In the not-so-distant past, relying on automatic machine translation was a risky proposition, often yielding inaccurate results, especially for complex content. Fast forward to today, our smartphones has become powerful translators, conveniently fitting in our pockets and, best of all, free of charge.
Language translation apps have become essential tools for a wide range of users, from travelers exploring foreign lands to language learners and professionals engaged in international business. These apps, available for both Android and iOS, come with their unique features and limitations.
In this article, we will introduce you to the top translation apps for Android and iOS that make your smartphone your go-to versatile language assistant.
What Is a Language Translation App?
A language translation app is a software application designed to facilitate the conversion of text or spoken language from one language into another. These apps use various algorithms and databases to analyze and translate words, phrases, sentences, or even entire documents from the source language to the target language.
The best free language translation apps can be used on smartphones, tablets, and computers, allowing users to communicate, understand, or convey information in languages they may not be proficient in. Moreover, these apps are available for both iPhone vs. Android users.
The Top Translation Apps for Android and iOS
The changing app development trends have led to the rise of various translation apps. To make the selection process easy for you, we’ve curated a list of the top best translation apps for both Android and iOS.
1. Speak & Translate
Speak & Translate is an ideal iOS translation app for business or travel. It offers offline support for ten languages. The app supports text translation for 117 languages and voice translations for 54 of them, available online. It boasts Apple Speech Recognition Technology for quick real-time translations, multi-tasking on iPads, Apple Watch compatibility, and an iOS widget with an offline phrasebook.
Key Features
- Offline support for 10 languages.
- Online text translation for 117 languages and voice translation for 54 languages.
- Intuitive UI for easy language selection and conversation initiation.
- Utilizes Apple Speech Recognition Technology for faster translations.
- Multi-tasking on iPads and Apple Watch support.
- iOS widget with the offline phrasebook.
- Offers a three-day trial with the option for a monthly subscription, providing unlimited translations, offline support, and an ad-free experience.
2. Google Translate
Google Translate stands among the best translation apps for both Android and iOS users. Trusted by millions, this service is a creation of the tech giant Google. It offers the flexibility to initiate translations through speaking, capturing images, writing, or typing, allowing users to choose their preferred method. The Android version of Google Translate seamlessly integrates with other applications, enhancing the overall translation experience.
Key Features
- Supports translation of 103 languages when connected to the internet through typing.
- Offers offline translation for 59 languages.
- Provides instant camera translation for 38 languages, allowing text in images to be translated by pointing the camera.
- Allows for photo translation in 50 languages.
- Facilitates real-time bilingual conversation translation in 32 languages.
- Offers the option to input text characters by drawing, eliminating the need for typing.
3. SayHi
SayHi Translate stands out as one of the simplest and best free translation apps on our list. It maintains a sharp focus on the core task of translation, avoiding an overload of features. This app excels at facilitating conversations in two languages, much like Google Translate’s Conversation mode, offering real-time translated transcriptions right at your fingertips.
Key Features
- Swiftly switch between languages by tapping the language labels during your conversation.
- Effortlessly change languages, select from male or female voices (where available), and adjust speech speed as needed.
- Conveniently copy or share your conversations via email, SMS, Facebook, or Twitter by tapping and holding on a translation.
- Localization in multiple languages enhances user accessibility.
4. iTranslate Translator
iTranslate, while sharing a name similar to a native iOS app, extends its reach to Android and enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a comprehensive voice translation app. What sets it apart is its incorporation of dictionary functionalities, including verb conjugations, synonyms, and more, integrated seamlessly within translations. iTranslate empowers users to translate text or voice across a vast spectrum of over 100 languages.
Key Features
- Varied voices and dialects for listening to translations.
- Effortless access to previous translations.
- Convenient storage of frequently used translations.
- The ability to operate iTranslate alongside other applications.
- Automatic language detection.
- Simple copy and sharing options for translations.
