Comparative Review of Leading Translation Software
By Sheila Morgan | Published: 2024-08-15 | Category: Translation Software
About Translation Software
Translation software assists users in converting text or speech from one language to another, ranging from simple instant translation tools to complex platforms for professional localization workflows. These tools leverage various technologies to provide accurate and contextually relevant translations.
Scoring Criteria
- → Accuracy
- → Speed
- → Language Support
- → Ease of Use
- → Integration Options
- → Collaboration Features
- → Value for Money
The Best Translation Software
#10
Systran Translate
By Systran
Long-standing provider of translation technology, offering solutions from personal use to enterprise-level, customizable engines.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, API, Server
Best For: Business translation, Secure on-premise translation, Industry-specific models, Personal use
Key Features
- ✓Specialized Models: Offers translation models trained for specific industries (e.g., legal, IT, finance). (Available (Pro/Enterprise))
- ✓Customization & Training: Allows users to train models with their own data for improved accuracy and terminology. (Advanced (Enterprise))
- ✓On-Premise Deployment: Provides server solutions for organizations needing high security and control. (Available (Enterprise))
- ✓Document Translation: Supports various file formats for direct translation. (Supported)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Translate Pro Lite
$5.49 / monthly
- Web & Desktop access
- Limited file translation
- Standard models
Limitations: Limited usage, No specialization
Translate Pro Plus
$15.49 / monthly
- Increased limits
- PDF translation
- More file formats
Limitations: No model customization
Enterprise Server
$10000.00 / annual (estimate)
- On-premise or private cloud
- Model training
- API
- Specialized models
Limitations: High cost, Requires infrastructure
Pros
- + Offers specialized industry models
- + Strong customization and training capabilities (Enterprise)
- + On-premise option for high security needs
- + Established vendor with long history
Cons
- - Pro plans less competitive than some rivals
- - User interface can feel less modern
- - Collaboration features are limited compared to TMS platforms
Verdict
"A robust solution particularly suited for enterprises needing specialized translation models, customization, or secure on-premise deployment. Its Pro plans offer decent value but face stiff competition."
#9
Lokalise
By Lokalise
Collaborative translation platform focused on agile teams, localizing web and mobile apps, games, and digital content.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, API, CLI
Best For: Software localization, Agile development workflows, Mobile app translation, Website content
Key Features
- ✓Real-time Collaboration: Simultaneous editing, comments, and task management for teams. (Strong)
- ✓Integrations: Connects with design tools (Figma, Sketch), code repositories, CMS, etc. (Extensive)
- ✓Automation: Automated screenshot generation, QA checks, and workflow steps. (Advanced)
- ✓In-Context Editors: Allows translators to work directly within the visual context of the application. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.8 / 10.0)
Pricing
Start
$120.00 / monthly (includes 10 seats)
- Core platform
- Unlimited projects
- Basic integrations
Limitations: Limited seats, Fewer automation features
Essential
$230.00 / monthly (includes 10 seats)
- More integrations
- Basic QA
- Screenshots
Limitations: Higher cost per seat after 10
Pro
$825.00 / monthly (includes 10 seats)
- Advanced QA
- Automations
- Figma/Sketch plugin
Limitations: Significant cost
Pros
- + Excellent for agile teams and continuous localization
- + Wide range of integrations, including design tools
- + Strong real-time collaboration features
- + Modern and intuitive UI
Cons
- - Can become expensive as teams and feature needs grow
- - Primarily a platform, requires translation input (MT or human)
- - Some advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Verdict
"A highly effective platform for teams localizing digital products, excelling in collaboration, integration, and automation within agile workflows. Ideal for apps, games, and web content."
