The Ultimate WordPress Language Solution: Compare and Choose the Best Multi-Language Plugin

Introduction

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In today’s globalized world, having a multi-language website is crucial for businesses that want to reach a wider audience. By offering content in multiple languages, businesses can effectively communicate with customers from different countries and cultures, which can lead to increased engagement, conversions, and revenue. With the rise of e-commerce and online transactions, having a multi-language website can also help businesses break down language barriers and expand into new markets. As such, businesses should consider investing in a multi-language plugin for their WordPress site to ensure that they are able to cater to a global audience and stay ahead of their competition.

There are several multi-language plugins available for WordPress, including WPML, Polylang, TranslatePress, Weglot, MultilingualPress, GTranslate, qTranslate X, and Transposh.

The purpose of this post is to compare and choose the best multi-language plugin for WordPress. The post will provide an overview of the importance of having a multi-language website, mention the various multi-language plugins available for WordPress, and then compare and contrast the features, pricing, and pros/cons of each plugin. The post will also provide examples of websites using each plugin and provide a recommendation for the best multi-language plugin for WordPress, based on the user’s needs and preferences.

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1. WPML (WordPress Multilingual)

• WPML (WordPress Multilingual) is a popular multi-language plugin for WordPress that allows website owners to easily create and manage a multilingual website. It offers a range of features, including translation management, automatic translation, and support for custom post types and taxonomies. WPML also integrates with popular translation services like Google Translate and allows users to create their own translations. WPML is a premium plugin and pricing starts at $29 for the Multilingual Blog version and goes up to $159 for the Multilingual CMS version.
• Features
  • Translation management
  • Automatic translation
  • Support for custom post types and taxonomies
  • Integration with popular translation services like Google Translate
  • Ability to create your own translations
• Pricing
  • WPML is a premium plugin and pricing starts at $29 for the Multilingual Blog version and goes up to $159 for the Multilingual CMS version.
• Pros
  • Wide range of features
  • Easy to use
  • Excellent documentation and support
• Cons
  • Expensive compared to other plugins
  • Can slow down website performance
• WPML is a popular multilingual plugin for WordPress that offers a comprehensive set of features to help users create a multilingual website. WPML supports translation of posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, and more into multiple languages. It also includes features such as customizable language switcher, automatic translation of content, and support for professional translation services. WPML is highly customizable, allowing users to choose their preferred URL structure, language switcher, and more. Additionally, WPML offers a range of add-ons and integrations with other popular WordPress plugins such as WooCommerce and Yoast SEO. Overall, WPML is a versatile and powerful solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress, and it is a popular choice for users looking for a comprehensive and customizable solution for their multilingual website needs.

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2. Polylang

• Polylang is a popular WordPress plugin that allows users to create a multilingual website easily. With Polylang, users can translate posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and widgets into different languages. The plugin is highly customizable, allowing users to choose their preferred language switcher, URL structure, and more. Polylang also supports RTL languages and integrates with popular translation services such as Google Translate and Lingotek. The plugin has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to manage translations and switch between languages. Overall, Polylang is a versatile and powerful solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress.
• Features:
  • Translation of posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and widgets into multiple languages
  • Customizable language switcher with different display options
  • Flexible URL structure options for multilingual websites
  • Compatibility with popular translation services such as Google Translate and Lingotek
  • Automatic language detection and redirection based on the user’s browser settings
  • RTL (Right-to-Left) language support
  • Multisite support for managing multiple websites in different languages
• Pricing:
  • Polylang is available as a free plugin on the WordPress.org repository. However, there is also a Pro version available with additional features such as string translations, WooCommerce compatibility, and support for premium translation services. The Pro version pricing starts at $99 for a single site license and goes up to $349 for an unlimited site license.
• Pros
  • User-friendly interface that makes it easy to manage translations and switch between languages
  • Highly customizable language switcher and URL structure options
  • Compatibility with popular translation services and ability to use professional translators for higher quality translations
  • Supports RTL languages
  • Free version available with robust features
• Cons
  • Some users may find the Pro version pricing to be expensive for their needs
  • Some users may prefer more features and customization options than what Polylang offers
• Overall, Polylang is a powerful and versatile solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress. The free version offers robust features, while the Pro version offers additional features for users who need more customization options and compatibility with premium translation services.

