9 Best Machine Translation Software to Try and Use

Best Machine Translation Software: Top Tools, Uses, and Key Benefits

Machine translation software helps businesses translate text into different languages quickly and at scale. These artificial intelligence (AI) tools automate language translation, saving time and money while reaching broader audiences. In this guide, we cover the best machine translation platforms, main use cases, benefits, and when to choose machine translation over human-generated translations.

9 Top Machine Translation Software Platforms

Here are nine highly-rated machine translation tools businesses and individuals can use to translate documents, websites, and more.

1. Google Translate

• Offers translations for over 100 languages.
• Uses neural machine translation (NMT) for better context and accuracy since 2016 (Google AI Blog, 2016).
• Free and easy to use for text, documents, web pages, images, and handwriting.

2. DeepL Translator

• Uses advanced neural networks for nuanced translations (DeepL, 2017).
• Translates 26 languages; praised for high accuracy and natural results.
• Simple design and easy integration with Windows and iOS, but limited language support.

3. Reverso Translation

• Supports 18 languages for both typed and spoken input.
• Features document translation, pronunciation guides, and contextual examples.
• Helps users learn vocabulary and language skills with explanations and sample sentences.

4. Microsoft Translator

• Provides translations for 105 languages using neural machine translation (NMT).
• Offers real-time translation of voice, images, documents, and links.
• Uses attention-based AI algorithms for more accurate results.

5. Crowdin

• Designed for localization project management.
• Includes machine and human translation features, collaborative tools, and translation memory.
• Integrates with platforms like Shopify and WordPress for easy workflow.

6. TextUnited

• User-friendly interface for translating documents and websites.
• Features collaboration, assignment management, terminology, and translator databases.
• Tracks translation progress and quality control.

7. Smartling

• Supports website, app, and document localization.
• Integrates with creative tools like Photoshop and Figma.
• AI-powered services with glossary support, task delegation, and quality assurance tools.

8. Systran Translate

• One of the first companies to offer machine translation, established in 1968.
• Translates in over 55 languages with reliable, real-time results.
• Supports batch translation for files, emails, web pages, and more.

9. Amazon Translate

• Delivers high-quality, custom translations using state-of-the-art AI (Amazon, 2023).
• Supports various file formats and automatic language detection.
• Integrates with apps, blogs, help desks, chat, emails, and more.

What Is Machine Translation?

Machine translation (MT) refers to software that automatically converts text from one language to another using artificial intelligence. MT can process large amounts of text in seconds, making it essential for fast-paced business environments.

Types of Machine Translation

• Statistical Machine Translation (SMT): Learns from large samples of human translations to improve accuracy over time.
• Neural Machine Translation (NMT): Uses deep learning and neural networks to produce more natural-sounding translations.
• Rule-Based Machine Translation (RBMT): Follows carefully crafted grammar rules and dictionaries tailored to specific industries.

How Does Machine Translation Software Work?

Machine translation tools use complex algorithms and language data to compare text in the original (source) language and the language to be translated (target). The technology can learn from millions of sentence pairs, making it faster and smarter over time. Tools can process:

• Text documents and web pages
• Images with embedded text
• Real-time voice and chat

When Should You Use Machine Translation?

Translating Large Volumes of Content

• Machine translation is the best option for businesses with a high volume of documents or websites to translate quickly.
• Ideal for initial drafts or projects that require speed over absolute accuracy.

Technical Documentation and Simple Content

• Best for straightforward manuals, technical specs, or basic business communication.
• Works well when context doesn’t rely on cultural nuances or wordplay.

Limited Budget Projects

• Machine translation tools save costs, especially for smaller companies or startups.
• Combine with proofreading services to enhance final quality.

Benefits of Machine Translation Software

Speed and Efficiency

• Translates content almost instantly—ideal for urgent projects.
• Can handle continuous streams of text without interruption.

Cost Savings

• Many options are free or low-cost compared to hiring professional translators.
• Businesses can translate large document batches and websites on a budget.

Easy to Use

• No special technical skills are required for most machine translation tools.
• Just paste your text, choose your languages, and get results instantly.

Supports Multiple Languages

• Most leading tools support dozens to over 100 languages.
• Helpful for global businesses needing broad language coverage.

Translation Memory and Consistency

• Some tools remember frequently used phrases or industry terms.
• Improves translation consistency for repeated projects or ongoing needs.

Website and App Localization

• Easily localize websites or software for international audiences.
• Allows visitors to select their preferred language for navigation.

Machine Translation and Human Editing: A Winning Combo

• Machine translation quickly produces drafts for large projects.
• Human translators or editors then refine and correct the output for best quality.

When to Use Human Translation Instead

• For legal, medical, or sensitive business documents where accuracy is crucial.
• When translating creative work, literature, or brand messaging that relies on cultural context.

According to a 2020 CSA Research survey, Fortune 500 companies that localized content were 1.5 times more likely to increase revenues than those that did not (2020).

Understanding Machine Translation Data

• Generic MT Engines: Work for everyday language with no industry focus. Examples: Google Translate, Amazon Translate, Microsoft Translator.
• Custom MT Engines: Trained with specialized industry data, offering more accuracy but at a higher cost.

How GoTranscript Supports Quality Translations

While machine translation tools offer speed and cost savings, they cannot match the accuracy, nuance, and cultural awareness of professional human translators. GoTranscript's text translation services are performed solely by experienced humans, not machines. We have a 98.5% client satisfaction rate, support numerous industries, and deliver fast results.

• Order human translation services for business, legal, or creative needs.
• Use audio translation services to convert speech in any language.
• Choose automated transcription for initial drafts, then let our experts provide proofreading for accuracy.
• See our competitive transcription pricing for all services.

Whether you need website localization, closed captions, subtitles, or multilingual document translation, GoTranscript delivers expert solutions. Order your human translation today and improve your global reach with confidence.