The Best Machine Translation Software  for 2022

Machine translation software is becoming more each day, with users finding new ways to put this technology to work, leading to new emerging providers racing to release the most efficient product. In a world becoming more globally integrated as time goes on, finding ways to translate and communicate in multiple languages is becoming mandatory (or run the risk of falling behind).

In nearly every digital sector, AI is sweeping the industry, spreading its reach to plenty of content sectors, and playing a more pivotal role as time progresses. Will AI ever fully replace human writing and content creation jobs? Most likely not, and for one simple reason – you can never replace human-to-human interaction and the emotion it creates, no matter how hard you try.

You can attempt to convey a certain level of emotion to an AI algorithm or process – but the fact is, the AI can’t digest that emotion and replicate it in the way you’re looking for. Because of these elements, manual content production, including writing and translating, is here to stay.

That said, it doesn’t mean that we humans can’t use AI to provide a helping hand to improve workflows and efficiency in a continuous attempt to scale and cater to more clients. We’ve created a list of the best machine translation software to improve your communication.

If you thought all translators were created equal, you’ve got another thing coming. There’s an entire collection of various translation services with different perks and services, but at the most basic, you have free or paid translation services. Beyond that, things become more intricate, and it takes at least a small amount of background knowledge in these different types of software.

Before we present the list, we’ll take you through a brief overview of the best machine translation software, the history of AI translation, and where we currently stand within this market.

What Is Machine Translation?

Anybody who regularly participates in any type of digital workflow, eCommerce, or any other form of internet business, has used some type of translation service. If you haven’t, at the very least, you’ve most likely received a demonstration.

Input a string of text written in one language, and a machine will translate it into another. This is the basic idea of MT (Machine Translation).

The technology behind MT has advanced by leaps and bounds from its early days, and it has been around for longer than many people think. MT has been catapulted into a new dimension thanks to the advent of modern machine learning and neural networks.

When practical and cutting-edge MT is at your disposal, the question isn’t whether or not to utilize it; rather, it’s “when is the ideal moment to apply it?” To understand how to deploy MT, you need a deeper understanding of where this technology currently stands in 2022.

Two Specific MT Engines: Best Machine Translation Software?

Let’s look at the two primary contrasts in current MT—Statistical machine translation and neural machine translation service. This provides clearer context into exactly how Machine Translation fits into the daily workflow of your organization. There is a clear contrast in the translation quality between these two forms of software.

Statistic-based engines acquire knowledge by analyzing multilingual text, which the developer or user often gives. These engines learn to interpret the existing rules to identify the specific connection between the two languages. This type of translation platform doesn’t get smarter over time as a human, resulting in the same translation quality over time with no room for improvement. It forever relies solely on the existence of direct translation using language pairs.

Machine translation doesn’t rely on language pairs but instead adapts to language in a learned manner, much like a human. As you’ll find out below, the neural-translation method is a much more adaptive and progressive means of working with language translation software.

The newest method for MT is based on neural machine translation. The idea behind neural networks is to make them smarter over time, just like a human brain. These neural machine translation systems attempt to deduce the intended meaning from the surrounding text to make accurate predictions about which words should be used.

Neural Machine translation engines that use neural networks are rapidly replacing previous statistical models because of their improved ability to capture and even grasp the intent of a sentence or string of sentences. What’s at play here goes far beyond simple word and language analysis with predetermined outcomes.

Instead, the neural machine translation engine is making an effort to comprehend the meaning of your material to preserve the context, intent, and original tone of your message. Think of it like this – if the old way of translation were a printer or copying machine attempting to print a rendering of you, it would be a flat, normal printed photo on standard paper.

However, the neural machine translation engine, and the newest method, would print a full-scale, 3D rendering that moved, breathed, ate, spoke, and expressed emotions.

In addition, you have options that are ready for use immediately after deployment, and you have versions that must be trained, and an intricate, meticulous training process produces some incredible results. For the sake of our list, we’re separating these machine translators into two categories – free and paid.

The Best Free Machine Translation Software

1. Reverso

Reverso is free, artificial intelligence-powered translation software that works with 18 different languages. With Reverso, you generate translations by typing or speaking the text.

Reverso does more than just translate across languages; it also helps its users become better communicators and increase their vocabulary. Texts translated into another language sometimes include additional notes and explanations to assist readers and listeners in better understanding the material.

Highlights

• Use Contextual Examples When Translating Documents
• Help with Pronunciation
• Review Cards
• Lookup Results
• Vocabulary List

2. Google Translate

You can translate text, documents, and entire websites from one language to another with Google Translate, a free online machine translation tool. Google Neural Machine Translation is among the smartest and most constant-evolving forms of translation service. Incredibly, Google Translate is free, considering how many people use this machine translation provider.

