The best translation tools, plus tips for picking the right one

High-quality translations are critical to ensure your message lands with a global audience. Without cutting-edge translation software, your content may be misinterpreted or incoherent, harming your reputation and alienating your audience. That’s why you need the best translation tools to start your globalization journey.

The best translator tools and translation software come in various forms, and not all of today’s technology serves the same purpose. Understanding strengths and weaknesses of different tools and platforms will save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

In this guide, we’ll discuss types of translation tools, list the best translation software in 2025, and explain how to choose the best one for your needs.

What are translation tools?

Translation tools are specialized software designed to streamline language conversion for various content types. They range from simple text-based applications to advanced machine translation software that supports real-time website localization into other languages.

Translation tools can be used to translate any content—documents, websites, multimedia, and chatbots. Some tools come with automated AI translation services, whereas other translation software is for translators to refine their work, increasing accuracy and speed.

Types of translation tools

With so many options and use cases, understanding the features of each type of translation tool will help you find one to suit your unique needs.

Machine translation or instant translation tools

Browser-based machine translation tools like Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and DeepL are ideal for quick and straightforward translation tasks. These tools use advanced machine learning algorithms to convert text into another language almost instantly. They’re best suited for casual use or when speed matters more than nuanced accuracy.

Many of these tools now offer additional features, such as image translation, plus text-to-speech and speech-to-text for spoken conversations, making them versatile for on-the-go users.

Translation management systems (TMS)

A translation management system is designed to help a company translate and localize internal documents, applications, and online content for international markets. Large companies often need to translate a large volume of content, such as instruction manuals, employee handbooks, marketing materials, and website copy.

Much of this content is translated automatically using AI-powered machine translation and then checked by first-language experts for context and accuracy. Managing and organizing these resources is extremely difficult without a TMS.

Translator tools (including CAT tools and AI-powered tools)

Unlike machine translation software, computer-assisted translation (CAT) doesn’t automatically translate content. Instead, professional translators use this software to promote consistency and speed while translating content.

Popular CAT tools provide features like pre-populated machine translation suggestions, access to  translation memory, terminology management, project management, and automated quality assurance checks. These tools have become extremely valuable for professional translators, allowing them to make high-quality translations without driving up costs.

The 7 best translation tools

Now that you understand the general types of translation software, you’re ready to find the best translation tool for your business. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Smartling

Smartling provides some of the industry’s best software for translations. This cloud-based Translation Management System (TMS) is designed to simplify translation and localization for businesses. Smartling provides a variety of translation methods to address a wide range of use cases, including multiple AI solutions that help businesses balance cost, speed, and quality. Smartling is the go-to solution for enterprises, as its robust customer success team combines with best-in-class technology to help large brands manage multilingual assets across global markets with ease.

One of Smartling’s most popular solutions is its Global Delivery Network (GDN), which helps brands quickly and easily manage a multilingual website. As you update or add content to your website, the GDN automatically pulls the new content into the Smartling platform for translation. Once complete, the translations are instantly deployed onto your website in the selected languages. Smartling’s GDN makes international SEO a breeze, allowing your business to optimize its marketing strategy.

Pros:

• Supports unlimited language pairs
• Provides end-to-end localization
• Integrates with over 20 tools, including CMS, marketing platforms, and support systems, with additional customization options via API

Cons:

• The content search function sometimes returns high-level results, which isn’t always optimal for efficiency, especially for larger translation memories
• Because Smartling is an end-to-end solution, it can take time for some users to get familiar with all of our software’s capabilities. (But our customer success team can save the day and help you get acclimated quickly.)

Best for: Enterprises of various sizes trying to reach global markets, especially those looking to leverage AI for more efficient localization.

DeepL

DeepL is one of the go-to tools for AI translation. It’s best known for its incredible accuracy and natural translations for certain language combinations. It covers 33 languages—mostly from Europe—and nails the subtle linguistic nuances thanks to its advanced deep learning technology. It also comes with handy features like a built-in custom dictionary and integration with CAT tools, improving translation speed and accuracy for professional translators.

