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In this post, we’ll compare some of the best translation apps available for travelers in 2024. We'll look at key features, pros, cons, and prices to help you decide the best smartphone app for your next adventure.
Are you planning a trip to a country where English isn’t widely spoken? Are you excited about having new experiences but maybe a bit nervous about communication barriers? I get it! I’ve been there.
With over 50 countries under my travel belt, many where English isn't the native language, I've figured out how to get around safely and comfortably. This is thanks to using Duolingo and Pimsleur to learn a bit of the new language before I go (usually skipping those dreadful verb conjugations!) and using translation applications on the ground to communicate with native speakers.
Below, I want to share some of the best apps I've found for translating a foreign language. But first, let's look at what you should consider as you evaluate their differences.
How to Choose the Best Translation App for Your Needs
When selecting one of these smartphone apps for your trip, I suggest you download a few different ones from the App Store or Google Play and try them out to see which you like best.
Watch out, though! Some of the most popular apps take up a lot of memory, especially if you're using the offline feature, so you may have to try only one or two at a time.
Here are some things to consider as you're checking out the language translation apps below:
- Ease of use
Look for a user-friendly interface, one where you enter your language and the target language, and you get instant results. You don't want to be fumbling around with a bunch of extra features when trying to communicate. - Different languages supported
Check to be sure the app covers the language of the country you're visiting. For example, Google Translate doesn't work in China. And WayGo, which does work in China, only covers two other countries. - Purpose
How will you be using the app Do you only want image translation for things like written signs and menus? Or do you want to have a conversation with someone and need a conversation mode for real-time translation? Do you just need basic translations or do you need to translate longer text? - Talk or type
Do you prefer to type (or type and give it your best shot at speaking what appears), or do you want the app to speak for you? Are you looking for voice translation features, or are you okay with passing your phone back and forth while the other person types? - Offline functionality
Finding a reliable internet connection can be spotty when traveling. That means you'll probably want an app with language packs you can download and use offline.
The Best Translation Apps for Travelers
Google Translate App
Google Translate is one of the most popular translation apps. It has a lot of features but is still easy to use. It's my personal favorite, but read on as your needs may be different.
Key features
- Supports 243 languages at various levels
- Offers voice, text, handwriting, and instant camera translation
- Supports 107 languages offline - just download the language pack you need for your trip
- Has a phrase book so you can save phrases and learn the ones you repeat frequently
- Free
Pros
- With more languages being added all the time (their goal is 1,000!), it's a great tool for a wide range of locations
- It's easy to use, so there's not much of a learning curve
- You have instant translation of signs and menus - just point with your phone's camera
Cons
- Sometimes struggles with context, but most language apps have trouble with this
- Requires significant storage space if you want to use offline
Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator is a well-rounded translator but covers fewer languages than Google. It does have a cool feature where several people can "talk" at once.
Key features
- Supports 70+ languages
- Multi-person conversation translation
- Offline translation available
- Free
Pros
- The multi-person function is great for group conversations if each person has their own device
- The translation is pretty accurate, and you can further customize it for a particular industry or terminology
- Integrates with other Microsoft products
Cons
- Less intuitive interface than some of the others
- Limited language support
- Not available for use offline
iTranslate
Another well-rounded app, iTranslate is another one of the best translation apps for travelers. And if you're in the Apple environment, iTranslate works with Apple Watch and Siri.
Key Features
- Supports 100+ languages
- Voice-to-voice translation
- Offline mode available
- Free basic version (lots of ads); Pro version starts at $5.99/month or $49.99/year
Pros
- Easy to use
- Includes a dictionary
- Has a phrasebook to save favorite phases for quick access or learning later
- Provides alternate translations to add context
Cons
- Some features require a subscription
- Occasional inaccuracies have been reported
DeepL
Although DeepL works for personal use during travel, it's also good for business use, especially with large volumes of text.
Key Features
- Uses advanced AI for translations
- Text translation only
- 30-day free trial, then $8.74/month up to $57.49, depending on how much you need to translate
Pros
- Reported to be very accurate
- Great for long text or translating large documents
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited languages are supported, although more are added all the time
- No voice or camera translation
WayGo
Specializing in 3 languages, WayGo could be a good addition to Google Translate if you're traveling to China, Japan, or Korea.
Key Features
- Specializes in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean
- Point at characters and have instant translation
- Free version (limited words/day); Full access for $6.99
Pros
- Highly accurate for Asian languages
- Works offline
- Uses optical character recognition so you can translate menus and signs
Cons
- No translation by typing or speaking; image only
- Fine for basic travel, but reported not suitable for low-quality text
- Difficult to correctly position characters in the translation box
The Problems with All Translation Apps
No translation app is perfect. These tools all struggle with context, idioms, and local slang or dialect.
They’re great for basic communication and getting a general point across, but I wouldn't rely on them for translating complex ideas or sensitive conversations.
And they don't smile and show goodwill. Learn a bit of the local language before you go, things like good morning, good afternoon, please, and thank you. Even if you don't get it quite right, people will smile and appreciate your attempt.
I've found folks to be more helpful if I at least give it a shot, and I've had some memorable interactions with people along the way, like the waiter in Paris at a restaurant we frequented who greatly improved the service on the day I ordered in French instead of English.
Or the bookseller on the street in Bejing who pestered me down the street for two blocks before I could remember how to say, "I don't want any," in Mandarin. He stopped dead in his tracks and looked shocked. We both had a big laugh and he walked away.
My Top Picks for the Best Translation Apps for Travelers
Choosing the right translation app depends on your specific needs and the nature of your travels.
If you're looking for extensive language support and real-time camera translation, Google Translate is your best bet, and it's free.
iTranslate is a close second for me because, although you have to pay for full features, it provides alternate translations that can help with context.
If you need high accuracy for long text, DeepL Translate would be a good choice.
And remember, while these popular translation apps are incredibly useful, they aren’t foolproof.
Thanks for reading! I hope it's been helpful. Now it's your turn...
Q: What's your favorite translation app and why? Let us know in the comments below.
👉 Here are some other posts you might find helpful in your travels
How to Use Your Phone Internationally: The Complete Guide
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