XTM vs Lokalise: Why enterprise teams choose XTM for scalable localisation

Looking for a more scalable alternative to Lokalise?

XTM Cloud gives enterprise teams the power to move beyond basic string translation—with AI-powered workflows, in-context editing for any file type, and enterprise-ready security controls. Compare side by side and see why global companies outgrow Lokalise and choose XTM to scale efficiently, minimize errors, and stay compliant.

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Lokalise alternative for enterprise

Lokalise works fine if you’re just translating a few app strings. But growing teams hit walls fast. XTM delivers enterprise-grade translation management that actually scales. Think AI-powered workflows that catch errors before they happen, visual context for any file type you throw at it, and security controls that keep compliance teams happy. Thousands of global companies trust XTM when basic string translation just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Here are three reasons why XTM wins

Advanced AI with built-in quality controls

XTM Cloud integrates AI throughout your entire translation workflow. Our Language Guard technology acts as a compliance firewall, while Intelligent Score uses three different language models to ensure translation quality. Lokalise only offers basic machine translation without quality controls or risk management.

Language Guard with Translation Memory and AI

Visual context for better translations

SmartContext provides visual previews for HTML, XML, InDesign files, and UI components. This means translators see exactly how their work will look in the final product. Lokalise only shows text strings without visual context, leading to translation errors and design breaks.

SmartContext with Translation Memory and AI

Flexible deployment options

XTM Cloud offers public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises deployment. This flexibility is crucial for regulated industries and companies with strict data requirements. Lokalise only provides SaaS deployment, limiting options for security-conscious organisations.

SmartContext with Translation Memory and AI

What’s the difference between XTM and Lokalise?

Both handle translation management, but they’re built for completely different worlds. Lokalise targets developers who need quick app localisation: simple setup, basic workflows, perfect for small teams cranking out mobile apps and straightforward web content.

XTM takes on the messy reality of enterprise localisation. Marketing campaigns, legal docs, complex file types — all with AI-powered quality controls and visual context that actually works. While Lokalise keeps things simple (maybe too simple), XTM gives you the depth and flexibility you need when your localisation requirements explode beyond basic app strings.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of XTM and Lokalise:

Feature

XTM

AI translation capabilities
Includes Advanced AI Pack
Visual context and previews
Deployment options
Public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises deployment.
Workflow configuration
Highly configurable workflows.
File format support
Supports 65+ file formats
Vendor and project management
Translation memory and terminology
Advanced TM with AI-enhanced fuzzy matching.
Enterprise security and compliance

Lokalise

AI translation capabilities
Basic machine translation integration
Visual context and previews
Deployment options
SaaS-only deployment model.
Workflow configuration
Static, simple workflows.
File format support
Supports basic file formats.
Vendor and project management
Translation memory and terminology
Basic translation memory and flat glossary system.
Enterprise security and compliance

XTM vs Lokalise: AI translation and automation

AI translation has completely flipped how organisations handle multilingual content. Modern translation management systems use artificial intelligence to speed things up, catch more errors, and cut down manual busywork. The best platforms? They combine multiple AI engines with smart quality controls to deliver translations you’d actually publish.

How Lokalise handles AI translation

Lokalise offers basic machine translation that connects to standard MT engines. Simple automation for routine tasks, but that’s about it. No sophisticated AI quality controls, no intelligent workflow automation. Zero AI-powered quality scoring, confidence thresholds, or compliance features. You’re flying blind on translation quality.

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How XTM delivers AI that actually thinks

XTM weaves AI throughout your entire localisation pipeline with SmartContext — multiple large language models working simultaneously to pick the most accurate translation for each segment. The platform’s AI doesn’t just translate faster — it translates smarter by understanding context, brand voice, and industry-specific terminology.

XTM’s Intelligent Score evaluates every translation using confidence metrics that align with industry standards. Project managers can set quality thresholds that automatically route high-confidence translations to publication while flagging uncertain content for human review. Language Guard provides compliance screening and brand protection through AI-powered content filtering.

SmartContext with Translation Memory and AI

Key AI capabilities that matter:

  • SmartContext for brand consistent translations
  • Language Guard helps catch offensive terms before they go live
  • Intelligent Score to automatically score translation quality
  • Intelligent Workflow uses quality scoring to route content
SmartContext with Translation Memory and AI

XTM vs Lokalise: Visual context and previews

Visual context helps translators understand exactly how their work appears to real users. Seeing translations in their final format cuts down errors, improves quality, and speeds up review cycles. The best translation management systems provide real-time previews across multiple content types.

How Lokalise handles visual context

Lokalise focuses mainly on app strings with basic visual context for simple content types. Preview capabilities for Word documents, but comprehensive visual support for complex file formats? Not happening. Translators work mostly with text strings without seeing how content appears in its final context.

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How XTM shows you everything

XTM’s visual mode provides real-time previews for 65+ file formats — mobile apps to complex InDesign documents. Translators see exactly how text appears in websites, PDFs, marketing materials, and technical documentation. This visual context eliminates guesswork and dramatically improves translation accuracy.

SmartContext technology enhances these previews by showing not just visual layout but contextual information about each text segment. Translators understand whether they’re working on button labels, error messages, or marketing copy — leading to translations that actually make sense.