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3. TranslatePress

• TranslatePress is a multilingual plugin for WordPress that allows users to easily translate their website into multiple languages. With TranslatePress, users can translate their entire website, including posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and even theme and plugin texts. One of the unique features of TranslatePress is its frontend translation editor, which allows users to translate their website directly from the frontend, without having to switch between the backend and frontend. This makes the translation process much more intuitive and user-friendly. TranslatePress also supports automatic translation with Google Translate, and users can choose to use their own translation service provider. TranslatePress is a freemium plugin, with a free version that includes basic translation features, and a premium version that includes more advanced features such as automatic translation, SEO support, and WooCommerce integration. Overall, TranslatePress is a powerful and user-friendly solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress.
• Features:
  • Frontend translation editor: Allows users to translate their website directly from the frontend, without having to switch between the backend and frontend.
  • Support for all website content: Users can translate their entire website, including posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and even theme and plugin texts.
  • Automatic translation: TranslatePress supports automatic translation with Google Translate, and users can choose to use their own translation service provider.
  • SEO support: TranslatePress includes SEO support for translated content, allowing users to optimize their multilingual website for search engines.
  • WooCommerce integration: TranslatePress integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce, allowing users to translate their product pages and checkout process.
• Pricing:
  • TranslatePress is a freemium plugin, with a free version that includes basic translation features. The premium version of TranslatePress starts at $79 per year for one website and includes more advanced features such as automatic translation, SEO support, and WooCommerce integration.
• Pros:
  • Frontend translation editor makes the translation process more intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Supports translation of all website content, including theme and plugin texts.
  • Automatic translation feature saves time and effort.
  • SEO support for translated content helps improve search engine visibility.
  • WooCommerce integration allows for easy translation of product pages and checkout process.
• Cons:
  • While the free version of TranslatePress includes basic translation features, many of the more advanced features are only available in the premium version.
  • Some users have reported issues with compatibility with certain WordPress themes and plugins.
  • The cost of the premium version may be prohibitive for some users.
• Overall, TranslatePress is a powerful and user-friendly solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress. Its range of features and intuitive frontend translation editor make it a popular choice for users looking to translate their website into multiple languages. However, some users may find the cost of the premium version to be prohibitive, and compatibility issues with certain themes and plugins may also be a concern.

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4. Weglot

• Weglot is a popular multilingual plugin for WordPress that allows users to translate their website into multiple languages. The plugin is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, with a simple setup process that allows users to get started with translation quickly. Weglot uses machine translation technology to automatically translate website content, but also allows users to manually edit and refine translations for greater accuracy. The plugin supports all types of website content, including posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and even theme and plugin texts. Weglot also includes SEO support for translated content, allowing users to optimize their multilingual website for search engines. Additionally, the plugin offers a range of customization options, including the ability to choose from over 100 different languages and customize the look and feel of the language switcher. Overall, Weglot is a powerful and user-friendly solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress.
• Features:
  • Easy setup: Weglot is easy to install and set up, allowing users to get started with translation quickly.
  • Machine translation: Weglot uses machine translation technology to automatically translate website content, but also allows users to manually edit and refine translations for greater accuracy.
  • Support for all website content: Weglot supports all types of website content, including posts, pages, custom post types, categories, tags, menus, and even theme and plugin texts.
  • SEO support: Weglot includes SEO support for translated content, allowing users to optimize their multilingual website for search engines.
  • Customization options: The plugin offers a range of customization options, including the ability to choose from over 100 different languages and customize the look and feel of the language switcher.
  • Compatibility: Weglot is compatible with all WordPress themes and plugins.
• Pricing:
  • Weglot offers several pricing plans, starting at $9.90 per month for up to 10,000 words translated and up to 1 language. Additional languages and translation words can be added for an additional cost. The pricing plans offer features such as custom domain support, e-commerce integration, and priority support.
• Pros:
  • Easy setup and user-friendly interface make it easy to get started with translation.
  • Machine translation feature saves time and effort.
  • Support for all website content and compatibility with all WordPress themes and plugins make it a versatile solution for creating multilingual websites.
  • SEO support for translated content helps improve search engine visibility.
  • Customization options allow users to create a unique look and feel for their language switcher.
• Cons:
  • The cost of the premium plans may be prohibitive for some users.
  • Some users may prefer to use a manual translation process for greater accuracy.
  • The reliance on machine translation may lead to errors or inaccuracies in translations.
• Overall, Weglot is a powerful and user-friendly solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress. Its range of features and customization options make it a popular choice for users looking to translate their website into multiple languages. However, some users may find the cost of the premium plans to be prohibitive, and the reliance on machine translation may be a concern for those who require greater accuracy.

