5 top localization tools in 2025 (and how to choose one)

Localization management platforms must meet your team and target market’s needs.

Here are six crucial features you should look for:

Machine translation (MT) automatically translates text using models like Google Translate or DeepL.

Companies often use MT when speed matters more than perfect accuracy, for instance, when developing internal documents.

It also helps handle content in bulk before humans polish it up.

For example, a medical technology provider may use MT for initial guidance translations to speed up time to market.

Specialized human linguists then refine key sections so they comply with local laws.

Artificial intelligence (AI) translation uses machine learning models to translate content. Some models even self-learn and improve over time.

Unlike basic MT, AI features consider context as well as style preferences and previous translations for better accuracy.

Large businesses rely on AI translation to scale localization rapidly while maintaining brand identity.

For example, a global SaaS company may use AI to process thousands of customer support tickets daily.

This allows agents to understand and respond to international inquiries quickly.

While AI translation focuses on converting text, AI localization adjusts tone and formatting. It also considers context to create a more natural reading experience for local audiences.

These small, automated tweaks help large companies scale global content efficiently while staying culturally relevant.

For example, a manufacturer may use AI localization to update industrial equipment manuals for different regions.

The technology automatically adjusts technical terms. It also converts imperial and metric measurements to ensure safety instructions comply with local regulations.

This AI-powered localization helps reduce manual work and speeds up international rollouts.

Software localization tools adapt an app or platform’s UI for different languages and regions. They also translate error messages and help content into the target languages.

Enterprises localize their software to:

Let’s say a manufacturing company is launching an IoT dashboard for smart factories.

Localizing UI and instructions for German, Japanese, Spanish, and French users makes adoption more straightforward for this new client base.

Quality assurance (QA) ensures that translated content is not only accurate and error-free, but also culturally appropriate.

This feature often involves linguistic reviews alongside formatting checks and functional testing. It can also be AI-powered.

Enterprises need QA to:

For example, a pharmaceutical company preparing clinical trial documents for global regulators will run automated QA checks.

Doing so catches terminology inconsistencies and formatting errors before submission to prevent delays when regulators spot mistakes.

Localization tools help large businesses organize, manage, update, and maintain translated content across platforms.

Companies with ongoing localization needs must:

Having a localization-focused CMS allows your business to manage translations across platforms.

Let’s say a B2B software enterprise is expanding into Latin America.

Integrating a CMS keeps both its website and knowledge base in sync across Spanish and Portuguese versions, together with all marketing materials.

The right localization tool is essential for delivering fast, accurate global content. But the best choice for you depends on your industry and specific needs.

Below are five top solutions to support software, content, and product localization.

Note: Check out our in-depth post on the best translation management systems for more details.

XTM is a cloud-based hub that helps enterprises manage translation, software localization, and vendor management in one place.

XTM Cloud is a TMS that automates workflows and supports AI-powered translation. It also offers 60+ integrations with CMS, design, developer, and marketing platforms.

For example, enterprise software companies use XTM Cloud when localizing UI and help documents. The tool can speed up repetitive tasks and ensure terminology consistency.

Rigi is a software localization solution with in-context previews. So, your devs and translators can see how text fits within UI elements before deploying.

Manufacturing firms use Rigi to preview translated text on equipment, ensuring clear and properly formatted instructions.

XTRF is a vendor management system that streamlines project coordination and payments for external partners.

For example, biotech companies use XTRF to manage linguists and automate invoicing while maintaining strict regulatory standards.

Enterprises use XTM to manage and scale the entire localization process, from initial translations to financial automation, using a single platform.

XTM centralizes your content and translation assets, which makes handling huge multilingual projects much easier.

In fact, its AI-powered tools save 2,000 hours of work. XTM also helps you cut costs and increase translation quality with 80% less effort.

The powerful software handles various content formats such as Google Docs and Adobe InDesign, making it a versatile solution for global businesses. Other formats include code-based platforms like Java.

Here are six key features of XTM:

There’s also a flexible API and support for 887 languages.

XTM ensures consistent quality at speed — whatever localization project you work on.

Smartcat’s TMS combines localization and translation services in one platform.

It’s suitable for teams without in-house translators who don’t want to manage external vendors separately.

The platform’s marketplace allows companies to connect with freelancers:

Source: Smartcat

The first step is to source and engage translators within Smartcat.

Then, collaborate with reviewers, project teams, and product managers from the same platform.

Teams can also manage localization workflows with integrated translation memory, MT, and post-editing.

Six key features of Smartcat include:

Smartcat centralizes several translation processes, from finding localization services to paying for them.

Transifex is a cloud-based localization platform for agile teams that publish content frequently.

Its developer-centric approach and continuous localization make it the go-to choice for complex translation projects.

Here’s what the continuous localization workflow in the tool looks like:

Source: Transifex

The platform offers powerful automation tools and integrates with GitHub, Figma, and Slack.

Transifex naturally extends CI/CD pipelines and automates translation updates without disrupting workflows.

The API and command-line tools allow you to push and pull localized content dynamically. There’s no need for manual file management.

Developers can also send text strings directly from repositories into Transifex and retrieve translations at runtime. Simplifying the process this way reduces deployment delays.

Here are six key features of Transifex:

With support for 65 file formats including code files with embedded strings, Transifex is a top choice for engineers who need automation and scalability.

Lokalise’s TMS allows developers, designers, and content teams to collaborate on localization.

It suits cross-functional teams working with multiple platforms that don’t want to slow down releases.

Lokalise mainly supports software translation by centralizing assets and automating tasks. It also facilitates processes by integrating with existing tools.

For example, teams can assign activities so content moves smoothly from draft to final approval:

Source: Lokalise

Bringing translation automation, collaboration, and context into one workspace keeps your localization process efficient.

Six key features of Lokalise include:

Lokalise keeps different departments aligned through the entire localization process.

Crowdin’s localization management software helps teams handle high-volume multilingual content.

It’s suitable for product and content teams that need an automated, collaborative solution.

For example, designers and developers can sync content between their tools and Crowdin:

Source: Crowdin

Sketch and Figma plugins allow translators to use texts from Crowdin in designs.

The platform also supports agile localization with real-time updates and customizable workflows.

Six key features of Crowdin include:

Crowdin helps teams localize content efficiently by combining automation and real-time collaboration with integrations.

The right software speeds up localizing content and makes it more consistent and cost-effective.

The localization management tools above offer unique features to help you work more efficiently and scale translations across languages.

Not sure which tool is the best fit for you? XTM Assess can help.