How should electronic translators be used?

Many travelers prefer translators that use voice input and speech recognition to translate spoken words into the desired language. Some of these devices even store important phrases. Other translators utilize a keyboard, and you type in a word or phrase and read the translation.

Do electronic translators need data to operate?

Translators can work in a few ways, with some requiring data. Higher-end translators come with built-in data for some time, and others need to be connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot to work properly.

Are electronic translators worth it?

Yes, with some caveats. The first thing to consider is the limitations of this technology, as it is relatively new. Some manufacturers have already integrated artificial intelligence to improve the functionality of their devices, but there is still lots of room for improvement. Even the highest quality product cannot compare to a human translator in terms of understanding and interpreting meaning. However, if you are traveling to a country where you don't speak the local language, these devices can make a big difference.

The 9 Best Electronic Translators of 2024

Taking an international trip is a joyful, exciting experience, but the language barrier can create some significant anxiety. Even if you know a few basic phrases, you'll want to communicate on a deeper level, and that's where an electronic translator can come in handy. These devices help with everything from asking for directions to ordering a meal and so much more. Also, some of them can even translate street signs.

Translators range in price, with many quality options costing a few hundred dollars. Other important factors include portability and battery life. Some translators have up to eight hours of use—helpful when you're traveling all day without access to a charger. Also, be mindful of how the translators actually work, as some have keyboards and others only have a speak function that can help with pronunciation.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

CM CheetahTalk at Amazon ($80)

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Best Budget:

Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device at Amazon (See Price)

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Best for Images:

Vormor T11 Translator at Vormor.co (See Price)

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Best for Translating Chinese:

Dododuck Translator at Amazon ($89)

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Best for Translating Japanese:

Pocketalk Translator at Amazon ($249)

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Best for Translating Spanish:

ili - Instant Offline Language Translator Device at Amazon (See Price)

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Best for Translating French:

Edguzi Translator at Amazon ($120)

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Best for Translating Russian:

Weinsentking Translator Device at Amazon ($66)

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Best for Translating German:

Timekettle WT2 Edge at Amazon ($300)

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Table of contents

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust TripSavvy

Best Overall

CM CheetahTalk

Amazon

View On Amazon $80

What We Like

Uses AI translation engine
Long-lasting battery
Minimalist design

What We Don't Like

App only available for iOS

One of the best things about traveling abroad is soaking up cultures that aren't your own—but language barriers can make that difficult. Luckily, you have technology on your side. This sleek translator comes in black, white, or black with a silver trim. Though it's small and lightweight (1.3 ounces), it packs a punch. The device translates more than 40 languages, and the battery life is superior. The standby time is up to 180 days or 24 hours of constant use. This is certainly the translator you want for a full day of exploring without worrying about a low battery. Just press a single button, and the voice translation begins automatically, either using data or connecting to the app via Wi-Fi.

Size: 5.3 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 1.3 ounces | Battery Life: 24 hours | Languages: 42

Best Budget

Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Super lightweight
Doubles as a bluetooth speaker
Simple design

What We Don't Like

App may be buggy

The Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device boasts a compact design and superior voice translation capabilities: Simply push the button on the device and hold it down until you’ve finished speaking, and it will recognize what you say and translate your words aloud. The language translator supports over 50 languages and can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. For travelers who aren’t multilingual (yet!) but want to be able to communicate with locals effortlessly, the Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator will help you sound savvy.

Size: 7 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.3 ounces | Battery Life: 24 hours | Languages: 52

Best for Images

Vormor T11 Translator

Amazon

View On Vormor.co

What We Like

Eight offline languages
Dual microphone noise-reduction design
Records up to 60 minutes

What We Don't Like

Relatively heavy
Speaker may have to over-enunciate

While you may be dreaming of striking up a conversation with a local—a great way to make friends while traveling—digital translators can help translate images in addition to verbal cues. This one from Vormor features a 5-megapixel camera equipped with OCR (character recognition) technology, which can translate images of 45 different languages. Two-way voice translations are available in 106 online languages and eight offline options boasting an accuracy rating of 98 percent in less than 0.5 seconds. The T11 allows you to easily explore your new surroundings by reading road signs, restaurant menus, and product labels.

Size: 5 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Battery Life: 8 hours | Languages: 106

Best for Translating Chinese

Dododuck Translator

Amazon

View On Amazon $89

What We Like

One-year replacement warranty
Image translation in 43 languages
10 hours of continuous use

What We Don't Like

Wi-Fi needed for photo translation

If you’re heading to China, the DODODUCK 3 Translator is the device you want in your pocket. And thanks to its compact design, you really can fit it in any shirt or jean pocket. The nearly 3-inch touchscreen display makes it easy to switch between languages (107 online to be exact), image translation, or conference mode to record a meeting for later translation. The best part of this translator is that it boasts the most effective offline translation on the market in 12 languages, including both Traditional and Modern Chinese. We also like the integrated AI assistant that can tell you the weather, traffic, and more in whichever language you select.

Size: 5.6 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 5.9 ounces | Battery Life: 10 hours | Languages: 109

Best for Translating Japanese

Pocketalk Translator

Amazon

View On Amazon $249 View On Walmart $249

What We Like

Dual noise-canceling microphones
Compact design
Improved model

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Relatively short battery life

The Pocketalk Model S allows for lightning-fast communication and will help you shop, dine, and navigate your way throughout Japan. The new generation of a Japanese bestseller, this pocket-sized device includes all of the best parts of the classic translator plus some updated features. Like the previous model, the Model S supports two-way translations between 82 languages, and 14 are also available offline. Plus, it converts currency, measurements, and temperature. Unlike the older model, this Pocketalk features an eight-megapixel camera for image translations—it can even pick up handwriting. Though it is a bit of an investment, you get a lot of technology to enhance your next overseas trip.

