Quick LinksReverso Translation DeepL Translator Mate Translate Lingvanex Translator Google Translate Key Takeaways Reverso Translation, DeepL Translator, Mate Translate, Lingvanex Translator, and Google Translate can help you navigate foreign-language websites seamlessly. Each translation tool offers unique features like context-aware translations, multi-browser compatibility, and extensive language support. While premium options exist, the free versions typically suffice for basic translation needs.
Nearly half of all websites are published in languages other than English. Since I'm only fluent in a couple of languages, I'm completely dependent on browser translation tools to access global information and entertainment.
In no particular ranking, let me introduce you to five browser-based translation tools that help me navigate the World Wide Web seamlessly.
1 Reverso Translation
Reverso stands out from the many translation tools available by focusing on context. This AI-powered translation tool uses massive language datasets to recognize how word meanings can differ in diverse circumstances. Rather than simply translating words individually, Reverso checks the full sentence or text to determine the most appropriate translation.
For instance, let's say you regularly visit German websites or are learning German. You can trust that Reverso will translate Der Bank as the bench or the bank appropriately, depending on the way it's used in the sentence.
This contextual approach isn't just for written text. Reverso can accurately translate your video subtitles in real-time as you use video streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. If subtitles aren't available in your preferred language, Reverso steps in to fill the gap.
Beyond translations, Reverso offers features to enhance your language learning. With a Reverso account, free or premium, you can save your favorite words and most-used phrases, sync your translations between all your devices, and access flashcards, quizzes, and games. There are even Word of the Week notifications.
Of course, no tool is perfect. Reverso only supports around 26 languages, much fewer than some of its competitors. You'd also need a premium account to translate longer texts. Without an account, you can only translate about 150 characters on the web page at a time.
If you're not keen on upgrading to a premium account, you can click See more to translate your selected text on the Reverso website.
The Reverso browser extension is only available on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. However, dedicated Mac and Windows apps are also available, so you should still be able to use Reverso in your browser -- even if it's not one of the supported three -- because the apps allow text selection in the same way.
2 DeepL Translator
Launched in 2017, DeepL has now become one of the top free browser translation tools. Similar to Reverso, DeepL uses artificial intelligence (AI) systems trained on vast language datasets, which lends it an edge over its competitors in terms of accuracy.
With a pro account, you get unlimited text translation, entire page translation, and more customization options, but the free version is typically enough for most people. You can select and translate text of up to 1,500 characters in your browser without even creating an account. It supports over 30 languages.
A clean interface presents your translations without prompts to sign up or any other distractions. You'll be able to change the translation language, copy the translation to your clipboard, listen to the translation or the original text, or look up dictionary entries (if you're translating only one word). If you'd prefer a larger display of the translation, you can also click Open in DeepL.com.
The DeepL translator app for Mac and Windows allows highlight-and-translate directly within websites so that you can use DeepL in any of your favorite browsers. Alternatively, you can install DeepL extensions in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
3 Mate Translate
The point of installing translation extensions is to remove any friction in your translation process. If you're a Safari devotee, Mate Translate is the most natural, frictionless option for you, as it's one of the few tools with a Mac app that has a built-in Safari extension.
Mate offers an intuitive interface that allows your translations to flow without any distractions. You can translate the entire page or select text with a single click across Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, and Safari.
Right there on the web page, you can change your preferred language to one of the 100+ languages Mate supports. You can also listen to the original text or the translation and save the translation to your phrasebook for later.
Customization options include dark mode, shortcuts, tooltip size, context menu, and more -- all of which can be edited on the Mate Translate Settings page.
With a paid subscription, you can unlock advanced tools like phonetic translation and other language-learning features. But the free version is enough if you just want to translate web pages or parts of websites you visit.
4 Lingvanex Translator
Lingvanex offers a host of browser extensions for convenient webpage translation into 105+ supported languages. Simply highlight words, phrases, or entire texts to get the meaning in your preferred language instantly.
While Lingvanex's setup isn't so different from others, its presentation differs. With this tool, your translations are presented alongside the pronunciations for both the original and translated text within a sidebar.
If you'd rather translate the entire page, you only need to right-click somewhere on the page. Then, click Translate the entire web page.
The translated page will open in a new tab in your browser and it will be largely accurate. Despite Lingvanex's claims, I've found some inaccuracies that show that this tool might not be the best if accuracy is a huge deal for you.
For instance, in the image above, Kultur in the menu options wasn't translated. Also, it should be it was in a stadium, not she was in a stadium, as in the final sentence. Still, Lingvanex offers a capable free option for Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and Opera users, given its text-to-speech offerings in close to 110 languages.
5 Google Translate
Since its launch in 2006, Google Translate has become the most popular translation tool -- and that's for good reason. With well over 200 supported languages, Google Translate remains the undisputed king of translation.
In the past, Google Translate was associated with many language errors because its translations were very literal, without consideration of language functions, semantics, or the context of the text. However, thanks to several new AI-powered features, the translation quality has greatly improved. Other features like real-time photo and speech translations prove that Google Translate is set on innovation.
Of course, no system is perfect. Aside from the built-in functionality within Chrome, there are no official browser extensions for any of your favorite browsers. You may be able to find a community-developed unofficial version, but I don't recommend these extensions because of security issues.
Nevertheless, you can use Google Translate in any browser by visiting the Google Translate website.
You'll be able to paste text you've highlighted, upload images or other documents for translation, or add the URL of a web page you'd like translated. If you sign in with your Google account, you can save your translations and manage your translation history.
Each of these browser translation tools offers several features that will cater to different needs. Whether you prioritize accuracy, language support, or additional learning features, there's a tool on this list for you.
