Like all Google tools, Google Translate doesn’t protect the users’ privacy. The company is allowed to use any information that was entered in the translating field. This tool should not be used for confidential data.
Google Translate is also known to miss the point sometimes, either by allowing easy-to-avoid mistakes, or by not understanding the context or the tone of the text.
However, so far, there are no alternatives to Google Translate’s translation from images using Google Lens.
DeepL
DeepL is a freemium translator. This software is proprietary, but the basic version is available online free of charge. Additional functions are available through the paying versions.
This tool is know for it’s quality and accuracy. Some say it is even better than Google Translate. Its translations are precise with good grammar and sentence structure.
Similarly to Google Translate, this tool is using machine learning and is in constant training to increase its performance. This means that the users’ data can be temporarily used for this training. While their privacy policy is a little bit better than Google Translate’s, it is still risky. Do not use this tool for sensitive data. Additional privacy functions are available in the paying versions.
DeepL can be used online in a web browser, as an extension or with an app. This tool can translate text and PDF documents as well. Possible integration with Microsoft Office.
- Online Translator:
- Browser Extensions:
- Download:
LibreTranslate
LibreTranslate is a free/libre translator available online and self-hosted. The translation engine is powered by the open source Argos Translate library.
Also works off-line for more advanced users.
- Website:
Apertium
Apertium is a free software alternative available online in a web browser. Interestingly, contrary to most translators, it doesn’t use a machine learning (deep learning) model, but a rule-based model.
This tool is privacy oriented. However, some specific language-to-language translations can be limited.
Local installation is available for more advanced users.
- Website: