13 Best Real-Time Translation Devices For Your Travels

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So, you’ve started learning a new language and you’re now confident with speaking the language. To reward yourself, you book a flight to the country whose language you’re learning, only to realize that you’re maybe not as fluent as you thought. 

That is the true and (slightly) sad story of what happened to me when I took a vacation to Madrid after four months of Spanish classes. Trust me, spontaneous conversation in a foreign language is way different from listening and repeating phrases off of an audio lesson. 

It was during that time when I thought, oh how I wish I had a translation device with me! To save you the blushes of experiencing the same thing, I’ve curated this list of the top 13 real-time translation devices for you! 

How real-time translation devices work

As the name suggests, real-time translation devices seamlessly translate between two different languages within a short period of time. Some of these devices offer audio translations — speak into the microphone and wait for it to start playing back the sentence in your target language — and text translation where your words and translated and transcribed on a screen. 

Real-time translation devices come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are classic handheld translators, fashionable translator earbuds and headsets, inconspicuous pen translators, and even AI-powered translator devices that are constantly updated. 

Take a look at the list below to find the best one that suits you! 

1. Timekettle WT2 Plus AI Real-Time Translator Earbuds

When it comes to real-time translation devices, the WT2 Plus Translator Earbuds by Timekettle is arguably one of the best options around. This nifty device offers accurate real-time translation in over 40 languages, including certain dialects like Cantonese, and can even detect over 90 different accents. 

More importantly, the WT2 is wireless, portable, and, if I do say so myself, pretty fashionable. What’s more, it supports offline translation, making it convenient to carry on a conversation even if there’s no internet connectivity. You just need to make sure that it’s connected to your mobile phone via Bluetooth. 

Key features:

• Features both real-time translation and push-to-talk modes
• Offers excellent hands-free communication, even without internet connectivity
• Recognizes over 40 languages and even accents

2. Fluentalk T1 Handheld Translator Device

Another device by Timekettle, the Fluentalk T1 Handheld Translator Device can translate speech, text, and images in real time, using the latest AI technology and a global network of servers. Whether you need to order food, ask for directions, or make new friends, the T1 can help you express yourself and understand others with ease.

An ideal travel companion, the T1 has useful features such as a world clock, currency exchange, voice memo, and offline mode for 13 language pairings, perfect when you don’t have an internet connection. While it has a large 4-inch HD screen, it’s still lightweight and durable and has a long-lasting battery.

Key features:

• One-click online translations for 40 languages and offline translations for 13 pairings in 8 languages
• Over 150 servers and accelerators for ultra-fast translations
• Clear resolution and compact size

3. ANFIER M6 Translator Earbuds

Another pair of real-time translation earbuds that rank pretty highly on the market are the ANFIER M6 Translator Earbuds. 

Often regarded as one of the best real-time translation devices in terms of battery life, the M6 is powered by multiple different translation machines, allowing it to provide accurate translations between 71 languages in as little as just 05 seconds. 

Its best feature is the two-way Touch mode, where users can engage in a real-time conversation by wearing one earbud each, There’s also a speaker mode where one person communicates via mobile phone and the earbuds translate the speech into the target language for the listener. 

Key features:

• Offers real-time translations and transcription with over 19 hours (max) standby time
• Features different modes of translation for various scenarios
• Waterproof and can even be used to listen to music! 

4. BUOTH T11 Smart Voice Translator

The Buoth T11 Smart Voice Translator offers one of the widest ranges of languages when it comes to real-time translation devices. Able to support two-way translations in over 100 languages, this portable device is all you need to overcome the language barrier in almost any country. 

In addition to translating real-time conversations, the T11 also allows users to record (and translate) voice memos, features camera translation for 45 languages, and comes with noise-canceling technology to ensure accurate recordings and translations. The only downside is that the T11 only recognizes 14 languages when offline, so it’s slightly limited in that sense. 

Key features: 

• Lightweight and portable design
• Able to translate between over 100 languages with high accuracy
• Comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts for about five hours on a single full charge

5. Pocketalk Classic Language Translator

For those not in the know, Pocketalk is one of the most reliable brands when it comes to real-time translation devices. And perhaps none are as iconic as the brand’s flagship Pocketalk Classic Language Translator. 

