Register
Have you ever been stumped by a sign, menu, or text message in another language? You’re not alone. Luckily, some great translation apps make it easier to understand and be understood—right from your phone. Whether traveling, learning a new language, working abroad, or just exploring for fun, the right app can make a big difference.
Here’s a look at some of the best translation apps that are easy to use, accurate (for the most part!), and packed with helpful features.
Google Translate is the go-to option for many because it covers just about everything you need in a translation app. It supports over 100 languages, and you can translate text, handwriting, speech, and even text in images or live through your camera – just point your camera at a menu or sign and get instant results. It’s especially solid for Spanish, French, and many European languages.
It may struggle with complex terms or idioms, but for daily use, Google Translate is hard to beat.
If you need more accurate and natural-sounding translations, DeepL might be your new favorite. It doesn’t cover as many languages as Google Translate (around 30), but it makes up for it in quality. It uses cutting-edge AI technology that understands context and delivers more contextually accurate translations, particularly with idiomatic phrases and complex sentences. All this means translations that feel more human than robotic.
If you need a translation app for emails, documents, academic content, or other professional use, DeepL is a top pick.
Microsoft Translator might not be as flashy as some other apps, but it’s incredibly useful, especially for group conversations. It supports over 70 languages and offers impressive features like real-time translation for multiple speakers at once. Imagine a group of people speaking different languages, and everyone gets the message in their own tongue, on their device, in real time. Super handy for meetings or tours.
It is ideal if you work with international teams, give presentations to a multilingual audience, or need translations in a collaborative setting.
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Translate is a built-in gem you might be overlooking. It doesn’t support as many languages as some of the other apps (about 20 at the moment), but it handles popular ones like Spanish, German, and Mandarin Chinese, really well. It also works beautifully across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Plus, your data stays private—translations are processed on-device whenever possible.
It’s not the most comprehensive app, but if you’re looking for a quick way to translate on your iPhone without downloading extra apps, Apple Translate is a solid pick.
Available on iOS.
Papago, developed by Naver (Korea’s equivalent of Google), specializes in Asian languages, and it does a better job than many other apps at translating between Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and English. If you’ve ever been frustrated by clunky translations in these languages on other apps, Papago will feel like a breath of fresh air. It handles casual conversations, travel situations, and everyday expressions with surprising accuracy.
If you’re traveling in East Asia, studying one of these languages, or want reliable translations in a region where others fall short, Papago is your safest bet.
iTranslate has been around for a while and still holds its ground. It’s particularly popular with travelers for quick, on-the-go translations. With support for 100+ languages, a clean interface, and travel-friendly tools like a phrasebook and camera translation, it’s like having a multilingual tour guide on your phone. The free version includes basic features, while the Pro version offers access to more advanced tools.
It’s fun, intuitive, and super helpful when traveling abroad, learning a new language, or just trying to bridge a communication gap.
Translation apps can help you communicate more easily, no matter where life takes you—but your phone makes it all possible. If your device gets accidentally damaged or stolen, you could lose access to more than just your favorite apps.
Protect your phone with reliable and affordable insurance that covers cracked screens, accidental drops, spills, theft, and more. It only takes a few minutes to get covered, and it could save you hundreds in repair or replacement costs.
Get a free iPhone Insurance or Cell Phone Insurance quote and keep your phone safe!