textstat is a popular open-source Python library for counting words and sentences and scoring readability. Playtest API is a hosted API that returns word, sentence and character counts, reading time and the most used words. They overlap, but they suit different projects.
At a glance
| Playtest API | textstat | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Hosted REST API | Python library |
| Languages you can call it from | Any that can send HTTP | Python |
| Word, sentence and character counts | Yes | Yes |
| Reading time | Yes | Yes |
| Most used words | Yes | No |
| Readability scores (Flesch and others) | No | Yes |
| URL slugs | Yes | No |
| Cost | Free plan, then from $10 a month | Free, open source |
| Runs offline | No | Yes |
Choose textstat if
- Your code is in Python and you'd rather not depend on a network call.
- You need readability scores such as Flesch reading ease. Playtest API doesn't compute them.
Choose Playtest API if
- Your code isn't Python: a browser extension, a no-code tool, a PHP or Go service.
- You want the same numbers everywhere, from one place, with usage history and team API keys.
- You also need the most used words or URL slugs.
Try it
The free plan includes 100 requests a month, no card needed. See the API reference for every field.