As the name suggests, this device is a handy pocket translator that recognizes a wide range of languages and dialects from 133 different countries. More impressively, it can even detect jargon and slang terms, making it one of the most accurate instant translation devices on the market. 

It offers both audio and text translation capabilities and comes with respectable battery life (although it isn’t the longest-lasting device on this list). The major weakness is that it needs to be connected to the internet to function properly.

That said, if accuracy is your main concern, then Pocketalk Classic is arguably one of the best options for you. 

Key features: 

• Recognizes over 70 languages, including slang terms and jargon
• Its compact design makes it easy to store and bring around
• Highly accurate audio translation function

Also read: 5 Best Universal Translator Devices That Exist Right Now

6. Lincom Language Translator Device

If internet connectivity is hard to come by for some reason, then the Lincom language translator device is your best friend when it comes to real-time translation devices. After all, this nifty translator is able to translate 14 different languages while offline. 

Better yet, the device can even act as a WiFi hotspot! And while it’s connected to the internet, this incredible device recognizes 138 languages and offers both real-time audio translation and photo translations using its built-in camera. 

Key features:

• Recognizes a few languages even when offline
• Doubles up as an emergency WiFi hotspot
• Provides accurate photo translations

7. ili Instant Offline Translator

The ili Instant Offline Translator is an instant translator device that’s specifically built for travelers. That’s because the device stores the most popular travel phrases and words and offers instant translation without the need for internet connectivity. 

However, I have to say that this language translation device is somewhat lacking in terms of other functionality. For one, it translates only to Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin and is unable to convert any of those languages back to English. That said, this nifty device is still one of the best offline translator devices for those who just want to survive a week in a foreign country.  

Key features:

• Works without WiFi
• Slim design that fits in most pockets and backpacks
• Ideal for travelers in Mainland China

8. Langogo Genesis 2-in-1 AI Translator Device

A more holistic travel-centric real-time translation device is the Langogo Genesis 2-in-1 AI Translator Device. While it needs to be connected to the internet to work, it’s able to provide two-way translations for 105 languages at the push of a button. 

Backed by 24 translating engines, you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving accurate translations every time. The device also delivers useful travel information such as weather forecasts, attractions, and even currency exchange rates, making it a great companion for tech-savvy travelers. 

What’s more, the Langogo Genesis also doubles up as a mobile WiFi hotspot — if you insert a SIM card into it. 

Key features: 

• Extremely accurate translation
• Supports over 100 languages
• Ideal for travelers who want to keep up with the latest travel info

9. JoneR Translator Device

Another real-time translation device that offers offline translation for Chinese is the JoneR Translator Device. 

In short, this translator device uses four noise-canceling microphones to detect 55 languages and 75 regional accents and provide accurate text and audio translations. It also comes with a sharp camera for photo translation in 15 languages. When offline, the device is still able to translate between English and Mandarin. 

Key features: 

• Offline translation between English and Mandarin
• Recognizes a wide array of regional accents
• Comes with a 13MP camera 

10. VORMOR X5 Translator Device

For students looking to learn a language or travelers who want to translate text on a page, pen translators are an invaluable tool. However, if you’re looking for a pen translator that doubles up as a real-time translation device for conversations, look no further than the impressive VORMOR X5. 

The X5 can connect to most Bluetooth earbuds to provide accurate audio translations for 112 languages. It can also record and transcribe audio, with files that are transferable using a USB connection. 

Key features:

• Incredible battery life (up to eight hours of continuous use)
• Offers offline translation for English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, French, and German
• Features both text and audio translations and can transcribe in real-time  

11. MORTENTR Smart Voice Translator Device

Another real-time translation device that boasts incredible battery life is this nifty smart voice translator from MORTENTR. On a single full charge, the device can last for up to 10 hours when used continuously, and up to seven days when used sparingly. 

Its greatest strength, when it comes to its translation capabilities, is its crisp built-in speaker that provides clear audio translations in up to 70 different languages.

What’s more, the user interface is super easy to understand. By using just a few buttons, you can select your target language and even push a button to repeatedly listen to specific translations.

Key features: 

• Simple design and usability
• Long-lasting battery life
• High speech recognition ability

12. Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translation Device

If you’re looking for an affordable instant translator device that packs a real punch, try this nifty device from Pulomi. Compared to other handheld translation devices, the Pulomi Easy Trans is much smaller in size with a straightforward design that fits in most pickets. 

