You’ve launched a successful marketing campaign in your home market, and the analytics are taking off. Now, you’re ready to go global. But how do you ensure your clever wordplay resonates in French or that your catchy slogan doesn’t offend in Arabic?
This is where translation companies come in—bridging the gap between languages and cultures to help your business communicate effectively on the global stage. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
Below, we’ll showcase 13 standout translation companies and offer expert guidance on finding the best fit for your global ambitions.
13 of the best translation companies for taking your business global
The translation and localization industry is vast, encompassing a wide range of companies, from large, well-known firms to small, specialized providers. Traditionally, translating agencies come in two main types: -Language service providers (LSPs): These companies primarily rely on a vast network of human translators. While some LSPs have started adopting technology for efficiency, their foundation remains human-driven. They offer everything from basic translation to complex localization services.
- Translation management system (TMSs): These companies focus on software solutions that support translation program management and often incorporate machine translation and automation.
Both types of professional translation companies help businesses bridge the gap between languages and cultures in an industry that’s fast-evolving, with competitors continuously vying for top positions. Staying informed is essential, so be sure to keep an eye on platforms like Slator for the latest news, trends, and insights in the translation and localization space.
Let's explore 13 standout translation businesses making waves in the market today:
1. Smartling
Smartling sets itself apart in the translation industry with its innovative blend of cloud-based technology and comprehensive localization and translation services. As an all-in-one translation platform, it bridges the gap between TMS and LSP, offering an integrated solution that simplifies complex workflows. Trusted by global giants like Canva and IHG Hotel & Resorts, Smartling's AI-powered translation platform streamlines the localization process for many large-scale enterprises, ensuring fast turnaround times while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Smartling's services span from human translation by first-language, native-speaking translators to AI-powered translation with humans in the loop, ensuring precision and cultural relevance. They also offer professional support for customized training programs, migration, and integration, as well as tangential services like international SEO, quality assurance, and more. Their services teams excel at managing diverse content types, including marketing materials, product documentation, and customer support content.
Smartling serves a wide range of industries, including finance, retail, life sciences, and government. With the ability to manage 450+ language pairs, it’s a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to confidently expand into new international markets.
2. TransPerfect
With over 30 years of experience, TransPerfect is a leading name in the translation industry. Offering services in more than 200 languages, the company caters to industries in many sectors, from life sciences to e-commerce. Its expertise spans website content, mobile app UI, and the translation of marketing, legal, and technical documents.
TransPerfect also provides multilingual customer support and machine translation solutions, positioning itself as a comprehensive partner for businesses looking to expand globally.
3. WeLocalize
Founded in 1997, WeLocalize has established a reputation for delivering fast, precise translations. This agency specializes in multilingual SEO, media localization, and transcreation—a creative approach to translation that ensures messages resonate across different cultures. With services in over 250 languages, WeLocalize handles various content types, including website copy and specialized texts like compliance documents and patent translations.
Like TransPerfect, WeLocalize leverages AI and machine translation technology to enhance the efficiency of their linguists. Serving industries such as legal, medical, pharmaceutical, technology, entertainment, and manufacturing, the company stands out for its robust translation and localization solutions, making it a reliable partner for businesses with diverse needs.
4. Lionbridge
Lionbridge, a leading U.S.-based LSP, excels in technical content and multimedia localization, providing a full range of solutions for global businesses.
Lionbridge enhances efficiency and accuracy with its Aurora AI™ translation management system and offers specialized expertise in transcreation to ensure messaging resonates across cultures.
Lionbridge supports diverse industries, including technology, life sciences, and gaming, and provides comprehensive localization services across a variety of content types, from marketing materials to technical documents.
5. Translated.com
Translated.com leverages human translation expertise combined with advanced AI technology, delivering services in more than 200 languages across 40 areas of specialization. Trusted by more than 356,000 clients over the past 25 years, the company ensures high-quality, culturally nuanced translations.
Translated.com provides professional translation services for documents, websites, and software and enterprise solutions that range from personalized, high-touch localization to automated, large-volume translations. For developers, Translated.com offers intuitive APIs for continuous localization and neural adaptive machine translation, simplifying content management across 71 file formats.
6. Phrase
Phrase’s comprehensive TMS automates workflows and customizes translation and post-editing. Tailored for enterprises, marketers, and localization managers, it integrates seamlessly with brand-specific term bases and works with any LSP or in-house team.
Key features include Phrase Strings for key-based digital translations, Phrase Orchestrator for no-code, drag-and-drop workflow automation, and Phrase Analytics for actionable, code-free insights.
