The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Translating Languages In 2020 (Updated)



Real-time artificial translation used to be the stuff of science fiction. Matter of fact, many of us probably got our first introduction to the technology seeing the characters in Star Trek frequently uses it to communicate among alien species.

But thanks to smartphones and ever more powerful artificial intelligence real-time language translation is a reality.

Matter of fact, it’s become a standard feature on the iPhone. With iOS 14, Apple has debuted its official Translation app for iPhone.

Still, there are a ton of language translation apps already available for the iPhone.

Here are 10 of the best iPhone apps for translating languages in 2020.

Also, don’t forget to check out how to run iOS apps on Windows PCs and Macs!

iTranslate Translator

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  • The app’s official description: iTranslate is the leading translation and dictionary app. Easily translate text, websites, or start voice-to-voice conversations in over 100 languages. Our new Offline Mode allows you to use iTranslate abroad without having to pay expensive roaming charges.
  • What it does: iTranslate Translator was one of the original translation apps on iPhone and after all these years its still one of the best. The app can translate a staggering 100 plus languages. But one of the best features is its augmented reality translation, which shows you the translated names of items viewed through your iPhone’s camera.
  • How to get it: iOS

Microsoft Translator

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  • The app’s official description: Microsoft Translator is a free, personal translation app for 60+ languages, to translate text, voice, conversations, camera photos and screenshots. You can even download languages for offline translation for free to use when you travel!
  • What it does: Microsoft Translator is another fantastic language translation app. It’s got a clean interface and has the ability to use the camera to translate written words, like on menus and signs.
  • How to get it: iOS

Translate.me Voice Translator

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  • The app’s official description: Communicate effortlessly anywhere in the world with cutting edge voice, photo, video and text translation from Translate.me. Instantly speak and hold written conversations in over 60+ languages. Chat with anyone, anywhere! Whether you’re traveling, on a business trip or in your home town, sometimes we need to communicate with somebody who doesn’t speak our language. Just take a photo of an object or text you want to translate. You could be ordering food, asking for directions or talking to a business client – whoever you’re talking to, clear communication is essential!
  • What it does: Translate.me is another great translator. But what we love about this app so much is that it includes an iOS keyboard that lets you translate texts in real-time on the fly.
  • How to get it: iOS

Google Translate

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  • The app’s official description: Text translation: Translate between 108 languages by typing. Offline: Translate with no internet connection (59 languages). Instant camera translation: Translate text in images instantly by just pointing your camera (90 languages). Photos: Take or import photos for higher quality translations (50 languages). Conversations: Translate bilingual conversations on the fly (43 languages).
  • What it does: Google Translate is another stalwart of the translation app sector. It handles camera text translation, conversation voice translation, and even handwriting translation.
  • How to get it: iOS

iTranslate Medical

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  • The app’s official description: Introducing iTranslate Medical, a revolutionary new speech translation App. The simple design enables natural conversations in 5 languages, on the device and completely offline. The app automatically detects the correct language between two selected languages for a fast and accurate translation. Additionally the app offers enhanced data privacy and is designed to meet HIPAA standards.
  • What it does: iTranslate Medical is by the same people that brought you iTranslate Translator. However, iTranslate Medical only supports five languages. However, the big benefit of this app is that every single translation is done on-device…so your translated words never get uploaded anywhere. This is a huge privacy boost. Plus it also means this app is designed to meet HIPAA medical privacy standards–making it perfect for health professionals.
  • How to get it: iOS

Air Translate Photo Translator

The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Translating Languages In 2020 (Updated)Pin

  • The app’s official description: Scanning texts and documents have never been easier. Just take a photo and our powerful AI service detects text automatically. The camera can scan large documents in various languages and translate them into other languages. Air Translate is a godsend for business, travel, and learning. Translate road signs, images, titles, documents, books, instructions, notes, ads, and much more besides. Recognize physical objects, locations, places, animals, food, and more. Hear, read, edit, translate, and share your text in seconds!
  • What it does: This app is terrific if you need documents translated on the fly. It even supports objects!
  • How to get it: iOS

Voicelator: Audio Translator

The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Translating Languages In 2020 (Updated)Pin

  • The app’s official description: We designed an amazing app interface for you to translate on the go. Everything you need is just at your fingertips. Voicelator is accessible any time you browse the internet or chat in messengers. Download now to enjoy all the cool features Voicelator has to offer.
  • What it does: The live text translation is a must-have. It also supports the Apple Watch!
  • How to get it: iOS

Translator Guru: Voice & Text

The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Translating Languages In 2020 (Updated)Pin

  • The app’s official description: Translator Guru is the perfect translation and dictionary app for voice & text translations in 100+ languages. Also, enjoy our camera and keyboard translation. Are you fond of communication with people from all over the world and tired because of misunderstandings? Translator Guru: Voice & Text covers it all. Transform your phone into a live translation device. Choose a pair of languages and communicate easily anywhere in the world. The language is no longer a barrier!
  • What it does: While it’s packed with features, a particularly nice one is the translator keyboard that works in any messenger app.
  • How to get it: iOS

Speak & Translate – Translator

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  • The app’s official description: Speak & Translate is an indispensable voice and text translator that allows you to communicate effectively in any corner of the globe.
  • What it does: At 117 languages for text translations, this is one of the most versatile translation apps out there.
  • How to get it: iOS

Translate and Translation

The 10 Best iPhone Apps For Translating Languages In 2020 (Updated)Pin

  • The app’s official description: Thanks to Speak to Translate, speak directly more than 50 languages! Conduct an effortless conversation around the world. Translate the text of a photo.
  • What it does: Like many translation apps, this one is subscription-based. However, what’s nice is you can subscribe by the week–so you can pay for when you need it (ie: when you’re in a foreign country).
  • How to get it: iOS

Michael Grothaus

Apple expert and novelist, Michael Grothaus has been covering tech on KnowYourMobile for the best part of 10 years. Prior to this, he worked at Apple. And before that, he was a film journalist. Michael is a published author; his book Epiphany Jones was voted as one of the best novels about Hollywood by Entertainment Weekly. Michael is also a writer at other publications including VICE and Fast Company.