Pros:

• High-quality translations that maintain context and tone
• Integrates with CAT tools for streamlined workflows

Cons:

• Limited language support compared to most competitors
• Character limits on translations in the free version
• Dictionary management is only available in the Pro API version
• Lack of translation management functionality 

Best for: Businesses requiring precise, natural translations for global markets, without the need for a translation management system.

Muchedumbre

Crowdin is an AI-powered online translation tool for software, websites, and apps. It works with over 600 other tools, such as GitHub, Slack, and WordPress, so you can easily integrate it into your workflow.

This translation software primarily focuses on helping large enterprises localize their content and scale globally. It’s excellent for managing large translation projects hassle-free.

Pros:

• Integrates with numerous development tools and file formats
• Boosts productivity and consistency with real-time collaboration

Cons:

• May be too pricey for smaller businesses, especially as additional costs for translation memory accumulate
• Lacks robust visual context functionality, making translation slower and less accurate
• Occasional technical issues, such as glitches in quality assurance tools

Best for: Large enterprises that require translations for various tools.

Lokalise

Lokalise is an online platform that simplifies digital content translation between different languages and regions. With support for over 20 file formats, including JSON, XML, and CSV, it works for various projects. It uses a key-based system instead of traditional file uploads, simplifying real-time updates and collaboration. Lokalise also features in-context editing, allowing translators to see how their work will look in the final product.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Extensive integration options with development and design tools
• Supports a wide range of file formats

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• User permissions can be confusing to manage
• Steep learning curve

Best for: Small to medium-sized enterprises seeking to manage multilingual content across various digital platforms.

MemoQ Translator Pro

MemoQ Translator Pro is a translation tool made by translators for translators, designed to make their work faster and more precise. It features translation memory, terminology management tools, integration with machine translation engines and automatic quality checks. MemoQ also accepts various file formats and connects with other translation tools, making it flexible for any project.

Pros:

• Terminology management system for consistent translations
• Integrates with most other CAT tools

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for advanced functions
• Slows down on older hardware with large projects
• Limited real-time collaboration features

Best for: Professional translators and translation agencies.

Traductor de Google

Google Translate is one of the most popular AI translation tools. This tool translates text, speech, images, and even real-time video, lending it unparalleled versatility. As of 2024, it supports 249 languages, offering wide coverage for casual users.

Google Translate is free to use and integrates with other Google products like Chrome and Gmail, making it convenient for quick translations. However, its accuracy can vary, especially with complicated or nuanced content, and translations may be not fluent.

Pros:

• Supports 249 languages, covering a wide range of needs
• Free to use with text, speech, image, and video translations
• Integrates with Google services like Chrome and Gmail

Cons:

• Accuracy is inconsistent depending on the language pair and content
• Lacks contextual understanding, leading to literal translations
• Not customizable to companies’ tone and voice
• Not suitable for professional or specialized work

Best for: Casual users and simple translations.

Lilt

Lilt is a smart translation platform that uses AI and human input to deliver fast, accurate translations. Its adaptive system learns from your corrections in real time, so the more you use it, the better it gets. With an intuitive interface and tools like Contextual AI  and terminology management, it’s an excellent option for solo translators and large enterprises.

Pros:

• Real-time adaptation improves accuracy as you use it
• Simple, user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate
• Includes translation memory and terminology management

Cons:

• Limited performance for less common languages
• Bugs in the quality assurance tools can affect error detection
• Limited file formats for visual context
• Limited workflow capabilities
• Limited integration opportunities

Best for: Large businesses and translators seeking an AI-driven solution.

How to pick the best translation tools

The best translation tool depends on your business’s needs. Although browser-based machine translations can handle simple tasks, you should seek a professional translator for more complex jobs. Translation companies that combine machine automation with human expertise are an economical choice for large translation projects.

Smartling’s translation services span a variety of approaches, ensuring high-quality translated text at any price point. Translations are delivered twice as fast as traditional translation methods at half the cost. Whether you’re working on a website, an app, or marketing content, Smartling is built to make the entire process smooth, efficient, and incredibly accurate.

Have more questions about content localization? Download our free eBook, “What To Look for in a Translation Solution: A Buyer’s Guide.” This guide outlines nine must-have features and key questions to ask, helping you find a translation solution that drives immediate results and supports your business’s future growth.