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5. MultilingualPress

• MultilingualPress is a multilingual plugin for WordPress that allows users to create a multilingual website with multiple WordPress installations. This plugin uses a unique approach, where each language is managed in its own WordPress installation, but linked together with a master site. This allows users to create fully independent websites for each language, while still being able to manage them all from one central dashboard. MultilingualPress offers support for custom post types, taxonomies, and menus, as well as automatic language detection and translation synchronization. Additionally, the plugin is compatible with popular WordPress plugins, such as WooCommerce and Yoast SEO.
• Features:
  • Each language has its own WordPress installation, allowing for greater independence and flexibility.
  • Master site dashboard allows users to manage all language versions from one central location.
  • Supports custom post types, taxonomies, and menus for each language.
  • Automatic language detection and translation synchronization.
  • Highly compatible with popular WordPress plugins, such as WooCommerce and Yoast SEO.
• Pricing:
  • MultilingualPress is a premium plugin with a pricing model based on the number of sites you want to use it on.
  • The Single site license costs €199 per year, allowing for use on one website.
  • The Multisite license costs €499 per year, allowing for use on up to 5 websites.
  • The Agency license costs €899 per year, allowing for use on up to 50 websites.
• Pros:
  • Unique approach allows for greater independence and flexibility for each language.
  • Central dashboard makes it easy to manage all language versions in one place.
  • Supports custom post types, taxonomies, and menus for each language.
  • Automatic language detection and translation synchronization.
  • Highly compatible with popular WordPress plugins.
• Cons:
  • Requires a more complex setup with multiple WordPress installations.
  • Higher pricing compared to other multilingual plugins.
  • May not be suitable for smaller websites with only a few languages.
• Overall, MultilingualPress is a powerful and unique solution for creating multilingual websites on WordPress. Its approach allows for greater flexibility and control over each language, while still being able to manage them all from one central dashboard. The plugin is also highly compatible with other popular WordPress plugins, making it a versatile choice for users looking to create a multilingual website.

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6. GTranslate

• GTranslate is a cloud-based translation service that provides a quick and easy way to translate your WordPress website into multiple languages. This plugin uses Google Translate API to automatically translate your content, and also allows users to edit translations manually if needed. GTranslate supports over 100 languages and can be used with any WordPress theme or plugin. The plugin offers multiple translation methods, including machine translation, human translation, and professional translation services. Additionally, GTranslate provides features like language switcher, URL translation, and SEO optimization.
• Features:
  • GTranslate offers machine translation, human translation, and professional translation services.
  • Supports over 100 languages, including automatic language detection.
  • Ability to manually edit translations for accuracy.
  • URL translation for multilingual SEO optimization.
  • Compatible with any WordPress theme or plugin.
  • Offers language switcher to allow users to switch between languages.
• Pricing:
  • GTranslate offers a free version with basic translation features.
  • The paid plans start from $5.99 per month for the Startup plan, which offers up to 10,000 characters per month.
  • The Business plan costs $19.99 per month and offers up to 50,000 characters per month.
  • The Pro plan costs $49.99 per month and offers up to 1 million characters per month.
  • The Enterprise plan is priced based on the number of characters and languages needed.
• Pros:
  • Supports over 100 languages and offers various translation methods.
  • URL translation for multilingual SEO optimization.
  • Ability to manually edit translations for accuracy.
  • Compatible with any WordPress theme or plugin.
  • Offers a language switcher to allow users to switch between languages.
  • Affordable pricing for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Cons:
  • Machine translations may not always be accurate.
  • Limited characters per month on lower-priced plans.
  • Professional translations can be costly on higher-priced plans.
  • Free version has limited features.
• Overall, GTranslate is a convenient and reliable way to translate your WordPress website into multiple languages. Its cloud-based service means that translations can be updated automatically, and the ability to edit translations manually ensures accuracy. The plugin’s support for over 100 languages and various translation methods make it a versatile choice for users looking to create a multilingual website.

