A translator app makes it easy to translate individual words or entire sentences using your smartphone. The apps are available for download from the respective app store and support different features such as speech recognition.

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Overview of the best translator app

Updated: April 2022

Languages available Offline mode Speech recognition Free iOS Android
Google Translate 109
iTranslate 91 Yes, but paid extensions
Linguee 24
Microsoft Translator 58
PONS 24 Yes, but paid extensions
SayHi Translate 55
DeepL 26

Google Translate: the search giant’s translation app

Millions of people are already using the free Google Translate app via their mobile browser or as an app on their smartphone. The app can translate 59 different languages without an Internet connection and supports various functionalities. For example, users can upload photos with foreign-language text which are auto-recognized and translated into the target language. Instead of using the keyboard, the text that needs to be translated can also be handwritten.

Advantages Disadvantages
Translate photos or recordings Not all languages supported offline
Handwritten input of words possible Translations of sentences partially incorrect
Storage of requested translations Quality of translation is not the same for all languages
Translate bilingual conversations
Transcription

iTranslate: a comprehensive and modern translation app

  • App for Android and iOS
  • Free version
  • Pro version from $5.99 per month (iOS) or $2.99 (Android)

iTranslate is an award-winning app for translation that supports over 90 languages. The basic app is free, while the Pro version is available with a monthly subscription. In addition to translations, the free app boasts dictionaries with synonyms and can detect dialects. In addition to the offline mode, the paid pro version of the app supports features such as instant translation of signs or menu cards. Conversations can also be translated.

Advantages Disadvantages
Award-winning design Some features incur charges
Supports Apple Watch Voice output requires Internet connection
Dictionaries with synonyms

Linguee dictionary: a classic in app form

The language translator app Linguee is free, available offline and is already used by millions of people. There’s an integrated translation search engine, which means you have access to over one billion translations from the internet so you can find the best one that fits your situation. The app does not use machine-translation to provide examples of words in context, but rather it sources words from articles in the original language. Simply start typing a word and autofill will help you fill it in, saving you precious time.

Advantages Disadvantages
Excellent app for finding translations for specialized terminology Often difficult to find exact translation in the source text
Offline use Minor UI bugs
Autofill saves you time

Microsoft Translator: on the heels of Google

Microsoft tried to compete with Google’s translator app in the past, but it took until the launch of the free Microsoft Translator app to succeed. More than 70 languages are supported via text or image or audio input. Translating entire conversations is no big challenge for Microsoft’s application. The most frequent or most important search entries can be saved for faster access.

Advantages Disadvantages
Plenty of functions Weaknesses in translating complex sentences
Smartwatch support Quality of the translation varies depending on the language
Idiomatic translation of short sentences
Offline mode

PONS Translate: the best translation app for people interested in linguistics

  • App for Android and iOS
  • Free basic version
  • Additional language packages available from $2.99 to $18.49 (Android and iOS)

PONS dictionaries are popular. The publisher’s repertoire includes a free app. However, to use all of its features, an annual subscription is necessary to support the desired language. In addition to translating individual words, the translator app displays example sentences to aid translation. Offline usage is also supported.

Advantages Disadvantages
Detailed information about translations Translation of complex sentences not always precise
Supports languages like Latin Language packages are rather expensive
Sentence examples for translations

SayHi Translate: the transportable interpreter

SayHi is a subsidiary of Amazon. The translation app SayHi Translate is a portable interpreter that is free to download and use. The easy-to-use app translates over 50 different languages using speech recognition and even recognizes dialects. However, keyboard input is also supported and can be adapted for different languages. Different voice patterns (male/female) are available for voice output, depending on the language. The output speed can also be adjusted. However, an Internet connection is required to use the app.

Advantages Disadvantages
Broad range of languages No offline use
Well-functioning voice recognition and voice output Voice output sounds unnatural
Ease of use

DeepL: translation with the help of artificial intelligence

DeepL launched its online translator in 2017 that claims to achieve some of the best translation results in blind testing. DeepL is a free translator app that supports 26 languages. Results are natural-sounding and grammatically correct for the most part. Text that needs to be translated can be entered using the keyboard, copy-and-paste, a device’s microphone or using a photo.

DeepL automatically recognizes the source language, but it can be set manually to. Text output is fast and happens while typing. Audio voice output is possible for both source and target languages. The free app version supports texts up to a character length of 5,000 characters. By adding a DeepL Pro account, available from $5.99 per month, you can use the translation function without character limitation.

Advantages Disadvantages
Very precise translations Supports fewer languages
In-app dark mode No offline mode
Speedy voice recognition Limited to 5,000 characters per request

Summary

Finding the translator app that suits you best is not easy. What makes for the best translation app ultimately depends on your needs.

If you value speech recognition and voice output, take a look at SayHi Translate. If you just want a single word or phrase translated from English into another language then Linguee and PONS are highly recommended due to their huge vocabulary.

Smartwatch owners should take a look at Microsoft Translator or Google Translator because both apps are based on modern hardware. For a good all-rounder, either one would be a good choice. Due to the large number of supported languages, the apps are particularly versatile and ideally suited for everyday use.

DeepL is more of an insider tip. Although it supports fewer languages than some of its competitors, the quality of translations is outstanding.

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