Thanks to its clean and straightforward layout, the tool is available for no cost and is quite easy to get to. It’s as easy as entering words or uploading a document and clicking the translate button.

Google Translate supports 109 languages and can translate various varying content. This program may also translate videos, photos, and handwritten notes. You must note that you may avoid translation mistakes by incorporating additional tools with Google Translate. This is one of the most widely used translation tools on a global scale.

Highlights

• Support for Multiple Languages and Integration with Other Apps
• Conversation Mode for the Website Translation Widget for Mobile Devices –
• As two or more people converse in a foreign language, Google Translate can automatically translate what is being said.
• A Mobile App That Translates Words While You’re Offline

3. DeepL

DeepL is an outstanding piece of machine translation software that is quickly gaining popularity among both corporations and consumers. The platform is well-received because of the precision and ease of its translations.

The user-friendly design and the choice to work with both Windows and iOS are two features that consistently receive praise from customers. High-quality machine translations are the standard with DeepL – however, there are situations when it gives out wrong answers. Because of the margin for error, it’s always recommended you edit any final version before sending it or posting it anywhere.

It’s an excellent machine translation service that provides accurate translations but doesn’t include any personalization features and only handles 26 languages. This is potentially the best machine translation software free of charge. It has higher accuracy than other translation tools.

Highlights

• Integration with translation apps
• Encrypted cloud storage
• Translation widget for websites.

4. Bing Microsoft Translator

Bing Microsoft Translator is a cloud-based machine translation service. In addition to being available in Bing, Office, SharePoint, Edge, Skype, Visual Studio, and other Microsoft products, the tool is also a part of Microsoft’s Cognitive Services translation management system. This consists of an entire suite of computer-assisted translation tools.

Bing Businesses may use Microsoft Translator for cloud-based text and audio translation. Microsoft Translator’s live chat capability is powered by 12 speech translation engines and currently supports 105 different language pairs.

Additionally, Microsoft Translator supports translation from pictures, speech, and various links.

Highlights

• Linguistic Memory Translation
• Real-time text, speech, and image translation
• Control Panel for Managing Projects with Real-Time Translation
• Integrated App and Website Widget
• Uses machine translation

The Best Paid Machine Translation Software

1. GeoWorkz

Geoworkz’s software is marketed to individual translators, translation firms, and corporations for large-scale translation and localization projects. This is considered one of the most diverse translation tools.

The Translation Workspace has a live assets tool that automatically refreshes all translations, glossaries, and review packages. Also included are tools for managing the project, such as asset branding, limiting who may access live assets (individually or in groups), and safeguarding the clientele’s privacy.

The software’s real-time, web-based interface, for example, facilitates user feedback on ongoing projects through review and discussion. You may access resources and service providers and cooperate with other subscribers by integrating the service with GeoWorkz Marketplace, a work site for multilingual specialists.

A reporting and analytics tool provides metrics for gauging expenses, productivity, project scope, and more, all of which may be used to audit the platform’s operations.

The Geoworkz program has many useful features, but it also feels dated and clumsy compared to newer systems. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to commit, try the free trial (which is accessible for freelancers and agencies at their respective prices).

Pricing is based on monthly word count and might vary depending on the size of your organization.

Highlights

• Provides local tools in addition to translations
• Varying plans for different size users
• Good for providing paid translation services

2. MemQ Translator Pro

Memoq was developed by a team of professional translators and has practical and easy capabilities, making it an excellent tool for processing information.

This is widely regarded as the best translation software available, partially because of an interface that is intuitive enough for novice users while still having every function one could want (and then some), as well as a few extras that most people won’t use but will still find fascinating.

The ease of use for a first-time operator is incredible as you slowly realize the avenues this incredible software opens up. The price is about $615 for multi-language support.

Highlights

• You won’t have to retranslate anything, thanks to memoQ’s translation memory.
• One-click table/external database importation is possible with Term Base.
• Organizational Capabilities: Workflow Management, Quality Management, Collaboration, and Localization

3. GlobalLink

By providing localization and translation services for websites and software, GlobalLink assists businesses in overcoming international barriers.

The platform provides a suite of tools to help users overcome localization challenges. Each tool is useful on its own, but they also work better together as part of a comprehensive globalization management system (GMS) that streamlines operations for businesses scaling to global proportions.

Among these tools are a translation memory app, a review portal, and a localization platform with features like bespoke processes, CMS integration, and multi-vendor administration. A web-based management tool allows translation managers to update, evaluate, search, and remove existing phrases to ensure a unified business message.

