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Tools/Microsoft Translator vs Smartling

Microsoft Translator vs Smartling

Which one should you choose? Here's how they compare.

FeatureMicrosoft TranslatorSmartling
Rating3.94.3
PricingFreeCustom pricing
Typefreepaid
CompanyMicrosoftSmartling
Founded20152009

Microsoft Translator Features

  • 70+ languages
  • Offline mode
  • Office integration
  • API

Smartling Features

  • Translation management
  • AI translation
  • Workflow automation
  • Integrations

Microsoft Translator Pros

  • Free
  • Offline mode
  • Office integration

Microsoft Translator Cons

  • Fewer languages than Google
  • Less accurate
  • Smaller community

Smartling Pros

  • Enterprise-grade
  • Great workflow tools
  • Wide integrations

Smartling Cons

  • Expensive
  • Complex setup
  • Not for individuals

The Verdict

Microsoft Translator and Smartling are two of the most popular tools in the translation category, but they take different approaches to solving the same problems. Microsoft Translator, developed by Microsoft (founded 2015), is described as "microsoft's translation service with offline capabilities.". Meanwhile, Smartling by Smartling (founded 2009) "enterprise translation management platform with ai-powered translation memory and workflow automation.". In terms of overall user satisfaction, Smartling edges ahead with a rating of 4.3/5.0, compared to Microsoft Translator's 3.9/5.0 — a difference of 0.4 points. Smartling's strongest advantages include enterprise-grade, great workflow tools, while Microsoft Translator is praised for free. On the pricing front, Microsoft Translator offers a free model at Free, making it the more budget-friendly option for teams watching their spend. Neither tool is perfect: Microsoft Translator's main drawbacks include fewer languages than google, less accurate, while Smartling users typically cite expensive as its biggest limitation. However, Microsoft Translator has an edge in business translation, which might be the tiebreaker if that's important to you. In terms of target audience, Microsoft Translator is particularly popular among business users and office workers, while Smartling tends to attract enterprises and localization teams. Our verdict: Smartling is the stronger choice overall, especially if you value enterprise-grade. However, if free matters more to your workflow, Microsoft Translator remains a solid alternative.

Choose Microsoft Translator if:
  • • You need free
  • • You need offline mode
Choose Smartling if:
  • • You need enterprise-grade
  • • You need great workflow tools