Best online translators
Find the perfect translation solution for your business needs with our expert review of the leading online translation platforms.
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What are online translators?
Online translators are digital tools that help you convert text, documents or even whole websites from one language to another. They range from quick, no-frills translation apps to powerful platforms built for businesses handling content in multiple languages.
The most advanced online translators use a mix of machine translation, artificial intelligence and human expertise to deliver accurate, natural-sounding results. They’re used by all kinds of people — from individuals translating personal files to global companies managing multilingual campaigns.
The best platforms combine speed, accuracy and ease of use. They support a wide range of file formats, offer tools for teams to work together, and connect with the business software you already use.
What to look for in an online translator
Your choice should depend on what you need to translate, how often, and who’s involved. Here are the key things to keep in mind.
Translation accuracy
Above all, you need translations that make sense — not just technically, but in context. Look for platforms that pair machine translation with human review, offer built-in quality checks, and support specialised terminology if you work in industries like healthcare, law or tech.
Language support
Check the number of languages supported — and more importantly, whether the platform handles the language pairs you need. Some tools are great with popular languages like English, Spanish and French, while others cover a wider range, including regional or less common languages.
Integration with your tools
If you’re running a business, you don’t want to waste time copying and pasting. Choose a platform that works with your current systems — like your content management software, project management tools or internal databases. API access is a bonus if you need something custom.
Collaboration features
If your translation projects involve multiple people — such as translators, reviewers and managers — choose a platform that supports teamwork. Features like role-based access, task assignment, comments and workflow automation help keep everything organised and efficient.
Data security and compliance
If you’re dealing with private or sensitive content, security is essential. Look for platforms that offer data encryption, secure file transfers, and compliance with regulations like GDPR. Enterprise-grade tools should also give you control over who can access what.
Pricing and room to grow
Different platforms offer different pricing models. Some charge by the word, others by subscription, and enterprise plans often include custom options.
Think about how much you’ll be translating and whether your needs might grow in future. A platform that scales with you will save you time and money in the long run.
10 best online translators
XTM Cloud
XTM Cloud is a translation management platform designed for businesses of all sizes. It combines advanced translation technology with project management tools to handle complex multilingual projects efficiently.
Transifex
Transifex is a cloud-based localisation platform that focuses on software and web application translation. It’s particularly popular among developers and tech companies who need to localise their digital products.
The platform offers strong integration with development workflows and supports continuous localisation processes. Users praise its developer-friendly approach and extensive API capabilities. However, some find the interface less intuitive for non-technical users, and the pricing can become expensive for larger projects.
DeepL
DeepL has gained recognition for producing high-quality machine translations that often surpass other automated translation services. The platform uses neural network technology to deliver contextually accurate translations.
Users consistently praise DeepL’s translation quality, particularly for European languages. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it accessible to both casual and professional users. However, DeepL offers limited language support compared to other platforms and lacks advanced project management features needed for complex business workflows.
Real results. Not just promises.
Businesses using XTM see faster turnaround times, fewer errors, and consistent quality across languages and channels.
50%
Reduction in translation errors
42%
Cost saving with machine translation
90%
Faster time-to-market
Google Translate
Google Translate is perhaps the most widely recognised online translation tool, offering free translation services for over 100 languages. It supports text, document, and website translation through a simple web interface.
The platform’s strength lies in its broad language coverage and accessibility. Users appreciate the free access and mobile app availability. However, translation quality can vary significantly between language pairs, and the platform lacks professional features like project management, collaboration tools, or quality assurance processes.
Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator offers translation services through various interfaces including web, mobile apps, and API integration. It supports real-time conversation translation and integrates well with Microsoft Office products.
Users value the platform’s integration with Microsoft ecosystem and its conversation translation features. The API allows for custom implementations in business applications. However, translation quality can be inconsistent, and the platform lacks dedicated project management features for professional translation workflows.
Smartling
Smartling combines AI translation with professional translation services, targeting enterprises that need high-quality translations at scale. The platform offers advanced workflow management and quality assurance features.
Users appreciate Smartling’s focus on quality and the ability to combine AI translation with human review processes. The platform handles complex projects well and provides detailed reporting and analytics. The collaboration features help coordinate large translation teams and multiple stakeholders.
However, Smartling’s pricing is typically higher than pure AI translation tools, and the platform may be overly complex for simple translation needs. The setup process can be time-consuming, and smaller businesses may find the feature set excessive for their requirements.
Lokalise
Lokalise specialises in software localisation with a focus on mobile apps and web applications. The platform combines AI translation with project management tools designed specifically for development teams and product managers.
Users find Lokalise particularly effective for mobile app translation and appreciate the collaboration features that help coordinate between developers, translators, and project managers. The platform handles various file formats used in software development and provides useful integrations with development tools.
The AI translation quality is reasonable but not exceptional, and the platform is primarily designed for software localisation rather than general business content. Some users report that the interface can feel overwhelming initially, particularly for smaller teams or simple projects.
Phrase
Phrase offers translation management with AI translation capabilities, targeting businesses that need to handle multiple content types and languages. The platform provides workflow management tools alongside translation services.
The platform handles various file formats and provides reasonable project management features. Users appreciate the collaboration tools and the ability to work with both AI translation and human translators. Phrase also offers integrations with popular business tools and development platforms.
However, some users find the AI translation quality inconsistent, and the platform can feel complex for straightforward translation needs. The pricing structure may not suit all business sizes, particularly smaller teams with limited translation requirements.
Crowdin
Crowdin is a cloud-based localisation management platform that emphasises community-driven translation and collaboration. It’s popular among open-source projects and software companies.
The platform excels in community translation scenarios and offers good collaboration features for distributed translation teams. Users appreciate its support for various file formats and integration capabilities. However, quality control can be challenging with community-driven translation, and the platform may lack some enterprise-grade features.
Weglot
Weglot is a website translation solution that focuses on making websites multilingual with minimal technical setup. It’s particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses with WordPress and other CMS platforms.
Users appreciate Weglot’s ease of implementation and its ability to translate websites quickly without extensive technical knowledge. The platform offers good integration with popular content management systems. However, it’s primarily focused on website translation and may not suit businesses with broader translation needs beyond web content.
Ready to find your perfect translation solution?
Choosing the right online translator depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements. While basic tools like Google Translate work for simple tasks, businesses handling professional translation projects need more sophisticated platforms.
Ready to see how XTM Cloud can transform your translation workflow? Book a demo today and discover why leading global brands trust XTM for their translation management needs.
Frequently asked questions
Free online translators typically offer basic machine translation without project management features, quality assurance, or professional support. Paid platforms provide advanced features like workflow management, human review processes, integration capabilities, and dedicated customer support. Businesses handling important content usually benefit from paid solutions that offer better accuracy and professional features.
Yes, professional online translators can handle technical and specialised content through features like terminology management, subject matter expert review, and industry-specific translation memories. Platforms like XTM Cloud offer specialised tools for technical translation, while basic tools may struggle with complex terminology and context.
Security varies significantly between platforms. Professional translation management systems typically offer enterprise-grade security features including data encryption, secure file transfer, compliance certifications, and privacy controls. Always review the security features and compliance standards of any platform before uploading sensitive content.
Professional translation platforms offer extensive collaboration features including project assignment, review workflows, comment systems, and real-time collaboration tools. Basic translation tools typically lack these features. For team-based translation projects, choose platforms designed for collaboration and project management.
The choice depends on your content type, quality requirements, and budget. Machine translation works well for basic communication and content understanding, while human translation is essential for marketing materials, legal documents, and content where accuracy and cultural adaptation are critical. Many professional platforms combine both approaches for optimal results.
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