D
DGoogle Translate vs Smartcat
Pricing, features, platforms and who each one suits — side by side.
G
Choose Google Translate if…
- you want a free plan to start with
- you work on iOS, Android
- you're in its core audience: travelers, students
S
Choose Smartcat if…
- you need an API to build on
- you want to trial it before paying
- you're in its core audience: enterprise localization teams, l&d teams
Side by side
Feature Google Translate Smartcat
Pricing modelFreeFree trial
Starting priceFree$100/mo
Free plan
Free trial
API
Open source
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb, API
CategoryTranslationTranslation
CompanyGoogleSmartcat
Based in——
Founded——
Part of——
Key features
G
- Text translation across many languages
- Document translation that keeps formatting
- Website translation by entering a URL
- Camera translation of text you point your phone at
- Conversation mode for talking with someone in another language
- Transcribe for translating speech as it is spoken
- Offline translation with downloaded languages
- Voice and handwriting input
S Smartcat
- AI translation in 280+ languages
- AI Coworkers for translation, review and QA
- CAT tool and translation management system
- Marketplace of 500K+ human language experts
- File translation for PDF, Excel, InDesign, XLIFF
- Video, audio and subtitle translation
- Free translation memory on all plans
- API access on higher plans
Plans and prices
From each vendor's site. Prices change — confirm before buying.
Google Translate
Free. Plan details aren't published.
Smartcat
Adapt$1,200
AccelerateCustom
AnticipateCustom
AutonomousCustom
Strengths and limitations
Google Translate
- Available on the web, Android and iOS
- Offline translation for downloaded languages
- Input by text, voice, handwriting, camera or document
- Saved translations sync across devices
- The product page doesn't list pricing or usage limits
- The product page doesn't give a total language count
Smartcat
- Supports 280+ languages
- 15-day free trial with no credit card, including API access
- Unlimited users from the entry plan
- Translation memory included free on all plans
- Entry plan starts at $1,200 per year
- Higher tiers are custom-priced only
- API, SSO and 2FA are on the Anticipate tier and above
More comparisons
Other options to consider
DD
Freemium
D
AI translation for text, documents and voice, for individuals and businesses
TranslationFree planAPI
M
Text, speech and document translation apps and API for people and businesses
Freemium
M
Freemium
M
Text, speech and document translation apps and API for people and businesses
TranslationFree planAPI
C
CC
Freemium
C
Localization platform for translating software, apps, games, websites and docs
TranslationFree planAPI
P
PP
From $27/mo
P
Translation management and localization platform for teams, developers and LSPs
TranslationAPI
S
SS
From $18.99/mo
L
LL
From $149/mo
Built from each vendor's public website; we haven't tested them hands-on. Editorial policy