In today’s global marketplace, delivering content in multiple languages isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Tools like Smartling have long been at the forefront of translation and localization solutions, helping global businesses connect with audiences across linguistic boundaries. However, as businesses scale and evolve, many find themselves looking for alternatives that offer more flexibility, better pricing, or enhanced integrations.
Whether you’re reevaluating your tech stack, seeking improved workflow management, or simply looking to cut costs, exploring other options can bring substantial benefits. Below, we explore why some global companies are making the switch and highlight some exceptional alternatives to Smartling.
Why Seek Alternatives to Smartling?
While Smartling is a powerful platform with robust features, it may not be ideal for every organization. Here are a few common reasons companies look for alternatives:
- Budget Constraints: Smartling’s pricing can be steep for smaller enterprises or startups.
- Limited Customization: Businesses needing more tailored workflows or a specific integration might find Smartling somewhat rigid.
- User Interface and Complexity: For teams without deep technical expertise, the learning curve can be daunting.
- Vendor Lock-In: Some companies value open platforms that allow easier transitions and data portability.
Top Alternatives to Smartling
Here are several leading alternatives to Smartling that offer strong localization capabilities with a twist of innovation and versatility:
1. Lokalise
Lokalise is a cloud-based localization platform built with user-friendliness in mind. It’s particularly loved by agile software teams and startups for its real-time collaboration features and integrations with platforms like GitHub, Slack, and Figma. With robust APIs and SDKs, Lokalise makes it easy to build localization into product cycles from day one.
2. Transifex
A hallmark of Transifex is its cloud-based localization repository, which allows seamless syncing between developers and translators. With support for over 30 file formats and detailed workflow automation, it’s ideal for teams managing large-scale web and mobile projects. Its tiered pricing and open-source roots also make it a favorite among tech-savvy companies.
3. Phrase
Previously known as PhraseApp, Phrase is another excellent platform that shines in collaboration and developer-friendly features. Its intuitive user interface and rich API capabilities make it ideal for product-centric teams. Phrase supports continuous localization, meaning updates are reflected in real time, streamlining product development cycles significantly.
4. Memsource (Phrase TMS)
Memsource blends machine translation with artificial intelligence to enhance speed and accuracy. It’s extensively used by enterprises and LSPs focused on efficiency. The platform offers strong integration potential, AI-driven quality assurance, and excellent scalability, making it attractive for organisations dealing with high volumes of multilinguistic content.
5. Crowdin
Crowdin is a collaborative platform designed for teams that need transparency and flexibility. It comes with rich plugins and integrations, including support for Bitbucket, GitLab, and Adobe XD. What makes Crowdin stand out is its flexibility in adapting to different file formats and industries, from e-commerce to gaming.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
Selecting the best localization platform hinges on your company’s specific requirements. Here are a few criteria to help narrow down your choices:
- Integration Needs: Consider how well a tool fits into your existing development and content management stack.
- Team Size & Tech Skills: A tool that works great for translators and non-tech stakeholders could save training time and resources.
- Budget: Some platforms offer pay-as-you-go models, while others charge per word or per language, making it crucial to fit into your financial plan.
- Scope of Use: Decide if you need the tool primarily for web content, mobile apps, software interfaces, or all of the above.
Final Thoughts
While Smartling continues to be a reliable choice for many, today’s competitive landscape offers a variety of powerful, feature-rich alternatives that might be better aligned with your business goals and budget. Platforms like Lokalise, Phrase, and Crowdin are revolutionizing the way global teams handle translations, offering enhanced flexibility, improved collaboration, and smarter localization workflows.
The right translation platform can do more than just convert text—it enables cultural connection, user engagement, and brand credibility across borders. When making the switch, be sure to evaluate tools based on both your short-term needs and long-term business vision.