5. TripLingo
TripLingo is a comprehensive travel app for those frequently on the move. In addition to text, voice, and image translation, it provides cultural guides, a tip calculator, and a currency converter. The app covers many countries and offers instant voice translation for 42 languages, as well as the ability to translate street signs, pamphlets, and menus through the camera. It is the best translation app for free on the list.
Key Features
- Cultural guides and tools like a tip calculator and currency converter.
- Support for over 100 countries.
- Instant voice translation for 42 languages.
- Camera translation for street signs, pamphlets, and menus.
- 10,000-word offline dictionary.
- Flashcards, quizzes, and audio lessons for language learning.
- Wi-Fi dialer for international calling (requires in-app credits).
6. Microsoft Translator
While Google Translate remains one of the most widely used audio translation apps, its rival, Microsoft, isn’t far behind in the race. Microsoft Translator offers a robust, free, and personal translation experience, encompassing over 60 languages for translating text, voice, conversations, camera images, and screenshots. Furthermore, it generously allows users to download languages for offline translation at no cost, making it a reliable travel companion.
Key Features
- Camera translation facilitates the translation of text within photos and screenshots.
- Voice translation for spoken language conversion.
- A split-screen mode enables bilingual conversations between two participants.
- Multi-person conversation translation, accommodating in-person discussions involving up to 100 people, spanning multiple languages.
- The option to explore alternative translations and word meanings.
- Context menu translation for translating text within other apps seamlessly.
7. Naver Papago Translate
Naver Papago is a small voice translation app for Android devices as well as iOS devices that works well as a handwriting translation app. This translation app extends its support to 13 languages, including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Russian, German, and Italian.
Key Features
- Real-time translation of phrases.
- Instant voice translation.
- One-on-one conversations with foreigners, where both parties can speak in their native languages.
- Capture an image, highlight text with your finger, and receive real-time translation.
- Access to dictionary information for exploring additional meanings.
8. TextGrabber
TextGrabber is a free language translator app that streamlines the translation process, offering remarkable ease and speed. By simply pointing your mobile camera at printed text, TextGrabber swiftly captures and recognizes it offline, eliminating the need for an internet connection. What sets it apart is the real-time recognition mode, extracting information from documents and any surface in over 60 languages.
Key Features
- Real-time text recognition in 60+ languages.
- Instant translation directly on the camera screen into 100+ languages online.
- With an internet connection, full-text translation is available in 100+ languages.
- All captured texts can be conveniently managed, edited, deleted, or merged in the notes list.
9. U-Dictionary
U-Dictionary is a rising star among translation and dictionary apps, offering text translations for 108 languages, with offline support for 44 and camera translations for 12. Popular languages include Chinese, Turkish, Italian, Hindi, and various other languages. Unique features include “tap to translate” and “quick search” for instant word meanings and translations. U-Dictionary distinguishes itself with extra content, including English articles, games, quizzes, and a writing club.
Key Features
- Text translations for 108 languages.
- Offline support for 44 languages.
- Camera translations are available in 12 languages.
- Unique “tap to translate” and “quick search” features.
- Access to English articles, games, quizzes, and a writing club.
10. Yandex.Translate
Another one of the free voice translator apps, Yandex.Translate is a comparable alternative to Google Translate, offering translations across 90 languages online, with limited offline support for specific languages like French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish to English. The app covers standard features like voice and camera translations. Notably, it includes a history and favorites section for saving translations and also functions as a dictionary app, providing definitions, synonyms, and usage examples.
Key Features
- Online translation for 90 languages.
- Standard voice and camera translation capabilities.
- History and favorites section for saving translations.
- Functions as a dictionary app, offering definitions, synonyms, and usage examples.
- User-friendly interface for ease of use.
Summing Up!
At last, selecting the right free translation app, whether you’re using Android or iPhone, hinges on a clear understanding of your specific requirements. If your language needs go beyond basic holiday directions and include more intricate conversations, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen app is well-equipped to meet those demands. By matching the app’s capabilities with your language goals, you can enhance your overall communication experience.
Ready to create an app that users love? Make sure to get in touch with a professional app development company like Codment.
