XTM vs Phrase

Why enterprise teams choose XTM for scalable localisation.

XTM Cloud gives growing teams the enterprise-grade translation management they actually need — complete with AI-powered automation, visual context for any file type, and robust security controls. Compare side by side and see why global companies outgrow Phrase and choose XTM to scale faster, reduce risk, and deliver better localization outcomes.

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Enterprise translation management with transparent pricing and flexible deployment

Phrase works well if you need basic translation management with developer-friendly features. But growing teams hit limitations quickly. XTM delivers enterprise-grade translation management that actually scales with your business. Think AI-powered workflows that catch errors before they happen, visual context for any file type, and security controls that keep compliance teams happy. Thousands of global companies trust XTM when simple translation workflows just don’t cut it anymore.

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

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 XTM GIF

Transparent pricing that scales predictably

XTM Cloud excludes ICE matches from processed word volumes, typically saving customers 30% compared to Phrase’s pricing model. Our transparent licensing means you know exactly what you’re paying for without surprise charges.

Phrase charges for all match types including ICE matches, 100% matches, and repetitions. This inflates your processed word totals significantly. Customers report confusion around pricing and unexpected costs as their translation volumes grow.

Smart Context and Translation memory XTM GIF

Flexible deployment options for any security requirement

XTM Cloud offers public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises deployment options. This flexibility meets strict security requirements for regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services.

Phrase only provides SaaS deployment on their public cloud infrastructure. No private cloud or on-premises options available for organisations with data sovereignty requirements or compliance mandates.

Translation memory XTM GIF

What’s the difference between XTM and Phrase?

Both platforms handle translation management, but they’re built for completely different worlds. Phrase targets developers and product teams who need quick software localisation with strong API integrations. Simple setup, modern interface, perfect for teams translating apps and web content.

XTM tackles the complex reality of enterprise localisation. Marketing campaigns, legal documents, technical documentation, multimedia content – all with AI-powered quality controls and visual context that actually works. While Phrase keeps things developer-focused, XTM gives you the depth and flexibility needed when your localisation requirements expand beyond basic software strings.

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

Feature

XTM

Advanced AI translation capabilities
Visual context and previews
Deployment options
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
Pricing transparency
ICE matches excluded from processed word volumes

Phrase

Advanced AI translation capabilities
Visual context and previews
Deployment options
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
Pricing transparency
ICE matches excluded from processed word volumes

XTM vs Phrase: AI translation and automation

AI translation has transformed how organisations handle multilingual content. Modern translation management systems use artificial intelligence to speed up processes, catch more errors, and reduce manual work. The best platforms combine multiple AI engines with smart quality controls to deliver translations you’d actually publish.

How Phrase handles AI translation

Phrase offers OpenAI integration within their editor for rephrasing, grammar checking, and tone adjustment. Basic machine translation connections to standard MT engines. Simple automation for routine tasks, but that’s about it.

No sophisticated AI quality controls, no intelligent workflow automation, and no AI-powered quality scoring. You’re working without confidence metrics or compliance features that enterprise teams need.

Icon of a cross in a circle shape in a peach colourway

How XTM delivers AI that actually thinks

XTM AI 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 Scoring system 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. This ensures translations meet regulatory requirements and maintain brand consistency across all languages.

Image showing SmartContext in action—providing real-time, visual translation previews with source and translated text side by side, enhancing accuracy and context clarity.

Key AI capabilities that matter:

  • SmartContext with multiple LLM integration
  • Language Guard for compliance and brand protection
  • Intelligent Scoring with confidence metrics
  • Workflow automation with AI-driven routing
  • Bring-your-own AI key support for data sovereignty
Image showcasing XTM’s Language Guard feature identifying and transforming biased language into inclusive, context-appropriate phrasing for professional use.

XTM vs Phrase: Visual context and previews

Visual context helps translators understand exactly how their work will appear to end users. Seeing translations in their final format reduces errors, improves quality, and speeds up the review process. The best translation management systems provide real-time previews across multiple content types.