7. Lilt
Lilt’s AI-driven translation and localization platform combines machine learning with human expertise for high-quality, adaptive translations. It supports over 119 languages and integrates with various content management systems. Key features include real-time translation suggestions and predictive translations from its Contextual AI Engine, which improves based on user feedback. Lilt also offers multilingual support and specialized services for eLearning and website localization.
8. XTM
XTM's cloud-based TMS simplifies and automates localization for global enterprises. With AI-driven features and support for over 300 language combinations, XTM caters to various industries, including tech, life sciences, and e-commerce.
The platform offers advanced workflow automation and direct integration with content management systems. It also provides customizable translation memories and term bases, real-time collaboration tools, and comprehensive reporting capabilities, making it a strong choice for businesses aiming to optimize their global content strategy.
9. Acolad
Acolad is a global leader in translation and localization services, specializing in managing localized content throughout its entire lifecycle. Headquartered in France, this prominent European translation company offers services beyond translation, including localization, interpretation, and transcription. Acolad also features Lia, an AI tool designed to create, translate, release, and optimize content.
With a team of skilled translators and advanced machine translation software, Acolad supports over 300 language pairs and serves diverse industries like aerospace, defense, and travel. Covering everything from documents and websites to marketing materials, it ensures consistent messaging across all platforms.
10. Keyword Studios
U.K.-based Keyword Studios stands out in the translation industry for its specialization in gaming and software localization. This translation company offers a comprehensive suite of localization and translation services tailored to the unique needs of the media, entertainment, and technology sectors.
Its translators are especially strong when it comes to website and software localization, app localization, and even subtitles. Keyword Studios goes beyond translation, offering content creation, voice-over, and media localization services to ensure a fully immersive experience for global audiences.
11. LanguageWire
LanguageWire, a leading European LSP based in Denmark, provides cloud-based solutions powered by AI and machine translation, combining advanced technology with professional expertise. Their capabilities extend beyond simple sentence-by-sentence conversion, preserving document formatting and style for a polished, professional result.
LanguageWire offers a full suite of services, including document translation, localization, and SEO optimization, serving industries such as technology, legal, and manufacturing.
12. LanguageLine Solutions
Founded in 1982 and working with over 90 Fortune 100 companies, LanguageLine has established itself as one of the best translation providers on the market. This U.S.-based translation company pioneered over-the-phone interpreting and remains the largest provider of these services.
LanguageLine's translators offer on-demand interpretation via phone, video, and in-person, utilizing advanced technologies like TrueSound audio enhancement. The company also provides translation and localization services in over 240 languages, with specialized expertise in the healthcare, legal, education, and business sectors.
13. Honyaku Center
Honyaku Center, Japan's largest industrial translation company, prides itself on delivering high-quality business translations with rapid turnaround times. Its team of professional translators specializes in medical, legal, and patent translation.
This translation agency also offers interpreting services for business meetings and conferences, providing comprehensive language support for international business operations. Honyaku Center primarily works with Japanese, English, German, Chinese, and other major languages in which the world does business.
With offices in Japan, China, and the U.S., Honyaku Center has established itself as a go-to translation service provider for firms operating in Asia.
How to choose the right translation company
Choosing the right translation company for your global expansion is a critical step that requires thoughtful evaluation. Keep these best practices in mind as you navigate this decision:
- Read the fine print: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the services offered, including pricing structures, turnaround times, and any additional fees that might apply.
- Plan for scalability: Ensure the translation company can grow with your business. Consider whether they can handle larger volumes and more diverse language pairs as your global presence expands and your translation needs evolve.
- Check references: Look for client testimonials and case studies to gain practical insights into the company’s performance and customer satisfaction.
- Start with a test translation: Before committing to a long-term contract, try testing out translation offerings to evaluate the output for quality, turnaround time, and communication style. This approach lets you gauge the company’s project management efficiency and responsiveness without fully diving in.
- Evaluate localization expertise: The translation company should not only translate linguistically but also adapt content culturally. Inquire about using in-country translators who understand local customs, dialects, and sensitivities.
Scale your business with Smartling’s robust translation solutions
Expanding globally? Smartling's advanced localization and translation services make it easier to connect with international audiences. As a leading translation company, we’ve turned the complexities of multilingual communication into a streamlined process.
Selecting the ideal translation partner is pivotal to your global success. To simplify your decision, we’ve created “What To Look for in a Translation Solution: A Buyer's Guide.” This free eBook highlights nine must-have features and crucial questions to ask when evaluating translation agencies. Whether you need freelance translators or enterprise-level solutions, this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your current and future goals.
Download the guide today and take the first step toward impactful global engagement.
