Technology has made it easier than ever to explore new places and cultures. Traveling the world is a great pleasure, offering the chance to experience cultural treasures and modern marvels, but being misunderstood due to language barriers can be frustrating.
Translator apps help you easily interpret foreign languages on your phone, and you might even learn something new. To improve your communication while exploring new places, download these translator apps. Most are free and available on Android and iOS, so they’re worth trying.
Apple Translate
Many iOS users don’t know that Apple offers its own free translation app. Apple Translate supports 17 languages, fewer than some rivals, but it compensates with rich features. You can translate conversations, maintain a list of frequently used words and phrases, and convert foreign text using your phone’s camera. However, in typical Apple fashion, it’s only available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
DeepL Translate
Translation often benefits from AI. The free DeepL uses AI to intelligently translate over 30 languages, including non-Latin scripts, from text, photos, and speech. It also suggests multiple ways to translate words and indicates formal or informal tones. While language remains a human element and machine translations aren’t always natural, DeepL’s impressive accuracy provides invaluable assistance.
Duolingo
Quick translation is useful in a pinch, but sometimes you want to learn a language fully. Duolingo is excellent for mastering an entire vocabulary, not just for vacation communication. It offers fantastic classes for over 40 languages and podcasts to deepen your education. Best of all, Duolingo has a qualified free version alongside a $12.99-per-month, ad-free “Duolingo Super” subscription, which includes progression quizzes.
Translation app
Google Translate
After using Google Search for trip research and Google Maps for routes, use the free Google Translate to understand everything. Google’s best products often feel like default options, and the feature-packed Google Translate is no different. It interprets over 100 languages, whether you type, speak, or draw. Google Translate automatically detects languages and delivers real-time conversation translation. Offline support makes it even more convenient for travel, especially in remote areas with poor connectivity.
iTranslate
iTranslate offers quick translation services for over 100 languages. Its welcome screen even asks about your needs (e.g., student, professional) to tailor the experience. It integrates with your mobile keyboard for quicker text translation, even offline. Like other services, iTranslate has text and voice translation. There’s a free trial, but it lasts only one week, after which you need the $7.99-per-month “iTranslate Pro” subscription.
Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator is the efficient, no-nonsense productivity tool you’d expect from Microsoft. This free app translates over 100 languages in real-time and works in live group settings. A recent update allows Microsoft Translator to automatically translate text in images without requiring you to select the language. While it lacks educational features, if you simply need to translate one language to another, Microsoft Translator is a worthy download.
Reverso
Reverso is a free tool designed to help you master foreign languages through its extensive dictionary, simple translation tools, and educational games. Themed vocabulary lessons prepare you for specific scenarios, like traveling to France. Its AI not only translates text but also offers helpful writing tips.
A standout feature, Reverso Context, uses a vast library of real-world language examples to deliver translations that are practical and natural, not just textbook-perfect. By highlighting the social nuances of language, Reverso adds a human touch to a category often dominated by mechanical solutions.