6 Best Translation Apps
6 Best Translation Apps
6 Best Translation Apps

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 Translate1. Google Translate

Best for: Everyday use, quick translations

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.

Top features:

  • Real-time camera translation
  • Conversation mode for live two-way speech
  • Handwriting input
  • Offline language packs

It may struggle with complex terms or idioms, but for daily use, Google Translate is hard to beat.

Available on Android and iOS.



DeepL camera translation

2. DeepL Translate

Best for: High-quality and more natural translations

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.

Top features:

  • High-quality translations with tone adjustments (formal/informal)
  • Document translation (Word, PDF)
  • Photo and camera translation
  • Real-time suggestions

If you need a translation app for emails, documents, academic content, or other professional use, DeepL is a top pick.

Available on Android and iOS.

3. Microsoft Translator

Best for: Group conversations, business use

Using Microsoft translate between business colleaguesMicrosoft 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.

Top features:

  • Multi-person conversation mode (with invite codes)
  • Text, voice, and image translation
  • Integration with Microsoft apps like Office and Teams
  • Offline translations available

It is ideal if you work with international teams, give presentations to a multilingual audience, or need translations in a collaborative setting.

Available on Android and iOS.



4. Apple Translate

Best for: iPhone users who want a simple, clean app

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.

Apple Translate

Top features:

  • Seamless integration with iOS features
  • Offline mode for all supported languages
  • Camera translation
  • Conversation mode with side-by-side translations

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.

Travelers translating via phone with Asian local5. Naver Papago

Best for: Asian languages (Korean, Japanese, Chinese)

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.

Top features:

  • Voice, text, and image translation
  • Handwriting input for Asian characters
  • Phrasebook and dictionary
  • Offline translation

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.

Available on Android and iOS.



6. iTranslate

Best for: Travel, voice translation, quick-phrase lookups

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.

Top features:

  • Voice-to-voice conversations
  • Built-in phrasebook with common expressions
  • Dictionaries with synonyms and different meanings
  • Camera translation

It’s fun, intuitive, and super helpful when traveling abroad, learning a new language, or just trying to bridge a communication gap.

Available on Android and iOS.

Protect the phone you rely on every day!

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!