Are you going on holiday to a country where you don’t speak the language? Then it is very useful to have a good translation app at hand. iPhoned highlights the best translation apps for you.
These are our favorite translation apps
When you are in another country, you often get a long way with English. But to avoid ‘make that the cat wise’ scenes, it is very useful to be able to look up a translation. Even if you want to read a menu in a restaurant, for example, it is useful to be able to translate something you do not understand. That way you will never be faced with surprises.
1. iTranslate
iTranslate is a simple app that works easily and quickly. You open directly on two text boxes. Here you can choose from which language you want to translate, and to which language you would like it translated. Extra handy: next to the text boxes is a button to paste text directly into the text field.
Use the flags on the left to choose the language. You will also be shown conjugations of the verb of your translated sentence. Unfortunately, many things are still closed for the free version of the app.
Unfortunately, many useful features are behind a paywall. For example, in the paid version you have the option to use the app in offline mode. You can also record something and then translate it out loud. In addition, you can take a photo of a text that you want to translate and there are no more advertisements. In addition, not all languages are available in the free version.
2. iTranslate Converse
With iTranslate Converse you can easily have a conversation in a language you don’t speak. You talk into the microphone of your iPhone and your sentences are translated live in almost forty different languages. You hold the app upside down to better speak into the microphone.
Keep your finger on the screen when you say something and the translation is then spoken by the app. Extra handy: the app keeps transcripts of what has been translated. You can then share this in another application. In the paid version you can also use the app offline. Do you want to know more? Read our full review of iTranslate Converse.
3. Scan & translate + text grabber
In the Scan & Translate app you take a photo of a piece of text. You can easily crop this, after which it is converted to text. The text is then translated. The app works surprisingly well, and the translations are almost always done well.
The app recognizes text in more than 70 languages and even translates to more than 90 languages. The text can also be read in more than 40 languages. Your translated text is stored in the app, so that you can easily find it again. The application is free to use, but you can only do a few translations per day. You can only translate unlimitedly if you take out a subscription.
4. Speak and translate – translator
In addition to scanning text, it is also possible to record something, which is then translated into speech or text. With the speak and translate app you record something, which is then translated into a language of your choice. The app supports speech-to-speech translations in 54 languages, and does text translations in 117 languages.
The app can also be used with your Apple Watch, where the voice function comes in handy. In this translation app it is also possible to take a photo of a text or object that you want to know the translation of. Unfortunately, the free version does not allow unlimited translation, there is no offline mode and advertisements are visible.
5. Google Translate
One of the most used online translators is Google Translate. The app is very straight forward. There is a text field with the languages above it. It works basically the same as the website, but has some extra useful features.
For example, you can take pictures of text with the camera function and with ‘handwriting’ you can write down a text to be translated. Extra useful if you’re in a country that doesn’t use the same alphabet, like China or Russia. The app also has speech recognition and the translated text can be read.
6. Translate now
Translate Now is one of the most complete apps on this list. You can take a photo of an object or text to see the translation and have a conversation that will be translated live for you.
You can sync the app with the Shortcuts app, your Apple Watch, and MacBook.
It is also possible to put a widget in your iPhone, so that you don’t even have to open the app anymore. In addition, you can add the translation function as a keyboard, so that you immediately translate something as you type it.
The best apps to learn a language
A good translation app is actually indispensable when you travel. But it is also nice to gain some knowledge of the language before your trip. For example, are you going to China? Then check out the best apps to learn to read and write Chinese. Or would you like to master another new language? We have listed the best apps for learning a language.