#8
Crowdin
By Crowdin
Cloud-based localization management platform popular with software development teams, offering strong collaboration and integration features.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, API, CLI
Best For: Software localization, Game localization, Open-source projects, Documentation translation
Key Features
- ✓Developer Integrations: Connectors for GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Azure Repos, etc. (Extensive)
- ✓Collaboration Tools: In-context editing, commenting, voting, and task management for translators and proofreaders. (Strong)
- ✓Marketplace: Order professional translations or connect with translation agencies directly. (Integrated)
- ✓Community Features: Supports public projects and managing volunteer translators. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.7 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free (Open Source)
Contact Vendor
- Unlimited public projects
- Unlimited collaborators
Limitations: For open-source projects only
Pro
$50.00 / monthly (estimate, based on usage/strings)
- Private projects
- Advanced features
- API access
Limitations: Usage-based pricing
Enterprise
$500.00 / monthly (estimate, custom)
- Custom workflows
- Premium support
- Security features
Limitations: Custom pricing
Pros
- + Excellent for software and game localization
- + Strong developer tool integrations
- + Great collaboration features
- + Generous free plan for open source
Cons
- - Pricing can scale quickly for large private projects
- - Interface can be busy
- - Relies on integrated MT or human translators for actual translation
Verdict
"A top choice for development teams needing to localize software, games, or documentation, especially those using Git-based workflows. Strong community and collaboration focus."
#7
Smartling
By Smartling, Inc.
Cloud-based translation management platform focused on automating localization for web and mobile content, prioritizing speed and integration.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, API
Best For: Website localization, Software localization, Marketing content translation, Continuous localization
Key Features
- ✓Visual Context: Translators can see their translations in situ on web pages or app screens. (Strong)
- ✓Workflow Automation: Automates content ingestion, translation assignment, and publishing. (Advanced)
- ✓Proxy & API Solutions: Offers translation proxy for websites and robust API for developers. (Flexible)
- ✓Quality Checks: Integrated linguistic quality assurance (LQA) tools. (Available)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Growth
$500.00 / monthly (estimate, usage-based)
- Core platform
- Connectors
- Visual context
Limitations: Based on translated words/users
Enterprise
$2000.00 / monthly (estimate, custom)
- Advanced features
- Premium support
- Custom integrations
Limitations: Custom pricing
Pros
- + Excellent for website and app localization
- + Strong visual context features
- + Powerful automation and integration capabilities
- + Modern user interface
Cons
- - Primarily focused on enterprise customers
- - Pricing can be high and complex
- - Less focused on traditional document translation
Verdict
"A leading choice for businesses needing streamlined and automated localization of digital content. Its visual context and integration strengths are key differentiators for web and app developers."
#6
SDL Trados Studio
By RWS Group
Long-standing market leader in the CAT tool space, offering a comprehensive suite for translation, project management, and terminology.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Web (limited functionality with cloud)
Best For: Professional translation, Corporate localization departments, Translation agency workflows
Key Features
- ✓Translation Memory Technology: Advanced TM features including context matching (upLIFT Fragment Recall). (Industry Standard)
- ✓Integrated Environment: Combines translation editing, project management, and terminology in one platform. (Comprehensive)
- ✓AppStore Ecosystem: Extensible functionality through a marketplace of apps. (Large)
- ✓Cloud Capabilities: Offers cloud-based project management and translation options (Trados Live). (Developing)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.3 / 10.0)
Pricing
Freelance
$695.00 / one-time (perpetual license)
- Core CAT tool
- Single user license
- Limited language pairs (5) in some versions
Limitations: Windows only, Primarily for individual use
Professional
$2895.00 / one-time (perpetual license)
- Full CAT tool
- Project management features
- Unlimited languages
- Network capable
Limitations: Expensive, Windows only
Trados Live Team (Subscription)
$49.00 / monthly per user
- Cloud platform
- Online editor
- Collaboration
- Simplified project management
Limitations: Subscription-based, Relies on cloud infrastructure
Pros
- + Industry standard, widely used
- + Powerful and mature feature set
- + Extensive TM and terminology tools
- + Large community and support resources
Cons
- - Expensive, especially professional versions
- - Complex interface with a steep learning curve
- - Primarily Windows-based
- - Cloud offering still evolving compared to some competitors
Verdict
"The established heavyweight for professional translation work, offering immense power and flexibility but at a significant cost and complexity. Best suited for experienced translators and organizations already invested in its ecosystem."