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7. qTranslate X

• qTranslate X is a WordPress plugin that provides an easy and efficient way to create multilingual websites. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows users to create content in multiple languages. qTranslate X supports up to 8 different languages and allows users to switch between languages with a simple drop-down menu. It also supports custom post types, categories, and taxonomies. qTranslate X uses a shortcode system to display different language versions of the same content on the front-end of the website. Additionally, the plugin offers a translation editor for manual translations, and a language switcher widget to allow users to switch between languages.
• Features:
  • Supports up to 8 languages.
  • Allows users to create content in multiple languages using a simple shortcode system.
  • Offers a translation editor for manual translations.
  • Supports custom post types, categories, and taxonomies.
  • Provides a language switcher widget for users to switch between languages.
  • Compatible with most WordPress themes and plugins.
• Pricing:
  • qTranslate X is a free plugin.
• Pros:
  • Free to use.
  • Easy to use shortcode system for creating multilingual content.
  • Offers a translation editor for manual translations.
  • Provides a language switcher widget for users to switch between languages.
  • Compatible with most WordPress themes and plugins.
• Cons:
  • Only supports up to 8 languages.
  • Shortcodes can be difficult to use for some users.
  • Limited support and documentation available.
• Overall, qTranslate X is a good choice for smaller websites or those with fewer language requirements. Its shortcode system and translation editor allow for quick and efficient translation of content, while the language switcher widget ensures ease of use for website visitors. However, its limited language support and lack of support and documentation may be a drawback for some users.

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8. Transposh

• Transposh is a WordPress plugin that allows users to easily create multilingual websites. It uses a combination of automatic translation and manual translation to provide high-quality translations of content. Here’s a brief overview of its features:
• Features:
  • Automatic translation of content using Google Translate, Bing Translator, and Yandex Translate.
  • Allows users to manually edit translations.
  • Supports over 100 languages.
  • Provides a widget for users to switch between languages.
  • Offers an API for developers to extend functionality.
• Pricing:
  • Transposh is a free plugin.
• Pros:
  • Offers automatic translation using popular translation services.
  • Allows users to manually edit translations.
  • Supports over 100 languages.
  • Provides a widget for users to switch between languages.
  • Offers an API for developers to extend functionality.
• Cons:
  • Automatic translations may not always be accurate.
  • Manual editing of translations can be time-consuming.
  • Limited support and documentation available.
• Overall, Transposh is a good choice for users who need to translate their content into many different languages. Its support for over 100 languages and use of popular translation services make it a reliable option for automatic translation. However, its reliance on automatic translation may be a drawback for those who require more precise translations, and its manual editing feature can be time-consuming.

Comparison and Conclusion

Plugin Name	Price
WPML (WordPress Multilingual)	Starts at $29/year for 1 site
Polylang	Free, with premium add-ons starting at €99/year for 1 site
TranslatePress	Starts at $79/year for unlimited sites
Weglot	Starts at €9.90/month for 1 site
MultilingualPress	Starts at €199/year for 5 sites
GTranslate	Starts at $7.99/month for 1 site
qTranslate X	Free
Transposh	Free

Plugin	Strengths	Weaknesses
WPML	Powerful translation management system, SEO-friendly, supports a wide range of languages, customizable	Expensive can be complicated to set up and use, and some users have reported compatibility issues with other plugins/themes
Polylang	Easy to use, free version available, SEO-friendly, supports custom post types and taxonomies	Limited features in the free version, no automatic translation feature, may require additional plugins for full functionality
TranslatePress	Beginner-friendly, visual translation editor, affordable pricing, supports unlimited languages	Limited support for third-party plugins, may not be suitable for large-scale websites
Weglot	Automatic translation feature, easy to use, supports a wide range of languages, customizable	Expensive, may not be suitable for all types of websites (e.g. complex websites with custom code)
MultilingualPress	Supports multilingual networks, SEO-friendly, customizable	Can be complicated to set up and use, may require additional plugins for full functionality, not suitable for all types of websites
GTranslate	Automatic translation feature, easy to use, affordable pricing, supports a wide range of languages, customizable	Limited support for SEO, automatic translations may not always be accurate, may not be suitable for all types of websites
qTranslate X	Easy to use, customizable, supports a wide range of languages	No longer being actively developed, may not be compatible with the latest version of WordPress, limited support for SEO
Transposh	Free and open-source, supports a wide range of languages, customizable	Can be complicated to set up and use, limited support for third-party plugins, may require additional plugins for full functionality, and automatic translation may not be accurate

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a multi-language website is crucial for businesses and organizations that aim to reach a global audience. It provides an opportunity to expand your customer base, increase brand awareness, and improve user experience. By utilizing a multi-language plugin for WordPress, you can easily create and manage a website with multiple languages. Each plugin has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to carefully consider the features, pricing, and pros and cons of each before making a decision. Regardless of which plugin you choose, creating a multi-language website is a valuable investment that can pay off in the long run.