The world with lots of flags - The best free online tools for translating

Translate for free with one click: The 10 best online translators

Stefan Petri
published:

Free online translators are a real must-have in our globalized world. Why? Well, because they can make your life easier in so many areas. Imagine you stumble across an interesting article on the internet, but it's written in a language you don't understand. No problem, just copy the text into an online translator and voilà, you can enjoy the content.

But it's not just about reading. Maybe you want to write something yourself, for example an email to a foreign business partner or a post for your international followers. An online translator will help you find the right words and avoid embarrassment. And the best thing is, you don't have to spend a penny.

Most of these tools are super easy to use. You don't have to install any special software or struggle through complicated menus. In most cases, a simple copy-paste operation is all you need to get your translation. And because many of these tools are based on AI and machine learning, the translations are often amazingly accurate and natural-sounding.

Versatility is also a big plus. Many online translators not only offer text translations, but also additional features such as language translation, website translation or even special specialist dictionaries. This makes them real all-rounders that can be useful in a wide variety of situations.

And then there's the speed. In a world where everything has to go faster and faster, you can't afford to wait for a translation. Online translators give you almost instant results, so you don't waste time and can focus on more important things.

In short, free online translators are an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to compete in the international arena. They're fast, easy to use and amazingly versatile. And because they're free, there's really no reason not to use them. Try it out and see for yourself! I present 10 of my recommendations for free translations in this blog post.

Table of contents

Translators at a glance

Translator nameAdvantagesDisadvantagesLanguagesApp availableCharacter limitAPI interface
DeepL- high quality
- user-friendliness
- speed
- data protection
- max.1500 characters are translated in the free version
- no specialization
- formal/informal only in Pro version
31yes (you must be online)1500 in the free versionyes
Google Translate- over 100 languages
- Integration with other services
- Can be used offline
- Many additional functions
- Quality of translation (especially for complex sentences)
- Data protection concerns
133yes (offline use possible)5000yes (offline use possible)
Microsoft Translator- Integration in Microsoft products
- Offline mode
- also language and image translations
- Advanced functions for a fee
- Fewer languages than Google Translate
- Quality not always good
129yes (offline use possible)1000yes
Reverso- Context-related translations
- Synonym dictionary, grammar help
- user friendliness
- Advertising
- Quality of translations for specialist texts not always good
26Yes 2000no(unofficially here)
Cambridge Free Online Translation Tool- Academic credibility:
- Focus on education:
- Quality of translations
- limited language support
- fewer features
- lots of advertising
19no 320yes
QuillBot AI Language Translator- Paraphrasing function
- Ease of use
- Integration with other tools:
- Quality of translations not always good
- Many things only possible in premium functions
45not official5000no
Yandex Translate- 100 languages
- many additional functions (translate images + documents)
- user-friendliness
- Quality of translations not always good
- Data protection concerns (from Russia)
- advertising
100Yes10000Yes
MyMemory- very large database
- user contributions
- easy use of the API interface
- Quality of translations not always good
- fewer features
- User interface
150no490yes
PROMT.One Online Translator- Specialized translations
- User-defined dictionaries
- App can also be used offline
- Only a few languages
- Quality of translations not always good
22yes999yes
iTranslate
- versatile functions
- user-friendliness
- Offline mode in the app
- Quality of translations not always good
- Possibly increased battery consumption in the app
100yesno limitno

DeepL: translate in the best quality

Free online translator DeepL

DeepL is my absolute favorite that you should definitely take a look at if you value quality. It "only" supports just under 30 languages, but the translations are really impressive. DeepL uses advanced AI technology that understands the context of your text. This means that the translations are not only literal, but also make sense. This is particularly useful if you need to translate longer texts or even documents .

But what makes DeepL really special is its accuracy. Many people who translate regularly swear by this tool because it often delivers better results than other well-known translators. So it's ideal if you really want to make sure that your translation is not only understandable, but also correct.

It's also super easy to use. You go to the website, insert your text and select the target language. And if you translate a lot, there's even a pro version with a few extra features.

So, if you're looking for a translation tool that offers a bit more in terms of accuracy and context, then DeepL is really worth considering. It may not be the most well-known tool out there, but it's right up there in terms of quality. You can even use it not only to translate, but also to rewrite texts.