Size: 2.1 x 0.5 x 3.6 inches | Weight: 2.65 ounces | Battery Life: 4.5 hours | Languages: 82

Best for Translating Spanish

ili - Instant Offline Language Translator Device

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Easy to use
Offline translation
Incredibly light

What We Don't Like

One-way translation
Limited language options

Get ready to have full-blown conversations in Spanish with this wearable ili translator. This small, handheld device has three buttons, including the power button—to translate, you hold the big button down to have the device listen and automatically translate, and tapping it again will repeat the phrase. The third button repeats back what you said (in ili’s voice), and if you hold the button down, it switches between Spanish and English (the device also offers Japanese and Mandarin). This is as close to real-time translation as is technologically possible. The ili is ultra-portable and wearable and even works without an internet connection.

Size: 6.3 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches | Weight: 1.4 ounces | Battery Life: 24 hours | Languages: 3

Best for Translating French

Edguzi Translator

Amazon

View On Amazon $120

What We Like

French supported without Wi-Fi
Large touchscreen
Long-lasting battery

What We Don't Like

Nothing yet

You’ll be eating croissants in cafés and conversing with French locals in no time when you bring the Edguzi Two-Way Instant Translator along with you on your travels through this gastronomic paradise. This powerful device provides translations between over 100 languages online with an accuracy rating of 98 percent. The large touchscreen displays the text from either voice or recorded speech, a great feature to support language learning. It also has a camera for photo translation between 44 languages and OCR technology. Find yourself in a picturesque village without Wi-Fi? Edguzi designed this translator to work offline in 8 languages, including French; just make sure to download it before you head out.

Size: 4.7 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Battery Life: 8 hours | Languages: 106

Best for Translating Russian

Weinsentking Translator Device

Weinsentking Language Voice Translator Device

Amazon

View On Amazon $66

What We Like

Supports a large number of languages
Downloadable dictionaries
Six-month warranty

What We Don't Like

Voice recognition may take some time
Battery drains quickly on Wi-Fi

Seamlessly adapt to Russian culture with the Weinsentking Language Voice Translator Device. Covering an impressive 137 languages, it is one of the most versatile electronic translators available, and there's no need to download another application. In addition to voice translation, you get photo and recording translation to support all travel, from eating in restaurants to enjoying local events. While this language translator works best with Wi-Fi or hotspot connection, there is an offline library of 14 languages (Russian is one of them).

Size: 5.7 x 3.4 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 7.4 ounces | Battery Life: 4 hours | Languages: 137

Best for Translating German

Timekettle WT2 Edge

Amazon

View On Amazon $300 View On Timekettle.co

What We Like

Hands-free in most modes
Different modes
Good continuous use time

What We Don't Like

Fewer language options than others
Must use app for voice-to-text

Experience German culture like never before with Timekettle's WT2 Edge Translator. Unlike the other devices on this list, this system uses earbuds to offer real-time bidirectional translation between 40 languages and 93 accents. Depending on the situation, use one of four communication modes, such as Group Chat or Simul Mode. Participate in professional settings, walk and talk with new friends, and find a local beer hall with this hands-free option. We also love that the charging case boosts the battery life to 12 hours.

Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Battery Life: 12 hours | Languages: 40

Final Verdict

Our top pick, the CM CheetahTalk Smart Translator, helps you bridge the gap in communication by way of AI technology and boasts an impressive battery life. For a simple, light, and cost-effective option, reach for the Pulomi Easy Trans Device.

What to Look For in an Electronic Translator

Language

Some translators can handle any language you throw at them (or, at least, quite a lot of them); others are equipped to handle one language only, like Chinese or Spanish. Be aware that the do-it-all types might not have quite the vocabulary range of dedicated models, but if you’re jet-setting all over, having a lot of the basics covered—versus buying a different translator for every language—might be ideal.

Cost

Depending on how often you travel, you might want to weigh whether it’s better to splash out a bit more on a translator with better voice recognition and vocabulary or grab a budget model that covers the basics for a one-off adventure.

Keyboard vs. Voice Input

Think about how you’re most likely to use an electronic translator. A voice-input translator might be your best bet if you’re primarily trying to translate conversations. Conversely, a keyboard-based model might limit you when figuring out what others are saying.

Battery Life

The last thing you want is a translator's battery dying on you while in a country where you don't speak the language. Some translators don't list the device's battery life, but for those that do, opt for one with at least six hours' worth of juice when fully charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should electronic translators be used?

Many travelers prefer translators that use voice input and speech recognition to translate spoken words into the desired language. Some of these devices even store important phrases. Other translators utilize a keyboard, and you type in a word or phrase and read the translation.
Do electronic translators need data to operate?

Translators can work in a few ways, with some requiring data. Higher-end translators come with built-in data for some time, and others need to be connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot to work properly.
Are electronic translators worth it?

Yes, with some caveats. The first thing to consider is the limitations of this technology, as it is relatively new. Some manufacturers have already integrated artificial intelligence to improve the functionality of their devices, but there is still lots of room for improvement. Even the highest quality product cannot compare to a human translator in terms of understanding and interpreting meaning. However, if you are traveling to a country where you don't speak the local language, these devices can make a big difference.

Why Trust TripSavvy

Justine Harrington is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas, who covers topics spanning travel, food and drink, lifestyle, and culture. She's covered all things Texas for TripSavvy since August 2018. Justine's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and USA Today.

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