#5
memoQ
By memoQ Translation Technologies
Comprehensive computer-assisted translation (CAT) tool favored by professional translators and LSPs, available as desktop software and server solutions.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Windows, Web (Server version)
Best For: Professional translation, Localization projects, Terminology management, Quality assurance
Key Features
- ✓Translation Environment: Feature-rich editor with TM, termbase, and concordance search. (Advanced)
- ✓Project Management: Tools for managing files, deadlines, and translator assignments (especially in server version). (Robust)
- ✓Quality Assurance: Automated checks for consistency, terminology, formatting, and other potential errors. (Built-in)
- ✓Compatibility: Supports a wide range of file formats and interoperability with other CAT tools. (High)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.5 / 10.0)
Pricing
Translator Pro
$770.00 / one-time (perpetual license)
- Full CAT tool functionality for individuals
- TM/TB management
- QA checks
Limitations: Windows only, No server features
Project Manager
$2290.00 / one-time (perpetual license)
- Translator Pro features plus project management capabilities
Limitations: Higher cost, Windows only
memoQ Server
$5000.00 / annual subscription (estimate)
- Centralized TM/TBs
- Online collaboration
- Workflow automation
- API
Limitations: Requires server setup, Significant investment
Pros
- + Powerful CAT tool features
- + Highly customizable
- + Strong QA capabilities
- + Good compatibility with industry standards
Cons
- - Steep learning curve
- - Primarily Windows-based
- - Perpetual license model can be a large upfront cost
- - Interface feels dated to some users
Verdict
"A leading choice for professional translators and LSPs seeking a feature-packed CAT tool with strong QA and project management capabilities, particularly in Windows environments."
#4
Phrase (formerly Memsource)
By Phrase
Cloud-based translation management system (TMS) designed for enterprises and language service providers, focusing on workflow automation and collaboration.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, API
Best For: Enterprise localization, Translation agency management, Software localization, Marketing content translation
Key Features
- ✓Translation Memory (TM): Stores previously translated segments to ensure consistency and reduce workload. (Core Feature)
- ✓Terminology Management: Manages glossaries and termbases for consistent branding and technical language. (Core Feature)
- ✓Workflow Automation: Customizable workflows for managing complex translation projects involving multiple stakeholders. (Advanced)
- ✓Connector Marketplace: Integrations with CMS, code repositories, marketing automation tools, etc. (Extensive)
Scorecard (Overall: 7.9 / 10.0)
Pricing
Team Start
$29.00 / monthly per user
- Core TMS features
- Up to 5 users
- Basic connectors
Limitations: Limited users, Basic automation
Team
$239.00 / monthly (includes 5 users)
- Full TMS features
- Advanced automation
- More connectors
Limitations: Higher cost
Ultimate
$1500.00 / monthly (custom users)
- Unlimited users
- Full API access
- Premium connectors
- Customization
Limitations: Enterprise pricing
Pros
- + Powerful TMS features
- + Excellent for managing large localization projects
- + Strong collaboration tools
- + Extensive integration capabilities
Cons
- - Complex interface for beginners
- - Can be expensive, especially for smaller teams
- - Primarily a management platform, relies on integrated or human translation
Verdict
"A top-tier Translation Management System for enterprises and LSPs needing robust workflow automation, collaboration, and integration. Overkill for individual translators or simple tasks."