In short, DeepL is perfect for you if you want more than just a quick, superficial translation. It's the tool for those who want to be precise. Incidentally, it offers an API interface for developers to quickly translate entire websites, for example.

Advantages:

  1. High translation quality: DeepL often provides more accurate and natural-sounding translations than many other translation services.
  2. Ease of use: The interface is simple and intuitive, which makes it easier to use.
  3. Speed: DeepL can translate large volumes of text in a very short time, which is particularly useful when you are pressed for time.
  4. Data protection: DeepL is based in Germany and is therefore subject to strict European data protection regulations.

Disadvantages:

  1. Cost: Although there is a free version (which only translates short texts), the premium features are chargeable. This can be expensive for extensive translations.
  2. Language selection: Compared to other services such as Google Translate, the number of languages supported is limited.
  3. Internet dependency: An Internet connection is required for use, which could be problematic in some situations.
  4. No specialization: While DeepL is good for general texts, it can reach its limits with very specialized or technical texts.

Google Translate

Free online translator Google Translate

Google Transl ate really is your savior in a (translation) emergency. This tool is not only free, but also super easy to use. You simply select the language you want to translate into, type in your text and bang - the translation is there.

But the best thing is that Google Translate is really smart. Thanks to AI and machine learning, the tool usually gets the translations pretty accurate. So whether you need to translate for work, school or just for fun, you can rely on this tool.

And if you travel a lot, there's also an app for that. It even has a conversation mode. Imagine you're abroad and want to chat to someone who doesn't speak the same language as you. With the conversation mode, that's no longer a problem.

All in all, Google Translate is a real all-rounder when it comes to translations. Whether you want to translate texts, documents or even entire websites , this tool is the first choice. So, if you want to get by in today's multilingual world, Google Translate is a must-have for you.

Advantages:

  1. Broad language support: Google Translate supports over 100 languages, making it extremely versatile.
  2. Integration with other services: It integrates easily with other Google services and third-party apps.
  3. Free of charge: The service is basically free and is sufficient for most applications.
  4. Additional functions: In addition to text translations, Google Translate also offers voice, handwriting and image translations.

Disadvantages:

  1. Quality of translation: although it is constantly improving, Google Translate still sometimes provides inaccurate or unnatural-sounding translations.
  2. Privacy concerns: As it is a Google product, there are concerns about privacy and data collection.
  3. Complex sentences: Translation quality can suffer with complex sentences or specialized text.
  4. Advertising and upselling: The free version contains advertising, and there are repeated attempts to direct users to paid Google services.

Microsoft Translator

Free online translator Microsoft Translator Bing
As you can see in this screenshot, even errors are corrected automatically (here "manyvideos" was written together, but correctly separated in the translation)

Microsoft Transl ator is not just a simple translator, but a complete translation platform that integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products such as Office and Skype. This is really handy if, for example, you have an international Skype conference and want to understand all participants.

What makes Microsoft Translator special is its versatility. It supports 60 languages and offers both text and voice translation. This means you can not only translate documents and emails , but also spoken language in real time. This is super useful for meetings or when you're traveling abroad.

It's also really easy to use. If you already use Microsoft products, you'll quickly find your way around. And even if you don't, the interface is intuitive enough that you don't have to spend a lot of time trying it out.

So, if you're looking for a translation tool that can do more than just translate words from one language to another, and that integrates well with your existing software landscape, then Microsoft Translator is a good choice. It's a real all-rounder that can make your life easier in many different situations.

In short, Microsoft Translator is ideal for you if you are looking for a versatile translation tool that integrates well.

Advantages:

  1. Integration with Microsoft products: Translator is seamlessly integrated with other Microsoft services such as Office and Teams, making it easier to use.
  2. Offline mode: Some languages can be downloaded for offline use, which is handy when no internet connection is available.
  3. Versatility: In addition to text translations, the service also offers voice and image translations.
  4. Privacy: Microsoft emphasizes privacy and compliance, which can be a plus for enterprise customers.

Disadvantages:

  1. Cost: Although there is a free version, the advanced features and higher usage rates come at a cost.
  2. Language support: The number of languages supported is less than Google Translate, but still quite extensive.
  3. Quality of translations: As with most automatic translators, quality can vary, especially for complex or specialized texts.
  4. User interface: The app and web interface are functional, but could be more user-friendly.

