The 20 Best Translation Apps for Mobile

Need to decipher a menu in a foreign country or understand a message in a different language? There’s a translation app for that! With so many language translator apps available, it can be tough to choose the right one. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 translation apps, comparing their features, ease of use, and accuracy. You’ll find powerhouse options like Google Translate, Talking Translator, and Microsoft Translator, which offer real-time translation, voice recognition, and even offline modes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to learn a new language, this guide will help you find the perfect app for your needs.

Top app for translation

1. Google Translate

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Google Translate is my go-to translation app because it's simply the best out there. It supports over 100 languages and is incredibly accurate, especially with its offline translation feature for 59 languages, which is a lifesaver when I'm traveling. I love that I can point my camera at a sign and get an instant translation or even use the handwriting feature to translate something I can't type. It's super user-friendly and has tons of features, making it the most helpful and reliable translation app I've ever used.

Google Translate - Translate 108 languages, Offline translation, Instant camera translation

Key Features:

  • Translate text between over 100 languages
  • Translate conversations in real-time
  • Translate images and photos instantly

✨ Read more: app for audio translation

2. Talking Translator

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Cost: Free Plan (Free), Premium Plan ($4.99 per month)

Talking Translator is a sleek and intuitive translation app that shines in its ability to translate spoken language with remarkable accuracy. The app boasts impressive audio quality and contextual translation, capturing the essence of long sentences rather than relying on a word-for-word approach. Users rave about its ability to translate even complex languages like Latin, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of situations. While the app's interface can be slightly cumbersome, particularly when accessing the keyboard for text input, the seamless voice recognition and translation more than make up for it.

Talking Translator - Instant translation, Shared View mode, Offline voice recognition

Key Features:

  • Instant translation with voice recognition
  • Supports over 100 languages
  • Shared view for real-time communication

✨ Read more: app for audio to text

3. Microsoft Translator

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I've tried a bunch of translation apps, but Microsoft Translator is hands down the best. It supports a whopping 70+ languages, which is more than most other apps, and it even lets you translate stuff offline. I love that it can translate photos and voice, so it's super useful for traveling or just trying to understand what someone's saying. Plus, it's super accurate, which is super important for getting the right meaning across. Overall, it's a game changer for anyone who needs to communicate across language barriers.

Microsoft Translator - Text translation, Camera translation, Voice translation

Key Features:

  • Translate text, voice, and images
  • Offline translation for downloaded languages
  • Multi-person conversation translation

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4. DeepL

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DeepL is the ultimate translation app for anyone who needs to communicate across languages. Forget about clunky translations that leave you confused, DeepL uses cutting-edge technology to deliver translations that are remarkably accurate and natural-sounding. Independent testing has shown DeepL outperforms Google Translate by a significant margin, with an average of 10% better accuracy, especially when it comes to nuanced meanings and idiomatic expressions. This means you can confidently rely on DeepL to convey your message clearly and avoid misunderstandings, making it the ideal tool for students, travelers, and anyone who wants to break down language barriers.

DeepL - Accurate translations, Speech translation, Text to speech

Key Features:

  • Translates text between over 30 languages
  • Provides accurate and fast translations
  • Offers speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionality

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5. Naver Papago

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Naver Papago is a top-tier translation app that's become a lifesaver for me, particularly when navigating Asian languages. While Google Translate has been the go-to for years, Papago is neck and neck in accuracy, especially for short phrases. What truly sets it apart is the incredibly natural AI pronunciation, far exceeding Google Translate and often indistinguishable from a human speaker. It's a game-changer for language learners and travelers, and I'm particularly impressed with the voice recognition feature, which works flawlessly. While the app doesn't yet have an offline mode, which would be ideal for travel, its overall accuracy and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for anyone seeking reliable and intuitive translation.

Naver Papago - Real-time translation, Image translation, Offline translation

Key Features:

  • Translates text, images, and voice
  • Supports 14 languages, including Korean, English, and Japanese
  • Offers offline translation for convenience

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Other translation app

The most important factors when choosing a translation app

  1. Accuracy: The most crucial factor is the app's ability to accurately translate text and speech.
  2. Language Coverage: Make sure the app supports the languages you need to translate.
  3. Features: Consider features like real-time translation, offline mode, voice recognition, image translation, and pronunciation guides.
  4. User Interface: A user-friendly interface is important for quick and efficient translation.