#3
Microsoft Translator
By Microsoft Corporation
Comprehensive translation service integrated into Microsoft products and available standalone, supporting text, speech, and image translation.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, iOS, Android, API
Best For: Business communication, Personal use, Integration with Office, Presentations
Key Features
- ✓Broad Integration: Built into Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Edge browser, and other Microsoft services. (Extensive)
- ✓Conversation Mode: Real-time translation for multi-device, multilingual conversations. (Supported)
- ✓Customization: Azure Cognitive Services Translator allows for custom model training. (Available (Azure))
- ✓Offline Packs: Downloadable language packs for mobile apps. (Available (Mobile))
Scorecard (Overall: 8.0 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free Apps
Contact Vendor
- Consumer app features
- Reasonable usage limits
Limitations: Not for commercial high-volume use
Azure Translator Text API
$10.00 / per million characters
- API access
- Customization options
- Document translation
Limitations: Pay-as-you-go, Free tier available with limits
Pros
- + Strong integration with Microsoft ecosystem
- + Useful conversation mode feature
- + Good language coverage
- + Customization options via Azure
Cons
- - Accuracy can vary
- - Web interface less refined than some competitors
- - Customization requires Azure knowledge
Verdict
"A solid all-around translator, particularly valuable for users heavily invested in the Microsoft Office ecosystem. Offers good features for both personal and business use."
#2
Google Translate
By Google LLC
Widely accessible and versatile translation service offering instant translation for text, websites, documents, and speech across a vast number of languages.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API
Best For: Quick translations, Travel assistance, Website translation, Basic communication
Key Features
- ✓Language Coverage: Supports an extensive range of languages, including many less common ones. (Very Broad)
- ✓Multiple Input Methods: Accepts typed text, speech, handwriting, and image text (OCR). (Supported)
- ✓Offline Translation: Mobile apps allow downloading language packs for offline use. (Available (Mobile))
- ✓Website Translation: Can translate entire web pages directly in the browser or via widget. (Supported)
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Most features available for personal use
Limitations: Usage limits may apply, No guarantees on quality or uptime
Cloud Translation API
$20.00 / per million characters
- Programmatic access
- Model selection
- Glossary support
Limitations: Pay-as-you-go pricing model
Pros
- + Massive language support
- + Completely free for most users
- + Very easy to use and access
- + Multiple input methods (text, voice, image)
Cons
- - Translation quality can be inconsistent, especially for complex sentences
- - Lacks advanced features for professional translators
- - Limited context understanding in some cases
Verdict
"The go-to tool for quick, free translations and broad language coverage. Ideal for personal use, travel, and basic communication needs, but less suited for high-stakes professional tasks."
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#1
DeepL Translator
By DeepL SE
High-quality translation tool known for nuanced and natural-sounding translations, available via web, desktop apps, and API.
Platforms & Use Cases
Platforms: Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, API
Best For: Professional translation, Document translation, Personal use, Developer integration
Key Features
- ✓Translation Quality: Utilizes advanced neural networks for highly accurate and context-aware translations. (Excellent)
- ✓Glossary Feature: Allows users to define specific terminology for consistent translations. (Available (Pro))
- ✓Document Translation: Supports translation of various file formats like .docx, .pptx, .pdf. (Supported)
- ✓API Access: Provides a robust API for integrating translation capabilities into other applications. (Available (Pro))
Scorecard (Overall: 8.1 / 10.0)
Pricing
Free
Contact Vendor
- Limited text translation
- Limited document translation (3/month)
Limitations: Character limits, Limited features, Lower priority processing
Starter
$8.74 / monthly
- Unlimited text translation
- 5 file translations/user/month
- Small glossary (1)
Limitations: Limited file translations
Advanced
$28.74 / monthly
- Unlimited text
- 20 file translations/user/month
- 2000 glossary entries
- CAT tool integration
Limitations: User-based file limits
Pros
- + Exceptional translation quality
- + Natural-sounding output
- + User-friendly interface
- + Good document format support
Cons
- - Fewer languages supported compared to some competitors
- - Free version is quite limited
- - Collaboration features are basic
Verdict
"Excellent choice for users prioritizing translation quality and naturalness, especially for European languages. Strong option for individual professionals and developers via its API."
Final Thoughts
The translation software market offers diverse solutions, from free, instant translators like Google Translate to sophisticated enterprise platforms like Phrase and CAT tools like Trados Studio and memoQ. High-quality output is a strength of DeepL, while platforms like Lokalise and Crowdin excel in integrating localization into development workflows. The best choice depends heavily on specific needs, budget, and technical requirements, ranging from personal use to large-scale, collaborative enterprise localization.