Reverso

Free online translator Reverso Translator

Reverso is another translation tool that you should really take a look at. It "only" supports 18 languages, but the quality of the translations is really great. You can not only translate individual words or sentences, but also entire blocks of text. And the great thing is that Reverso also gives you context. It shows you example sentences so that you can better understand how a word or phrase is used. This is super helpful if you not only want to translate, but also learn the language.

But that's not all. Reverso also has a few cool features that go beyond pure translation. For example, there is a synonym dictionary and even a conjugation tool for verbs. This is really handy if you want to delve deeper into a language.

It's also pretty easy to use. You just go to the website or download the app and get started. No bells and whistles, no complicated menus. Just enter the text and enjoy the translation.

So, if you're looking for a tool that does more than just translate words from one language to another, Reverso is a really good choice. It's not just a translation tool, but also a language learning tool. And who doesn't want both in one?

So, whether you're translating for work, university or just for fun, Reverso is definitely worth a look.

Advantages:

  1. Contextual translations: Reverso provides example sentences that show how a word or phrase is used in different contexts.
  2. Language tools: In addition to translations, Reverso also offers a synonym dictionary, conjugation tables and grammar aids.
  3. Ease of use: The website and app are easy to use and offer a clear, intuitive user interface.
  4. Free basic version: The free version is often sufficient for simple translation needs.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited language selection: Reverso does not support as many languages as some other translation services.
  2. Advertising: The free version contains advertising, which can sometimes be annoying.
  3. Quality of translations: Although the context is helpful, the translations are not always 100% accurate, especially for complex or specialized texts.
  4. Usage restrictions: In the free version, there is a limit to the number of words that can be translated, which could be problematic for more extensive projects.

Cambridge Free Online Translation Tool

Free online translator Cambridge Dictionary translator

Cambridge Free OnlineTranslation Tool is a versatile translation tool that helps you translate texts in a variety of languages. What makes it special is the fact that it is powered by Cambridge Dictionary, one of the most trusted sources of language resources. The tool is not only good for simple text translations, but also for more complex sentences and even entire paragraphs.

The user interface is quite simple and user-friendly. All you have to do is enter the text you want to translate and select the target language. You'll get an accurate translation in seconds. It supports a wide range of language pairs, which makes it ideal for people working or learning with multiple languages.

Another advantage is the integration with the Cambridge dictionary. This means that you not only get translations, but also context and meanings for specific words. This can be particularly useful if you're trying to understand the nuances of a language or expand your vocabulary.

The tool is completely free, making it a great option for students, translators and anyone who needs a quick and reliable translation without having to pay for it. Although it may not offer the advanced features of some paid services, it is more than sufficient for most everyday translation needs.

In summary, the Cambridge Free Online Translation Tool is a solid, reliable and free option for anyone who needs a quick and accurate translation. With Cambridge Dictionary support, it also provides valuable context beyond simple word-for-word translation.

Benefits:

  1. Academic credibility: as it was developed by the University of Cambridge, it has a certain academic credibility.
  2. Focus on education: It is particularly useful for students and academics who need accurate translations for research and study.
  3. Quality of translations: It often provides high-quality translations that can be useful in an academic context.
  4. Free of charge: As the name suggests, it's a free tool, which is always a plus.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited language support: it doesn't support as many languages as some of the other big players in the translation space.
  2. Fewer features: It doesn't offer many of the additional features such as language translation, image translation, etc. that are available in other tools.
  3. Not as user-friendly: The user interface is often less intuitive compared to other translation tools. Also a lot of advertising.
  4. Less well known: Because it is not as well known, there is less community support and resources compared to more popular translation tools.

QuillBot AI Language Translator

Free online translator QuillBot Translator

QuillBot AI Language Translator is a pretty cool translation tool based on artificial intelligence. It can translate texts into over 30 languages and even offers you integrated writing tools. This means you can not only translate texts, but also improve your writing skills at the same time. This is really handy if you're working on an essay or report, for example, and want to make sure everything is fluent and understandable.

It's super easy to use. You go to the website, enter your text, select the language you want to translate into and click on "Translate". You'll receive your translation in just a few seconds. And the best thing is that the AI technology behind QuillBot ensures that the translations not only sound correct, but also natural.

But what really sets QuillBot apart from other translation tools are the additional features. For example, you can use the writing mode to optimize your text, or the paraphrasing mode to rewrite sentences without changing the meaning. This is really useful if you're trying to avoid plagiarism or just get a fresh look at an old text.

