway Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Communication risk & perception | Readability & simplicity |
| Tone Analysis | Detailed risk-focused | Basic (Plus plan) |
| Risk Identification | ✓ | Limited |
| Readability Score | — | ✓ |
| Sentence Complexity Detection | Via clarity check | ✓ |
| Passive Voice Detection | — | ✓ |
| Grade Level Scoring | — | ✓ |
| Adverb Highlighting | — | ✓ |
| Cultural Sensitivity Check | Optional category | — |
| AI-Powered Analysis | ✓ | Plus plan |
| BYOK Privacy Option | ✓ | — |
| Free Tier | 5 analyses/day | Basic features |
Based on publicly available information and our assessment of each tool's primary focus. Features may vary by plan or version.
Key Differences Explained
Readability vs Interpretation
Hemingway optimizes for reading ease - making sentences shorter, words simpler, and removing passive voice. We focus on interpretation risk - whether your message might sound harsh, confusing, or unprofessional regardless of how "readable" it is. A short, punchy sentence can still come across as rude.
Style Prescription vs Risk Detection
Hemingway encourages a specific writing style (the "Hemingway" style - direct, simple, unadorned). We don't prescribe any style. Your writing can be formal, casual, elaborate, or minimal - we just flag when something might be misinterpreted.
Different Tone Approaches
Hemingway Plus added AI features including some tone analysis. However, its primary focus remains readability metrics. Our primary focus is specifically on communication risk - how your message might be perceived or misunderstood.
Example: What Each Tool Catches
"Per my last email, this needs to be done today. Let me know if you have questions."
📝 Hemingway Editor Would Say:
Hemingway checks readability metrics like sentence length, passive voice, and adverb usage. This message would likely pass - the sentences are short and direct with no complex words.
✓✓ We Would Say:
"Per my last email" may come across as passive-aggressive. Consider: "Following up on my previous email..." The tone could damage the relationship even though the text is perfectly readable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Readability Isn't Everything
A simple, readable message can still land wrong. Check how yours might be perceived.
Try How Does This Sound FreeHemingway Editor is a trademark of its respective owner. How Does This Sound is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hemingway Editor. Comparisons are based on publicly available information as of January 2025 and may not reflect current features.