Where do you go when you need a quick translation to another language? A friend or a foreign language dictionary? You can use a handy browser extension if you need to translate words often. But, you might not want to install one or your company may not allow it.
These free online translators are perfect for fast word or sentence swapping to another language. And some offer extra features that make them even better. When you find the best translator for your needs, don't forget to bookmark it so that it's always close at hand.
1. Google Translate
One of the most popular online translation services is offered by Google. And if you search Google for translators, its own handy tool will pop right up above your search results. This means you do not have to open another website.
But if you have a lengthy amount of text to translate, the Google Translate site is your spot. You have more space for your text and can choose your input method from handwriting or keyboard options. Other features you might like include saving, listening to, sharing, or copying the translated text.
In addition, you can suggest an edit if you believe the translation is incorrect. Google Translate provides over 100 languages.
Related: How to Instantly Translate Text Using the Google Translate App
2. Bing Translator
Another big name in translators is Bing, which uses Microsoft Translator. You can select your input language or have the site automatically detect it as you type. If you have your microphone enabled, you can speak the text you want to be translated, which is convenient.
After you receive the translation, you have options to hear it aloud in a male or female voice, share it, or search Bing with it. And, you can give the translation a thumbs-up or thumbs-down if you would like to provide a little feedback. This translator offers over 60 languages.
3. Translatedict
On Translatedict, you can choose from over 50 languages and use auto-detect for your own dialect. Just enter your word, phrase, or a large amount of text, pick the translation language, and hit the Translate button. You'll see the written translation and can click the sound button to hear it out loud.
If you're using the translation in written communication, you'll see helpful word and character counts at the bottom. This is great for texts or social media posts where you have limited space.
Translatedict also provides areas solely for the voice translator and text-to-speech feature. Plus, you can request help with professional translations and receive a quote by filling out the online form.
4. Translate.com
A good translator that uses Microsoft's service, but offers over 30 languages is Translate.com. You can use your voice or keyboard to enter the text, then read or listen to the translation.
If you believe the translation should be reviewed, you can obtain a human translation with the first 100 words free. Just click the contact icon and sign in or create an account.
5. DeepL Translator
The DeepL Translator is a really cool tool with its definitions and automatic sentence completion options. You can choose from 26 languages and when you receive the translation, just double-click a word for more details.
When you select that word in the translation, you will see a dropdown box with more options. You can also take a look at the word definition that pops up at the bottom of the page at the same time. Plus, you will see examples of the word being used in both the input and output languages. This is great if you are trying to learn the language you are translating into.
6. Babylon Online Translator
While Babylon does offer software that you can download for translations, you can also check out its online option. With over 75 languages and a simple swap option, the site may not have the bells and whistles like others, but is reported to be quite accurate.
If your business situation could benefit from a professional translator, Babylon offers that service as well. Just click the Human Translation button on the online translator page, and you will be directed to that section of the site for the details.
7. PROMT Online Translator
PROMT Online Translator does not offer as many languages as other translators. The list is limited to about 20 languages so far. But it does have other nice features. Use automatic language detection and even choose a topic for the translation.
You can then copy, paste, check the spelling, or access a dictionary. There is also a virtual keyboard so if you are using the site on a tablet, for example, popping in your words or sentences is simple. PROMT also offers translation software that you can purchase and download.
8. Collins Dictionary Translator
If you use the Collins Dictionary website for looking up definitions or synonyms, then take a look at the translator. You can input text and translate it to and from over 60 languages.
While this translator has minimal features, the translations come from Microsoft and there is a convenient copy button for the text you receive. If you are in the market for a basic translator on a site with a dictionary, thesaurus, and grammar tools, Collins Dictionary is the one for you.
9. ImTranslator
ImTranslator is a great site for translations and comparisons at the same time. You can get a simple translation, back translation, and comparison between PROMT, Google, and Microsoft translators. The site offers tons of languages as it links to other popular translation services like Google too.
As for extras, there are a bunch of helpful tools like the Back Translation tool which automatically translates the target text back to the original—this helps you compare for accuracy.
Take advantage of the automatic language detection, dictionary, spelling, and decoder feature with checkmarks. Or use the buttons to copy, paste, use text-to-speech, or share the translation via email. ImTranslator also provides special accent characters that include currency, math, and company symbols.
10. SpanishDict
If your main translation needs are English to Spanish, then SpanishDict is your ideal choice. Right on the main page, you can pop in the text you need translating. But what's nice about this Spanish translator is that it includes a special character set too.
When you see the translation box, just click the arrow to expand it with accent buttons. If you have received text in Spanish and need to translate it to English, those characters come in handy. And, of course, you can translate the opposite way as well. Other good features are the definitions and examples you receive with your translation.
For more, check out the best apps for learning Spanish.
11. Reverso
Reverso is a website offering a host of free communication technologies. It makes use of Neural Machine Translation (NMT), an approach to machine translation through artificial neural networks. Its services range from translation, spelling and grammar checks to dictionaries, context checkers, and more.
With support available for most of the popular languages like German, Spanish, English, Chinese, Japanese, and more, it currently serves around 60 million active users on the web. Apart from the online translation tools, you can also install its browser extension. Reverso is also available as an app for Android, iPhone, Mac, and Windows platforms.
But, if you are an organization looking for something more solid, you should try the Reverso Corporate Translator, a paid and enhanced version of the free online translation service.
Find the Best Translator for Your Needs
A communication barrier is a real thing! And doubly so if you are dealing with an unfamiliar language. Each of these online translators gets the job done. Since each of the tools that we've listed here has different features to offer, try more than one to see which you like the best.