High-quality translations are critical to ensure your message lands with a global audience. Without cutting-edge translation software, your content may be misinterpreted or incoherent, harming your reputation and alienating your audience. That’s why you need the best translation tools to start your globalization journey.

The best translator tools and translation software come in various forms, and not all of today’s technology serves the same purpose. Understanding strengths and weaknesses of different tools and platforms will save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

In this guide, we’ll discuss types of translation tools, list the best translation software in 2025, and explain how to choose the best one for your needs.

What are translation tools?

Translation tools are specialized software designed to streamline language conversion for various content types. They range from simple text-based applications to advanced machine translation software that supports real-time website localization into other languages.

Translation tools can be used to translate any content—documents, websites, multimedia, and chatbots. Some tools come with automated AI translation services, whereas other translation software is for translators to refine their work, increasing accuracy and speed.

Types of translation tools

With so many options and use cases, understanding the features of each type of translation tool will help you find one to suit your unique needs.

Machine translation or instant translation tools

Browser-based machine translation tools like Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and DeepL are ideal for quick and straightforward translation tasks. These tools use advanced machine learning algorithms to convert text into another language almost instantly. They’re best suited for casual use or when speed matters more than nuanced accuracy.

Many of these tools now offer additional features, such as image translation, plus text-to-speech and speech-to-text for spoken conversations, making them versatile for on-the-go users.

Translation management systems (TMS)

A translation management system is designed to help a company translate and localize internal documents, applications, and online content for international markets. Large companies often need to translate a large volume of content, such as instruction manuals, employee handbooks, marketing materials, and website copy.

Much of this content is translated automatically using AI-powered machine translation and then checked by first-language experts for context and accuracy. Managing and organizing these resources is extremely difficult without a TMS.

Translator tools (including CAT tools and AI-powered tools)

Unlike machine translation software, computer-assisted translation (CAT) doesn’t automatically translate content. Instead, professional translators use this software to promote consistency and speed while translating content.

Popular CAT tools provide features like pre-populated machine translation suggestions, access to  translation memory, terminology management, project management, and automated quality assurance checks. These tools have become extremely valuable for professional translators, allowing them to make high-quality translations without driving up costs.

The 7 best translation tools

Now that you understand the general types of translation software, you’re ready to find the best translation tool for your business. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Smartling

Smartling provides some of the industry’s best software for translations. This cloud-based Translation Management System (TMS) is designed to simplify translation and localization for businesses. Smartling provides a variety of translation methods to address a wide range of use cases, including multiple AI solutions that help businesses balance cost, speed, and quality. Smartling is the go-to solution for enterprises, as its robust customer success team combines with best-in-class technology to help large brands manage multilingual assets across global markets with ease.

One of Smartling’s most popular solutions is its Global Delivery Network (GDN), which helps brands quickly and easily manage a multilingual website. As you update or add content to your website, the GDN automatically pulls the new content into the Smartling platform for translation. Once complete, the translations are instantly deployed onto your website in the selected languages. Smartling’s GDN makes international SEO a breeze, allowing your business to optimize its marketing strategy.

Pros:

• Supports unlimited language pairs
• Provides end-to-end localization
• Integrates with over 20 tools, including CMS, marketing platforms, and support systems, with additional customization options via API

Cons:

• The content search function sometimes returns high-level results, which isn’t always optimal for efficiency, especially for larger translation memories
• Because Smartling is an end-to-end solution, it can take time for some users to get familiar with all of our software’s capabilities. (But our customer success team can save the day and help you get acclimated quickly.)

Best for: Enterprises of various sizes trying to reach global markets, especially those looking to leverage AI for more efficient localization.

DeepL

DeepL is one of the go-to tools for AI translation. It’s best known for its incredible accuracy and natural translations for certain language combinations. It covers 33 languages—mostly from Europe—and nails the subtle linguistic nuances thanks to its advanced deep learning technology. It also comes with handy features like a built-in custom dictionary and integration with CAT tools, improving translation speed and accuracy for professional translators.