How Phrase handles visual context

Phrase focuses primarily on software strings and provides basic visual context for UI elements through Phrase Strings. The platform offers some preview capabilities but lacks comprehensive visual support for complex file formats like InDesign, PDFs, or multimedia content.

Translators work mainly with text strings without seeing how content appears in its final context. This approach works for simple app localisation but falls short for marketing materials, technical documentation, or complex layouts.

Icon of a cross in a circle shape in a peach colourway

How XTM delivers comprehensive visual previews

XTM’s visual mode provides real-time WYSIWYG previews for 65+ file formats, from mobile apps to complex InDesign documents. Translators can see exactly how text will appear in websites, PDFs, marketing materials, and technical documentation.

This visual context eliminates guesswork and dramatically improves translation accuracy. Translators understand text expansion issues, layout constraints, and design elements that affect their translation choices.

SmartContext technology enhances these previews by showing not just the visual layout but also providing contextual information about each text segment. Translators understand whether they’re working on button labels, error messages, or marketing copy, leading to more appropriate translations.

Term base dashboard showing translation entries, creation dates, and actions menu for editing or deleting glossary terms.

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
ChatGPT said: Capture HTML preview screen for generating visual context from a live website URL, with locale selection for language-specific snapshots.

XTM vs Phrase: 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.

How Phrase handles deployment

Phrase operates exclusively as Software-as-a-Service on their public cloud infrastructure. Simple setup and maintenance, but limited options for organisations with strict data residency requirements or compliance mandates requiring private hosting environments.

All customer data and translation projects run on Phrase’s shared infrastructure. This approach works for many teams but creates challenges for highly regulated industries or companies with specific security requirements.

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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 need. Private cloud deployments provide dedicated infrastructure with customisable security controls. On-premises installations offer complete data sovereignty for highly regulated industries.

All deployment models include the same feature set, ensuring consistent user experience regardless of hosting choice. ISO 27001 certification applies across all deployment types.

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 Phrase: 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.

How Phrase handles workflows

Phrase provides workflows designed primarily for software localisation and developer teams. Works well for straightforward app localisation where content flows directly from developers to translators and back to production.

These workflows lack flexibility needed for complex enterprise processes involving multiple review stages, approval chains, or regulatory requirements. Limited customisation options for organisations with established business processes.

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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.

isual diagram of XTM’s intelligent translation workflow, showing automated task transitions between translator, reviewer, and final sign-off to improve localisation efficiency.

Workflow capabilities:

  •  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
Workflow view showing translation, editing, and proofreading stages with colour-coded status labels for accepted, ready, and started

XTM vs Phrase: 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.

How Phrase handles financial management

Phrase 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 programmes scale across multiple departments and regions. No integrated purchase order generation or vendor billing capabilities.

Icon of a cross in a circle shape in a peach colourway

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.

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 programme value
Proofreading job interface with dropdown status options including Ready, Started, and Accepted, and vendor assignment details

Try XTM, the Phrase alternative that actually scales

Ready to scale your localisation beyond basic software 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 programmes.

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 the quality and security standards your business demands.

FAQs

XTM is built for enterprise localisation at scale, offering advanced AI-driven features and deep automation. Phrase is more developer-focused and better suited to smaller teams or digital products.

For complex workflows and large translation volumes, XTM offers greater flexibility, scalability, and integrations tailored to enterprise needs.

Yes, XTM supports over 50 integrations, including enterprise-grade connectors for CMS, marketing automation, and ERP platforms — offering more extensibility than Phrase.

XTM is designed with scalability in mind, making it ideal for growing global organisations with complex localisation requirements.

Yes. XTM offers intelligent automation, AI agents, and quality assurance tools like Language Guard that go beyond Phrase’s capabilities.

Tired of Phrase’s slow workflows and rising costs? It’s time to switch to XTM.

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