GlobalLink’s extensive offerings make it a strong contender for organizations seeking a long-term solution to translating communications and breaking into international markets. A quotation is available on the site.

Highlights

• Excellent for scaling companies
• It makes workflow management and integration simple
• Allows users to send a clear, concise message

4. Phrase

Phrase facilitates easy, rapid, and transparent collaboration between companies and translators, designed specifically for the complex process of software and service localization. API-driven software powers the platform, which pulls linguistic data from the source code and makes it editable via a web-based editor.

Users manage their projects from a streamlined control panel that provides an overview of the translation process as a whole in real time. A few clicks are all it takes to maintain tabs on pending projects, unfinished translations, and documents needing proofreading. Thanks to Phrase’s email, in-app, and integrated messaging support for services like Slack, you can stay up-to-date on translations and comments even when you’re not in the dashboard.

When making corrections to several translations at once, the platform’s search tool may be particularly helpful for locating all text resources that include a specific term, while the platform’s proofreading features allow other translators to review content quickly and efficiently.

The Entry plan is perfect for one-off projects with small teams. In addition to the limitless projects available at lower price points, the Pro plan also includes a dictionary, in-context editor, and automatic translations.

Highlights

• Best Collaboration Tool
• User-Friendly Interface
• Easily integrate with other software

5. Memsource

Memsource is a system that facilitates the management of translations of papers, website assets, and translators. It may be used with little in the way of instruction, is very user-friendly, and is easily integrated with your CMS to automate your processes further. In addition to its desktop version, Memsource has a mobile app for Android and iOS devices.

This translation software provides two accounts with access to translators, round-the-clock technical assistance, and localization for various software. A basic monthly subscription costs $27 and includes 50,000 translated characters. The company’s Memsource Translate engine is driven by artificial intelligence and can translate documents of up to 500 words in under three minutes.

An uninitiated user will have little trouble navigating the straightforward layout.

Managing translations using Memsource is simple and inexpensive. Utilizing AI translation solutions, businesses may save money without compromising on accuracy, and its ability to connect with other programs makes it a fantastic option for companies looking to incorporate machine translation into their larger translation plans.

Highlights

• Delegation of Duties
• Glossary
• Quality Control
• Computerized Memory for Translation
• Mutually Beneficial Translation
• Management of Clients

6. Systran Translation

Systran Translation, available in more than 55 languages, is a real-time translation software that allows companies to collaborate and communicate easily with customers and team members. This allows you to maintain your content distribution over several different platforms seamlessly. Systran has been rooted in the translation industry for nearly half a century, and multi-billion dollar corporations look to them for translation support, including Nasa, Google, and other major heavyweights.

This computer software helps users translate documents, texts, images, web pages, and emails from one language to another. The user interface is so intuitive that it can be used anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, this software translates whole files or folders in just a few clicks.

Whether you need a website translated or documents for international business negotiations, Systran is an excellent choice for your needs.

Highlights

• Dictionary Manager
• Language Manager
• Interactive Translators
• Collaboration Tools
• Localization Automation
• Browser Extensions

7. Amazon Translate

When you need a translation in a hurry, turn to Amazon Translate, a machine translation service that employs a deep learning model to get accurate results in only seconds.

You may use this to localize content for apps, blogs, websites, and more. Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations are just some content types that may be translated locally. Amazon Translate also works with popular chat, help desk, and ticketing systems to facilitate communication between speakers of different languages. This platform runs you $15 for a million characters.

Highlights

• Both Batch and Real-Time Translations
• Diagnosis of Spoken Language by Computer
• Larger Language Support for a Wide Range of Content Types
• Combining Apps
• Specialized Jargon

8. Text United

To facilitate translation and localization, Text United has developed a web-based service. By combining in-house and freelance translators, it claims to provide “consistent and quality translation” that is superior to that of competing translation firms.

Text United is a versatile platform that facilitates project collaboration by allowing teams to track and modify translations in real time. You may get everything from a basic website text translation to a full-fledged program localization.

The interface is sleek, contemporary, and user-friendly, so users can concentrate on the meat of their projects rather than becoming bogged down in the mechanics of the software itself. Connecting with other services like Dropbox, Github, Bitbucket, SharePoint, and Outlook is an added bonus.

The base plan includes space for translation, phrase management, template editing, and support for search engine optimization in multiple languages.

Overlay editor, translation memory, terminology management, machine translation, and multilingual SEO assistance are all included in Text United’s base plan, while API support, data transfer, and platform integration are available in the company’s premium plan.