The tool is free, but there is also a premium version with even more features. So, whether you're translating for school, work or just for fun, QuillBot is definitely worth a look. It's a versatile tool that not only helps you translate, but also helps you write.

In short, QuillBot is more than just a translation tool. It's a real language assistant that helps you write and communicate better.

Advantages:

  1. Paraphrasing feature: QuillBot excels at paraphrasing text, a feature that sets it apart from other translation tools.
  2. Ease of use: User interface is designed to be clear and user-friendly, making it easy to use.
  3. Integration with other tools: Integrates easily with various browsers and word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word.
  4. Free basic version: The free version of QuillBot is often sufficient for basic translation and paraphrasing tasks.

Disadvantages:

  1. Limited language support: QuillBot offers a more limited selection of languages compared to other translation tools
  2. Quality of translations: While it is strong at paraphrasing, the quality of its translations can fluctuate.
  3. Paid premium features: An upgrade to the paid premium version is required to access some of the advanced features.
  4. Internet dependency: In addition, a constant internet connection is required to use QuillBot, which could be a hindrance in certain circumstances.

Yandex Translate

Free online translator Yandex Translate

Yandex Transl ate is a free online translation tool developed by the Russian search engine Yandex. It's a real insider tip if you're looking for a solid alternative to the big names like Google Translate. The tool supports over 100 languages, from common ones like English and Spanish to less common ones like Uzbek and Tatar. This makes it super versatile and useful, no matter what languages you're working with.

It's really simple to use. You go to the website, enter your text and select the target language. You get your translation within seconds. And the great thing is that Yandex Translate also takes context into account, which makes the translations more natural and accurate. It uses machine learning and algorithms to constantly improve the quality of translations.

But what makes Yandex Translate really special are the additional features. For example, you can translate entire websites or use the mobile app to translate text and even images in real time. This is super handy if you're on the go or need a quick translation without having to get your laptop out first.

While it may not be as well known as other translation tools, Yandex Translate is in no way inferior in terms of functionality and accuracy. It's a great option if you're looking for a reliable and versatile translation tool that can help you on the go.

In short, Yandex Translate is an underrated but powerful translation tool that can make your life easier in many different situations.

Advantages:

  1. Free and easily accessible: Yandex Translate is free to use and accessible via web browsers or mobile apps, making it easily accessible to many users.
  2. Support for many languages: The service offers support for a wide range of languages, making it particularly useful for users working with less common languages.
  3. Fast translations: Like most online translators, Yandex Translate provides fast results, which can be helpful when quickly translating text or browsing foreign languages.
  4. Integration with other services: Yandex Translate can be integrated with other Yandex services and platforms, providing a seamless user experience.

Disadvantages:

  1. Accuracy and context issues: Although machine translation technologies have improved, Yandex Translate can sometimes miss context or cultural nuances, which can lead to inaccurate or misleading translations.
  2. Data and privacy concerns: As with many online services, there are concerns about data security and privacy, especially when translating confidential information.
  3. Less effective with complex texts: For literary, technical or very specific texts, Yandex Translate may struggle to provide an accurate and nuanced translation.
  4. Dependence on internet connection: As Yandex Translate is an online service, it is dependent on a stable internet connection. In areas with poor internet connection, this can be a problem.

MyMemory

Free online translator MyMemory

MyMemory is an interesting translation tool that stands out a little from the rest. It is not just a simple text translator, but also a huge translation database. The tool collects translations from various sources, including professional translation agencies, and makes them available to you. This is really handy if you are looking for special expressions or technical terms that are often not found in standard translators.

It is very easy to use. You go to the website, enter your text and select the target language. You then get not just one, but often several translation options. This gives you the opportunity to choose the one that suits you best. And because the database is constantly updated, the translations are usually pretty up-to-date and accurate.

Another cool feature is the ability to add your own translations. So if you know a better translation for a particular expression, you can add it to the database and help other users. This makes MyMemory a kind of community tool where everyone can benefit from the experience of others.

The tool is completely free, but there is also an API that you can integrate into your own projects. The prices for this vary, but the basic version is more than enough to get you started.

In short, MyMemory is not just a translation tool, but also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of languages. It's ideal for you if you want more than just a quick translation.

