Gone are the days when you have to find a human translator to have your document translated from one language to another: While human translators are still relevant and required for specific translation requests, there are now many software translator programs that can translate texts and documents across hundreds of languages, and that, they do quite effectively.
Recognizing that the world has evolved a lot and communication across different languages has become more needed than ever, these translation programs can be very handy for individuals, freelancers, writers, editors, and multinational companies. Interestingly, these solutions provide accurate real-time translations. Like popular offline language learning tools, these apps are 100% free and can be used on Windows, Mac, and Linux devices.
1. Google Translate
Google Translate is one of the most popular and widely used translation tools. It supports over 130 languages and offers text, speech, and image translation. The software is available for free on web browsers and mobile devices, so it’s easily accessible to everyone.
The best thing about Google Translate is that it is available for free, with no word count limitation or any limitation. Also, Google Translate can be integrated with WordPress sites, mobile apps, and plenty of other platforms.
Pros
- Supports more than 130 languages
- Free to use on any device or platform
- Offers voice and image translation
- Seamless integration with other Google services and third-party language translation tools and services
Cons
- Not very accurate with language pairs
- Limited offline capabilities
Why Choose Google Translate?
First, it is a free service, and secondly, you can access it from anywhere – just visit the web app and start translating. However, for some languages, Google Translate’s translations are not accurate.
2. DeepL Translator
Believed to be the world’s most accurate translation software, DeepL is actually a good one to use, whether it is for personal use or business use. Unlike Google Translate, DeepL is a professional translation program, so it goes for a price, but there’s a free trial to check it out.
DeepL leverages advanced AI algorithms for its translations; it allows you to translate texts, documents, and PDFs in real time. The app is available across platforms, so you access the service on mobile smartphones or a computer system. Sadly, DeepL doesn’t translate web pages.
Pros
- High accuracy
- Supports document translations
- AI-driven contextual improvements
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Less than 50 languages supported
- Paid service, free-trial is well limited
- Voice translation and website translation are not supported
Why DeepL Translator?
If you have tried Google Translate and the accuracy was too poor for the language you’re translating to, DeepL could do a much better job. This translator is mainly recommended for enterprises and professional writers/editors.
3. Microsoft Translator
The Microsoft Translator is a good one, but permit me to say that it works in a funny way. Unlike others that are more straightforward to use, Microsoft Translator will have you type or speak what you want to be translated, and then someone will translate it for you.
Well, the translation doesn’t take time – but the service is only available via the mobile app. This translator tool is best if you’re a core Microsoft services user.
Pros
- Supports text, speech, and image translation
- Works offline with downloadable language packs
- Integrates with Microsoft Office and Teams
- High accuracy
Cons
- Very few languages are supported
- Works via mobile apps only
- Requires Microsoft ecosystem for full functionality
Why Choose Microsoft Translator?
If you’re looking for 100% efficient translation, then Microsoft Translator is a good choice. The service is provided as part of the Azure AI Services and is designed for users who are existing Microsoft subscribers.
4. iTranslate
iTranslate is a feature-rich translation app available for both iOS and Android; it has a web app, too. This translator software provides text, voice, and website translations in over 100 languages.
The good thing about this service is that you can use it offline; however, the offline translation feature is only available with the paid plans. Of course, you can access iTranslate on any device you use, and the interface is intuitive.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app design
- Offline mode is available in the premium version
- Includes dictionary and phrasebook features
- Supports real-time voice translation
Cons
- The free version has limited features
- Accuracy is not 100% on the free version
Why Choose iTranslate?
iTranslate is perfect for students and professionals, notwithstanding, it has an enterprise version for companies. The interface of iTranslate is superb, and you can translate across 100+ languages.
5. SYSTRAN
SYSTRAN is yet another enterprise-level translator solution, with a free online web app for personal users. The service supports quite a good number of international languages to translate to, with acceptable accuracy. SYSTRAN also serves as a multilingual dictionary that helps find the meaning of any word or phrase.
However, as vast as it is, it is not as accurate as Google Translate, except if you’re signing up for the paid enterprise plans.
Pros
- Designed for businesses and enterprises
- Supports real-time translations
- High accuracy in technical documents
- Secure translation environment
Cons
- Expensive for individual users
- Requires setup and customization for high accuracy
- Limited support for certain languages
Why Choose SYSTRAN Translate?
SYSTRAN is ideal for corporations and professionals who need secure and accurate translations. It is a powerful tool for business and enterprise-level applications, offering robust security features and specialized translation solutions.
6. Bing Translator
Well, just as Google has its own, Bing also has its own. The Bing Translator is practically like every other one listed here; it’s a web app integrated into Microsoft’s Bing search engine. This translation program is just the basic – for text translations – it is unable to translate a whole document like Google Translate or support image translations. But then, it lets you choose a conversation “tone” and provides a couple of useful presets.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Up to 60 languages supported
- Supports real-time text and voice translation
- Available for free
Cons:
- Fewer languages supported compared to Google Translate
- Less accurate for complex translations
- Available with Bing search engine
Why Choose Bing Translator?
Instead of downloading the Microsoft Translator mobile app, which I reckoned to function in a “funny” way, this could be a good one to try out, especially if you’re in haste to get a translation done.
What More?
These are the best translator software programs and web apps to use. Whether you’re a freelancer, someone learning a new language, or a structured business/firm, these translation solutions offer additional plans that cover your needs. If your favorite translator app is not mentioned here, please point us to it in the comments.