Pros:

• High-quality translations that maintain context and tone
• Integrates with CAT tools for streamlined workflows

Cons:

• Limited language support compared to most competitors
• Character limits on translations in the free version
• Dictionary management is only available in the Pro API version
• Lack of translation management functionality 

Best for: Businesses requiring precise, natural translations for global markets, without the need for a translation management system.

Muchedumbre

Crowdin is an AI-powered online translation tool for software, websites, and apps. It works with over 600 other tools, such as GitHub, Slack, and WordPress, so you can easily integrate it into your workflow.

This translation software primarily focuses on helping large enterprises localize their content and scale globally. It’s excellent for managing large translation projects hassle-free.

Pros:

• Integrates with numerous development tools and file formats
• Boosts productivity and consistency with real-time collaboration

Cons:

• May be too pricey for smaller businesses, especially as additional costs for translation memory accumulate
• Lacks robust visual context functionality, making translation slower and less accurate
• Occasional technical issues, such as glitches in quality assurance tools

Best for: Large enterprises that require translations for various tools.

Lokalise

Lokalise is an online platform that simplifies digital content translation between different languages and regions. With support for over 20 file formats, including JSON, XML, and CSV, it works for various projects. It uses a key-based system instead of traditional file uploads, simplifying real-time updates and collaboration. Lokalise also features in-context editing, allowing translators to see how their work will look in the final product.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Extensive integration options with development and design tools
• Supports a wide range of file formats

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• User permissions can be confusing to manage
• Steep learning curve

Best for: Small to medium-sized enterprises seeking to manage multilingual content across various digital platforms.

MemoQ Translator Pro

MemoQ Translator Pro is a translation tool made by translators for translators, designed to make their work faster and more precise. It features translation memory, terminology management tools, integration with machine translation engines and automatic quality checks. MemoQ also accepts various file formats and connects with other translation tools, making it flexible for any project.

Pros:

• Terminology management system for consistent translations
• Integrates with most other CAT tools

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for advanced functions
• Slows down on older hardware with large projects
• Limited real-time collaboration features

Best for: Professional translators and translation agencies.

Traductor de Google

Google Translate is one of the most popular AI translation tools. This tool translates text, speech, images, and even real-time video, lending it unparalleled versatility. As of 2024, it supports 249 languages, offering wide coverage for casual users.

Google Translate is free to use and integrates with other Google products like Chrome and Gmail, making it convenient for quick translations. However, its accuracy can vary, especially with complicated or nuanced content, and translations may be not fluent.

Pros:

• Supports 249 languages, covering a wide range of needs
• Free to use with text, speech, image, and video translations
• Integrates with Google services like Chrome and Gmail

Cons:

• Accuracy is inconsistent depending on the language pair and content
• Lacks contextual understanding, leading to literal translations
• Not customizable to companies’ tone and voice
• Not suitable for professional or specialized work

Best for: Casual users and simple translations.

Lilt

Lilt is a smart translation platform that uses AI and human input to deliver fast, accurate translations. Its adaptive system learns from your corrections in real time, so the more you use it, the better it gets. With an intuitive interface and tools like Contextual AI  and terminology management, it’s an excellent option for solo translators and large enterprises.

Pros:

• Real-time adaptation improves accuracy as you use it
• Simple, user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate
• Includes translation memory and terminology management

Cons:

• Limited performance for less common languages
• Bugs in the quality assurance tools can affect error detection
• Limited file formats for visual context
• Limited workflow capabilities
• Limited integration opportunities

Best for: Large businesses and translators seeking an AI-driven solution.

How to pick the best translation tools

The best translation tool depends on your business’s needs. Although browser-based machine translations can handle simple tasks, you should seek a professional translator for more complex jobs. Translation companies that combine machine automation with human expertise are an economical choice for large translation projects.

Smartling’s translation services span a variety of approaches, ensuring high-quality translated text at any price point. Translations are delivered twice as fast as traditional translation methods at half the cost. Whether you’re working on a website, an app, or marketing content, Smartling is built to make the entire process smooth, efficient, and incredibly accurate.

Have more questions about content localization? Download our free eBook, “What To Look for in a Translation Solution: A Buyer’s Guide.” This guide outlines nine must-have features and key questions to ask, helping you find a translation solution that drives immediate results and supports your business’s future growth.