Highlights

• Lots of different features
• Easily integrated
• User-friendly interface

9. Paraphraise

Unlike other company localization solutions, Pairaphrase’s specialized technology translates between 60 distinct languages for professionals.

The software’s protected translation application is optimized for 24 file formats, including MS Excel and Powerpoint, and graphics platforms like InDesign, along with scanned documents, and allows for the simultaneous upload and translation of several files simultaneously. A plugin is also available to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Office programs like Word.

The translation wizard tool safeguards users’ data by erasing it once they have safely copied and pasted material into it, keeping the resulting translations in the company’s translation memory bank.

Voice-over translation is another helpful tool, allowing users to input a script file and receive the translated version as an MP3 or WAV file in 18 different languages. Together with its translation features, Pairaphrase also offers capabilities for real-time team communication.

Highlights

• Wide variety of files
• Audio translation
• Lots of languages covered

10. Crowdin

Crowdin is the translation and localization management platform that organizations and individuals can rely on when translating information into other languages. To facilitate translation, it provides several useful tools and display modes.

Crowdin is general-purpose translation software. Tasks may be assigned and completed, payments can be processed, and the whole team can work together on a single project. Thus, with Crowdin, teams can more precisely predict when a project will be completed and share information more effectively. Pricing starts at $40 per month.

Highlights

• Transferring Duties
• Terminology Translation
• Managed Systems Translation

11. Smartling

Smartling is a computer-assisted translation (CAT) program that may be used for the administration of the translation of documents, website content, and app localization. In addition to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, it works with other design programs, including Sketch and Figma.

Users admire Smartling’s adaptability to their translation workflows, although the learning curve is significant. Users have praised Smartling for its ability to incorporate AI-powered translation into their existing processes seamlessly.

With Smartling, businesses can easily translate their website and publish new material in many languages using machine translation technology.

Highlights

• Remarks on and Mentions of Task Delegation
• Combining Resources for a Glossary
• Quality Control via the use of linguistic machine translation

Each of the aforementioned machine translation software has its place in various workflows, depending on the size of your operation and the processes required daily. However, in certain cases, the problem isn’t understanding which or how to decide on the right program but understanding when to use translation software.

When Should I Use Machine Translation Software?

Machine translation has gone a long way from its early days and is now an amazing piece of technology. Engines developed recently can now compete with human translators in several areas. Content managers and other professionals can now take advantage of MT software’s benefits.

Human and Machine Translation

One of the most critical thought processes associated with MT software is remembering that you must border a fine line of decision making – when should I continue to use MT, and when should I turn services over using my in-house existing human translations?

The primary consideration will be the order in which various pieces of material are presented. Consider the following to make the most educated decision:

• What will happen to what I’m publishing? Where will it go?
• Who exactly is it being published for?
• To what end is this content catering?
• Can posts be updated after they’ve gone live?
• Is this material free of legal constraints, and does it adhere to all brand guidelines?

A skilled human translation will be needed for the most important content, such as legal or medical records. For this type of material, accuracy takes precedence over the speed of dissemination. A single slip-up might trigger a domino effect of problems.

Even something as simple as introducing a new landing page for your newest product is an example of high-priority content. This is where your brand’s voice and style really need to shine, so it’s a good idea for businesses to use the creative touch of a human translation in these cases.

Afterward, we can contemplate whether or not MT is the best option for each project. The level of complexity at play will determine the answer. For example:

Regarding sheer volume, MT can easily outrun human translators and squeeze enormous projects into more manageable windows of time.

Simplicity: MT works well with repeated and straightforward content, such as those which use well-defined vocabulary and terminology.

Again, MT will work well with content that doesn’t have a high sense of urgency or as high of a focus on clarity and brand voice. For instance, content destined for internal use may not need the same degree of polish as a landing page for a new product.

All you have to do is think about whether or not this text makes sense when translated automatically. Do I need the help of a professional translator to get some fresh ideas? Will the email I just sent survive in its current form permanently, or will I be able to retract my previous action?

Even launching a new landing page for your latest product is a perfect example of high-priority content: this is where brand voice and style need to shine, and companies should look to leverage the creative touch of a human translator.

From there, we can drill down even further and determine whether or not MT is the right choice for each project. However, this also depends on the intricacies of each specific project.

• Volume: If the goal is to produce as many translations as time allows, word-for-word, in a short time span, MT easily outworks a live translator, allowing the largest scope of jobs to be taken down in a more manageable window.
• Simplicity: When translating repetitive information with clearly defined language and terminology, MT can handle repetitive and simple text.
• Priority: Again, low-priority content will be perfect for MT. For example, content that will be used internally might not require the same level of polish as a landing page for a new product.

Machine Translation Software FAQs