Category
Translation software: what they are and who makes them
DeepL, Google Translate, Smartling and 5 more, sorted into types, with the company behind each and where it is based.
Types of translation software
Instant translators and text APIs
DeepL, Google Translate and Microsoft Translator turn pasted text, files or API calls into another language in seconds. Pricing is per user or per million characters. They suit individuals, support teams and developers who need translation without a project, reviewers or a release schedule around it.
Translation management systems
Smartling and Phrase sit between content systems and translators. They hold translation memory, route work to machine engines or human linguists, and track status per language. They fit companies that translate continuously across many products, and they are priced by contract rather than by character.
Software localization platforms
Lokalise and Crowdin manage the strings inside apps, games and interfaces. They connect to code repositories and design tools, show translators the screen context, and push finished translations back to developers. Teams that ship app updates every week are the usual buyers.
Website translation plugins
Weglot detects the text on a live site, translates it, and serves each language on its own URL, with no change to the underlying pages. Plans are priced by translated words and languages. It suits small businesses that want a multilingual site without a localization team.
Facts at a glance
| Tool | Publisher | Based in | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeepL | DeepL SE | Germany | Free tier + API |
| Google Translate | Google LLC | United States | Free tier + API |
| Smartling | Smartling, Inc. | United States | Free tier + API |
| Phrase | Phrase (Phrase a.s.) | Czech Republic | Trial + API |
| Lokalise | Lokalise, Inc. | United States | Trial + API |
| Crowdin | Crowdin | Estonia | Free tier + API |
| Weglot | Weglot SAS | France | Free tier + API |
| Microsoft Translator | Microsoft | United States | Free tier + API |