Much like its minimalist design, the device is easy to use. Simply hold down a button while speaking, and the device will instantly translate your words aloud into 52 different languages. In addition, the Easy Trans also doubles up as a portable Bluetooth speaker!

Perhaps the only downside is the device’s lack of two-way translation, meaning you probably won’t be able to carry a full-blown conversation with this device. 

Key features: 

• Compact design that is easy to carry around
• Offers translation into a fair variety of languages for the price
• Comes with Bluetooth connectivity

13. CheetahTALK CM Translator

Another budget-friendly real-time translation device is the CheetahTALK CM Translator. Despite belonging to a lower price range, the CheetahTALK CM is actually one of the top portable translator devices right now. 

This compact device is powered by Microsoft’s Cloud-based AI, allowing it to deliver accurate real-time translations in over 40 languages, including Greek, Arabic, and Mandarin. Just push the button and speak into the microphone to begin. 

While some might be put off by the fact that the device doesn’t have a screen, those who need a conventional translator device will be happy with the straightforward functionality. What’s more, the CheetahTALK CM has one of the most powerful batteries of all the devices on this list, able to support up to 24 hours of continuous use! 

Key features:

• Instant audio translations for 42 languages
• Powered by an ever-expanding Cloud system
• Comes with incredible battery life

14. Salange Sogou Pro Translator Device

It’s safe to say that English – Mandarin translation ranks as one of the most sought-after language translation pairs when it comes to real-time translation devices. This reliable instant language translator, powered by the Chinese search engine Sogou, is perhaps one of the best choices in that regard.  

This two-way translator offers accurate English/Chinese, Japanese/Chinese, and Korean/Chinese translations while offline. When connected to WiFi, it can further recognize 40 more languages. It offers both text and audio translation features, including limited photo recognition that translates English, Mandarin, Korean, and Japanese. 

Design-wise, the Salange Sogou Pro Translator feels like a mobile phone, complete with a vivid 3.1-inch touch screen and an easy-to-use interface. 

Key features: 

• Offers pristine Chinese to English/Korean/Japanese translations offline
• An extremely long-lasting battery life (up to seven days depending on use) 
• Compact and stylish design

How to choose the best real-time translation devices that fit you

There you have it: 14 of the best real-time translation devices for your travels! The next burning question is how do you choose the best one?

To pick a real-time translation device that meets your requirements, it really boils down to a few main things. 

Supported languages

Before diving into cool features and design, the most fundamental factor when it comes to choosing a translation device is simply the languages that are supported. As you can see from the list above, there are some translator devices that support a wide array of languages, and some that have a more compact list. 

Know what languages each device offers before buying it. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend hundreds on a device only to find out later that it doesn’t support your target language! 

Translation accuracy

The second most important thing to consider when shopping for real-time translation devices is the accuracy of the translations. For this, I recommend looking for devices that are either powered by or supported by recognized translation programs and search engines. 

Offline connectivity and battery life

While we currently live in a world where you can probably find a WiFi hotspot every few miles, you may want to opt for specific devices that offer offline translations. That’s because you never know when you might find yourself stuck without internet connectivity! 

In addition, you’ll also want a device that can last for as long as you need it to. The last thing you want is for your device to power down mid-conversation! 

Type of device

As mentioned earlier, there are many different types of real-time translation devices. When looking for one that suits you, consider the scenarios in which you will make sure of them.

For example, while handheld translator devices like Pocketalk are often the most reliable, they’re not as convenient as, say, portable translator earbuds like Timekettle. 

If you’re one who constantly leaves stuff behind, I suggest opting for the latter for peace of mind! 

Added features

Consider the added features of your real-time translation device before you “add to cart”.

Are you satisfied with a device that only provides audio translations or do you prefer something that can facilitate a full-blown conversation? Do you need built-in cameras to translate signs and restaurant menus? If you’re buying a pen translator, do you need a dictionary function?

These are all important questions to ask yourself. 

The price

Finally, find a real-time translation device that suits your budget. Remember, flashier devices with more functions often cost upwards of 100 dollars, so if you don’t have that kind of money to spare, you’ll need to find a different device that meets your needs. 

That said, sometimes the most practical devices, like the CheetahTALK CM, are in fact the more economical choices! 

Need even more translation support for your upcoming travels? Then check out this article for the overall best language translator devices!