Side by side
Google Translate vs Matecat
Both stand on translation apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Google Translate covers several input types and offers both mobile and web tools, including offline language packs. Its document limits and browser support distinctions matter if those are central to your use.
Visit Google TranslateChoose Matecat if you need a free translation workspace with team collaboration, translation memories, and adaptive machine translation. Its self-hosted server may suit organizations that want data on their own machine. Look elsewhere if mobile access is essential or if you need hosted file formats beyond XLIFF without Matecat Filters.
Visit MatecatThe facts
| Google Translate | Matecat | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, iPhone, Web | API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Matecat |
| Website | translate.google.com | matecat.com |
| On translation apps | #2 of 158 | #6 of 158 |
Google Translate: what it does well
- Free to use on web, Android and iOS.
- Mobile translation supports camera and image input.
- Downloaded language packs allow offline translation.
- Saved words and phrases sync across devices.
- Web document translation supports four file formats.
What to know first
- Document translation is unavailable on mobile.
- Scanned PDF pages and image text are not translated.
- Document files are limited to 10 MB.
- Microphone translation has limited Safari and Edge support.
Matecat: what it does well
- Free plan lists unlimited features, users, and projects.
- Adaptive ModernMT translation covers more than 200 languages.
- Teams can divide projects and collaborate in real time.
- Supports document and website translation, including WordPress guidance.
- Open-source server can be deployed for self-hosting.
What to know first
- Not available on mobile devices.
- Hosted formats beyond XLIFF may require Matecat Filters.
- API credentials require contacting support with a use description.
- Hosted originals and translations are stored long term.
Alternatives to Google Translate Alternatives to Matecat The whole list