Advantages:

  1. Large database: MyMemory has a huge database of human translations, which can increase the quality of translations.
  2. Free of charge: The service is basically free, which is a big advantage for many users.
  3. API access: MyMemory offers an API that allows developers to integrate the translation service into their own applications.
  4. User contributions: The platform allows users to contribute their own translations, which further enhances the database.

Disadvantages:

  1. Quality of translations: Since it is a collection of human translations, the quality can vary.
  2. Limited language support: Compared to other services such as Google Translate or Yandex Translate, it supports fewer languages.
  3. Fewer features: It doesn't offer many of the additional features such as language or image translation that are available in other tools.
  4. User interface: The website is not as user-friendly and could be more modern.

PROMT.One Online Translator

Free online translator Prompt.One

PROMT.One OnlineTranslator is another interesting translation tool that stands out above all for its versatility. It not only offers text translations in various languages, but also the option to translate entire websites and documents. This is really handy if you want to browse a foreign website or translate a document for work or school, for example.

It's pretty easy to use. You go to the website, enter your text, select the target language and click on "Translate". You'll get your translation in just a few seconds. And the cool thing is that PROMT.One also takes context and grammar into account, which makes the translations more accurate and natural.

Another highlight is the option to use specialized dictionaries. This is super useful if you work in a certain field and need to translate specific technical terms. There is also a mobile app so you can translate on the go.

The tool is available in a free basic version, but there is also a premium version with advanced features. However, the free version is perfectly adequate for most everyday translation needs.

In short, PROMT.One is a versatile and user-friendly translation tool that can make your life easier in many different situations. It offers a good mix of simplicity and functionality, making it suitable for both casual users and professionals.

Advantages:

  1. Specialized translations: PROMT.One offers specialized translation options for different industries such as legal, medical and technical.
  2. Offline use: Some versions of the service allow translations without an internet connection, which can be convenient.
  3. Customized dictionaries: Users can create their own dictionaries to improve the quality of translations.
  4. Versatile platform: In addition to the web version, there are also desktop and mobile applications, which makes it more flexible to use.

Disadvantages:

  1. Cost: while there is a free version, many of the advanced features are only available in the paid version.
  2. Language support: Compared to other translation platforms, the number of languages supported is rather limited.
  3. User interface: The user interface could be more intuitive and modern.
  4. Quality of translations: Although there are specialized translation options, the overall quality of translations can vary.

iTranslate: translate as an app and on desktop

Free online translation tools iTranslate

iTranslate is not only a super handy app for mobile devices, but is also available as a web version for desktop. This makes it a really versatile tool that you can use on the go as well as at work or at home. You simply go to the website, enter your text and get an accurate translation in seconds. This is really handy if you work on a PC and don't want to be constantly reaching for your smartphone.

It's super easy to use, whether on your cell phone or computer. You select your languages, enter the text or simply speak it, and voilà, you have your translation. The offline mode in the app is particularly cool, allowing you to translate even without an internet connection.

What sets iTranslate apart from other tools are the many additional features. For example, there is a language translation mode that allows you to translate spoken sentences in real time. This is really useful if you want to talk to people in different languages.

The basic version is free, but there is also a Pro version with advanced features such as camera translation and website translator. However, the free version is perfectly adequate for most everyday translation needs.

To summarize, iTranslate is an all-round versatile translation tool that can help you on both your smartphone and desktop PC. It is easy to use and offers a lot of useful features that can make your life easier in many situations.

Advantages:

  1. Broad language support: iTranslate supports over 100 languages, making it one of the most versatile translation tools.
  2. Versatile functions: In addition to text translations, iTranslate also offers voice, website and even camera translations.
  3. Ease of use: The app is very user-friendly and offers an intuitive interface.
  4. Offline mode: Some languages can be downloaded for offline use, which is useful in situations without an internet connection.

Cons:

  1. Cost: While there is a free version, many of the best features are only available in the paid Pro version.
  2. Quality of translations: While it supports many languages, the quality of translations can vary depending on the language.
  3. Battery consumption: Users have reported that the app can consume quite a bit of battery, especially when using the voice recognition features.
  4. Privacy: As this is an app, there are potential privacy and data storage concerns.
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Published on by Stefan Petri
Published on:
From Stefan Petri
Together with his brother Matthias, Stefan Petri runs the popular specialist forum PSD-Tutorials.de and the e-learning platform TutKit.com, which focuses on the training and further education of digital professional skills.
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