9 best software localization tools for 2025

Short on time? Here’s a quick overview of the software localization tools featured in this article to help you identify the best option for your business.

Keep reading for a breakdown of each tool grouped by relevant category. Whether you want an enterprise-level, developer-first, or low-cost solution, you’ll find the right tool.

Linguists and reviewers can see exactly how strings appear with integrated real-time visual context from Rigi (more on this tool later). Using this platform in conjunction with XTM Cloud reduces errors and guesswork and speeds up your QA. 

Use cases include companies like Ariel, where AI-powered workflows in XTM Cloud reduce human translation by 31% and double machine translation output. All while improving quality and cutting costs.

XTM Cloud is specifically built to help you manage complex software localization at scale. Research shows that AI tools like those baked into XTM Cloud reduce time to market by almost 30%.

Source: G2

Localization shouldn’t be an afterthought. With Phrase, it becomes part of your development pipeline. 

Rather than juggling raw text, the tool stores translated content with unique identifiers (like “welcome_message” or “checkout_button”). So it’s easy to ensure accurate translations across languages.

Phrase hooks directly into repositories like GitHub and GitLab, meaning you can handle translations alongside code changes. 

That parallel workflow? You get to launch in multiple new markets at once.

Phrase is built for speed. If your team needs strict vendor management or approval workflows, the setup may feel lightweight.

This simple software is a strong fit for engineer-led teams where localization must move as fast as code. If your org runs on layered audit trails and regulatory oversight, double-check that it can help you tick those boxes.

Source: G2

Smartling’s Global Delivery Network (GDN) automatically captures text updates and sends them for translation right away. The result? It cuts out the “string hunting” process that slows down app localization.

The platform uses a mix of AI translation for high-volume content and professional translators for customer-facing elements. It’s designed around managed workflows, where tasks move through set stages from translation to publishing.

This setup keeps things moving quickly. If you want more freedom to customize workflows or manage translation steps yourself, you might find Smartling limiting.

Smartling’s automatic content detection is designed to save time. Just be aware you’re trading some workflow flexibility for convenience.

Rigi’s visual approach streamlines the development cycle. When translators instantly see a string’s purpose, they can make smarter decisions about length, terminology, and tone. 

All without bombarding your team with questions about context.

Rigi fits right into your existing development workflow thanks to its API for automated file handling. Plus connections to UI testing frameworks that capture real-time HTML previews as your interface changes.

With Rigi’s visual approach, you’ll finally bridge the gap between development and translation. Meaning faster releases and even better products for global markets.

Source: Lokalise

Lokalise keeps translations in sync with your development cycle so localization doesn’t lag behind your code updates. 

The API and CLI tools reduce manual work by automating file handling. Design software plugins let designers flag text for translation from the mockup phase.

Mobile app developers can update translations without submitting new builds to app stores using the over-the-air SDK. This means you can fix translation errors without waiting for app review processes.

Lokalise primarily focuses on web and mobile apps. If you need to localize gaming UI or desktop software, another tool may be a better fit.

Lokalise provides a collaborative platform for teams that span product, development, and localization departments. How well the tool fits depends on your needs.

Source: Crowdin

Crowdin bakes localization into your development pipeline. So you can launch in different languages the moment your product goes live.

Developers can automate the entire process using the CLI, API, or webhooks, syncing directly with your code repositories. So your team doesn’t have to handle localization files manually. 

In Crowdin, translators see screenshots and visual context that show how and where each string appears.

The trade-off? A steep learning curve — especially for smaller teams. 

You might spend more time getting your bearings than completing translations at the start. And because it’s string-based, you’ll want to ensure careful planning to maintain consistency across your projects.

In sum, Crowdin delivers continuous localization for development-focused teams. Just be ready to spend a little time finding your feet first.

Transifex — recently acquired by XTM — helps you translate your software while your team keeps building. The platform connects to your code repositories so translators can work on the latest content without holding up your release schedule. 

Need to fix a mistranslation? Push it live instantly with over-the-air updates instead of waiting for your next deployment.

The platform combines AI-powered translation to handle high volumes with visual context tools that show translators exactly where text appears in your interface. This blend of automation and context awareness helps maintain quality while keeping costs in check.

For developers, Transifex offers API, SDK, and CLI options that fit neatly into the existing CI pipeline. Making translations just another part of your regular workflow.

Source: L10n Software

Poedit is a no-frills translation editor for developers and translators working with heavily code-based formats. Like GetText, XLIFF, JSON, and Flutter.

It catches common issues like incorrect plural forms, missing tokens, and syntax errors. Use its built-in quality check to avoid translation bugs that often sneak into software releases.

There’s a one-time payment option that independent developers and small teams will find cost-effective.

While Poedit works well for local translation tasks, it lacks team coordination features and integrations with development pipelines. Making it less practical for larger collabs.

With Poedit, you get desktop-based translation with strong validation checks. Minus the team collaboration and automation features that cloud-based platforms offer.

Source: G2

Weblate is a self-hosted localization platform designed for teams that want more control over their translation process. It integrates tightly with your version control system, allowing translators to work directly with your code in real time without disrupting the development flow.

Weblate gives you the option to host everything on your own infrastructure. It supports continuous translation, so you can push source string updates to your repository without manual steps.

Its web interface supports collaborative translation. The platform has built-in TM, glossaries, and automated quality checks to ensure consistency for global audiences.

Weblate’s developer-friendly localization platform supports projects seeking full control through self-hosting. The technical setup may better suit teams with in-house engineering resources.