Capture HTML Previews dialog in Rigi showing input for live website URL and hotkey selection

Visual preview capabilities:

  • Real-time previews for websites, mobile apps, and software interfaces
  • Complex document support including InDesign, PDF, and XML files
  • WYSIWYG editing with immediate visual feedback
  • Contextual information for each translatable segment
  • Layout preservation across different languages and text expansion
Capture HTML Previews dialog in Rigi showing input for live website URL and hotkey selection

XTM vs Lokalise: Enterprise deployment options

Deployment flexibility determines where and how organisations can run their translation management system. Enterprise teams often need specific hosting arrangements to meet security, compliance, or data sovereignty requirements. The right deployment model ensures localisation workflows align with corporate IT policies without causing headaches.

How Lokalise handles deployment

Lokalise operates as Software-as-a-Service exclusively. All customer data and translation projects run on Lokalise’s public cloud infrastructure. Simple setup and maintenance, sure, but limited options for organisations with strict data residency requirements or compliance mandates requiring private hosting environments.

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How XTM gives you choices that matter

XTM offers multiple deployment options to meet diverse enterprise requirements. Choose public cloud for quick setup, private cloud for enhanced security, or on-premises installation for maximum control. This flexibility ensures compliance with industry regulations while maintaining the performance and features teams actually need.

Private cloud deployments give enterprises dedicated infrastructure with customizable security controls. On-premises installations provide complete data sovereignty for highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. All deployment models include the same feature set — consistent user experience regardless of hosting choice.

XTM AI Control Center showing options for Intelligent Score, Workflow, Language Guard, and AI Agent with default automation toggles

Deployment options:

  • Public cloud for standard enterprise requirements
  • Private cloud with dedicated infrastructure and enhanced security
  • On-premises installation for maximum data control
  • Hybrid configurations combining multiple deployment models
  • ISO 27001 certification across all deployment types
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XTM vs Lokalise: Workflow configuration

Workflow configuration determines how translation projects move through different stages — from initial content creation to final publication. Flexible workflows adapt to unique business processes, while rigid systems force organisations to change established procedures. Enterprise teams need workflows that scale with their complexity.

How Lokalise handles workflows

Lokalise provides simple, static workflows designed for agile development teams. Works well for straightforward app localisation where content flows directly from developers to translators and back to production. But these workflows lack flexibility needed for complex enterprise processes involving multiple review stages, approval chains, or regulatory requirements.

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How XTM bends to your business

XTM’s workflow editor allows organisations to create sophisticated automation matching their exact business processes. Teams can design custom approval chains, set up automatic task routing based on content type or language, and implement quality gates ensuring translations meet specific standards before publication.

Intelligent workflow capabilities use AI to make routing decisions automatically. High-confidence translations bypass certain review stages, while complex content gets additional scrutiny. This automation reduces manual project management while maintaining quality controls.

SmartContext with Translation Memory and AI

Workflow capabilities include:

  • Drag-and-drop workflow designer for custom processes
  • Automated task routing based on content type and quality scores
  • Multi-stage approval chains with role-based permissions
  • Integration with external systems for seamless content flow
  • Real-time workflow monitoring and performance analytics
Capture HTML Previews dialog in Rigi showing input for live website URL and hotkey selection

XTM vs Lokalise: Financial and vendor management

Financial management helps organisations track localisation costs, manage vendor relationships, and demonstrate return on investment. Enterprise localisation involves multiple stakeholders, complex billing arrangements, and detailed reporting requirements. Integrated financial tools eliminate manual processes and improve project visibility.

How Lokalise handles financial management

Lokalise focuses primarily on translation workflow without built-in financial management features. Organisations must manually track vendor payments, project costs, and budget allocation using external systems. This approach works for small teams but creates administrative overhead as localisation programs scale across multiple departments and regions.

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How XTM handles money matters automatically

XTM includes comprehensive financial management directly within the translation workflow. The platform automatically generates purchase orders when vendors accept projects, tracks costs in real-time, and provides detailed analytics on localisation spending. Project managers gain complete visibility into budgets, vendor performance, and cost per word across all languages.

Business intelligence dashboards show translation memory leverage, which directly impacts costs by reducing volume of new content requiring translation. Organisations can track savings from reused translations and demonstrate financial value of their localisation investments.

Translation quote summary showing language pairs, task ID, and total cost with an “Accept quote” button

Financial management features:

  • Automatic purchase order generation and vendor billing
  • Real-time cost tracking with detailed budget analytics
  • Translation memory leverage reporting showing cost savings
  • Vendor performance metrics and payment status tracking
  • ROI dashboards demonstrating localisation program value
Proofreading job interface with dropdown status options including Ready, Started, and Accepted, and vendor assignment details

Try XTM, the Lokalise alternative that actually scales

Ready to scale your localisation beyond basic app strings? XTM delivers enterprise-grade translation management that growing teams actually need. From AI-powered workflows to visual context across any file type, see why thousands of global companies choose XTM for their localisation programs.

Get started with a free trial or speak to our localisation experts about your specific requirements. Discover how XTM can transform your translation processes while maintaining quality and security standards your business demands.

FAQs

Lokalise is a cloud-based translation management system used for software and app localisation. It helps developers and product teams manage multilingual content more efficiently.

Lokalise was founded by Nick Ustinov and Petr Antropov in 2017.

Many people are drawn to Lokalise for its fast-growing environment and focus on tech-driven localisation  —  but if you’re seeking broader enterprise capabilities, XTM may be a better fit.

Lokalise offers a web-based platform that integrates with development tools and allows teams to automate translation workflows. For more advanced automation and linguistic quality assurance, XTM provides a more comprehensive alternative.

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